b'Opening Doors When I was the only woman in the room, Basso began her career in the seed industry veryparticularly as a young woman, sometimes you can early in life, following in the footsteps of her father,say something and no one hears you. That hap-who opened the doors for both of his daughters topened more many years ago, but now when we enter an industry he loved.have more women in the room, we can help each We started out in the company when we wereother. Its good to not be the only one, Basso says. in high school, working on Saturdays and in the summer. But really, Ive been in the seed businessMentors and Motherssince I was a baby and it was very important to meKanokwan May Chodchoey is one of those to be a part of that family legacy, she explained. young women that benefited from other women So, Basso studied economics and spent somewho came before her and paved the way. She time working outside of the family business beforebegan her career at Monsanto where she was able May Chodchoey servesreturning as the commercial manager. She wasto participate in a mentorship program that paired as executive director ofthen named president in 2011, succeeding herleaders in each department with young leaders. the Asia and Pacificfather, and also became the first female presidentI was fortunate to have a strong female mentor, Seed Associationof the Argentinian Seed Association (ASA) andAruna Rachakonda, who encouraged me to believe (APSA).the regional association, Seed Association of thein my abilities, ignore the noise from naysayers, and Americas (SAA). focus on achieving my goals, both personally and She is grateful to her family for paving the wayprofessionally, Chodchoey says. for her, and proud of how she has been able to findLater she moved to the Asia and Pacific Seed her own place in the industry. Association (APSA), where she worked under the My last name has opened some doors, Im sure,leadership of two successful female leaders and but then to prove you can sit in that seat, you needmothers: then APSA president, Brenda Dossey and experience and talent, Basso reflects. She encour- past president, Mary Ann Sayoc. ages other women to find their own path as well.They both led by example, and their actions You dont have to be a man. You have to beand dedication to their jobs inspired me to become yourself, she says. a better leader myself, Chodchoey says, mention-ing that as a new mother, this is even more impor-Up-and-Coming Leaders tant to her. ISF is also specifically encouraging young womenBecoming a mother has helped me to develop who are just beginning their careers. a deeper perspective and appreciation of other ISF reports that about 30% of all attendees arewomen leaders who are also mothers. Practically, women, which is still far from balanced, but a longmy priorities in life have shifted, and this experience way from 10 or 20 years ago.really has helped me to better understand other You can feel a little more confident and com- women and motivated me to encourage fellow Marie Tahmazian servesfortable, Basso explains.women colleagues to strive and perform well in as finance and memberHowever, its important to note that not alltheir respective roles, Chodchoey explains. engagement managerregions are representative of these percentages.Its about leading by example. for ISF.South America doesnt have as many womenBy showing what is possible and modeling leaders here yet, and I dont see as many womengood leadership, we can help create a more in the States either. I believe Europe does better,equal and supportive workplace for everyone, Basso says. Chodchoey says.There are definitely more young women, but it can be a bit scary to speak out when youre young,Seeking Balanceespecially as a young woman, Tahmazian says.The seed industry, and agriculture in general, is The luncheon discussion is designed to helpstill largely male dominated, but with continued open those doors a little wider to these youngfocus, ISF is hopeful well see a more balanced and women to step up to the table and start to buildequitable industry.those connections and break down those barriers,We need to give women a seat at the table and something Basso understands. work towards the equal contribution of women 12/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2023'