b'2023 TOP 10 NEXT GEN LEADERSJARED REYNBERY JAYA SOWMYA SANIKOMMUAfter leaving the military in 2004, Jared Reynbery knew he wanted to pursue his education more. He moved to study atThough she hasnt been in CalPoly, where his urban upbringing views were challenged asthe seed industry for long he learned more about the legitimacy of farming and agricul-only since 2022Jaya tural sciences as viable career paths. This inspired himafterSowmya Sanikommu has receiving his bachelors in Cropbeen making splashes Scienceto become a Peacein the industry. Joining Corps volunteer in GuatemalaSeedWorks International in their Food Security programPrivate Limited as a gradu-before returning to receive hisate agriculture trainee, she masters degree and conducthas spent a year learning a quantitative trait locus studyabout the ins and outs of the for drought tolerant traits inagriculture supply chain in India. tomato as his thesis.Now, as assistant manager of seed After five years workingproduction research, she collaborates at Seminis in their processingwith teams to develop and implement innovative tomato program, Reynbery wasstrategies to optimize seed production efficiency and maximize ready for a new challenge, soyields within the seed supply chain, while managing and facili-he left to join Phylos, where hetating research and product development teams. could apply the modern breed- Her passion for seed and plant breeding developed when she ing techniques and his educa- was a child.tion to underdeveloped crops.From a young age, I found solace and joy in spending time The Phylos cannabis breed- amidst the lush green fields and bountiful gardens, she says. ing program was just beginning to take shape in 2019 when IMy father, who shared the same enthusiasm for planting trees joined. It has been incredibly rewarding to bring cannabis to theand caring for them in his free time, played a pivotal role in nur-standards we find in other crops, Reynbery, now senior directorturing my interest in agriculture. I realized that I wanted to devote of breeding at Phylos, says. my entire career to this noble field.His favorite part about plant breeding? Not only can he spendSanikommu says her new role at SeedWorks lets her dive into time learning more about plants and their production environ- some of her other passions as wellparticularly food security. ments, but he can also use his passion for math too.Working in the seed industry has given me a platform to I get to face and solve a variety of intellectual challenges,address the pressing challenges our world faces, such as the applying science to the development of improved products thatglobal food crisis, Sanikommu says. Each day, I wake up with I take a lot of pride in. The stimulating nature of research andthe burning desire to contribute towards creating a healthier development means Im never bored, and my day-to-day work isfuture for generations to come. It fills me with immense satisfac-constantly changing, he says. tion knowing that the work we do here has a tangible impact on He likes to equate his leadership talents back to his mentors,peoples lives, providing them with sustenance and hope.like Vice President of Breeding at Phylos, John McFerson. What is the one motto she likes to keep in mind during Hes demonstrated how a great attitude, mutual respect, andwork? Make sure you challenge the challenge, she says. To the ability to have fun while being productive is crucial to a well- Sanikommu, that means pushing beyond your comfort zone and functioning team, Reynbery says. There will always be stressfulembracing obstacles as opportunities for growth. periods, but when you have a team that is able to work superIt is about adopting a positive mindset and viewing chal-hard and still have a good time at it, you tend to forget about thelenges as steppingstones towards personal development and stress. Its important to build those human connections and keepsuccess, she says. By facing challenges head-on, we can dis-a good attitude when you work as a team. cover our true potential and unlock new possibilities in both our personal and professional lives.28/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2023'