Continuing coverage of 30 High-Impact Women in U.S. Seed.
Julia Michaels, VP of Scientific & Public Affairs, Restoration Ecologist | nativeseedgroup.com
Her nominator Doug Zacharias of Native Seed Group says: Julia grew up in California surrounded by agriculture and built her career around restoration species. She combines science with public affairs to strengthen seed-based restoration, connecting conservation and industry needs. Her leadership in research and communication makes her a vital voice in shaping the future of restoration seed systems.
Core attributes: Curious, Tenacious
Julia says: “I love working with both people and plants. Seeds contain so much potential, and if they are selected carefully and treated with care, can make huge impacts on our landscapes and livelihoods. I enjoy teaching people how to work with seeds, and then coming back to projects I have consulted on and seeing how they turn out!”
Susana Milla-Lewis, Professor Turfgrass Breeding & Genetics | NC State University
Her nominator Enid Perez-Lara of Agronomix says: Susana has advanced the development of resilient, sustainable, and high-performing turf varieties in her role at NC State. Her research influences landscapes, sports and seed markets around the world, while her teaching and mentorship prepare the next generation of scientists. She is widely recognized for bridging academic research with practical applications that strengthen the seed industry.
Core attributes: Dedicated, Creative
Susana says: “Plant breeders get to integrate different areas of science with the goal of developing commercial cultivars. That combination of interdisciplinarity and real-world application is why (I do what I do).”
Fabiana Prada, VP Finance – Seed | Corteva Agriscience
Her nominator Jane Bachmann of Corteva says: Fabiana combines deep financial expertise with a strong passion for agriculture to drive meaningful, sustainable impact. Her strategic leadership helps shape smarter business decisions that directly benefit farmers — enhancing productivity, return on their investments and long-term success for their operations.
Core attributes: Adaptable, Enthusiastic
Fabiana says: “I am honored to work with great people in agriculture to improve the global food system.”
Anali Rodriguez, West U.S. Product Development Lead | Sakata Seed America
Her nominator Lisa Branco of Radicle Seed says: Anali is a standout professional in product development and research at Sakata. She combines technical expertise with strong leadership, guiding teams to deliver innovative solutions that support growers and advance seed performance. Known for her collaborative style and commitment to excellence, Anali has become a role model and rising leader in the seed industry.
Core attributes: Tenacious, Dependable
Anali says: “It is rewarding to find solutions to problems faced by the agricultural world, partaking in innovations that influence how food ends up on people’s tables.”
Geena Rohr, Sales Representative | Vilmorin Mikado
Her nominator Lisa Branco of Radicle Seed says: Geena is one of the brightest young talents in the seed industry today. As part of the Vilmorin-Mikado team, she brings an open mind, an eagerness to learn, and a fearless approach to new challenges — all of which make her someone to watch. Geena has a natural passion for agriculture and the seed business, and it shows in the way she shows up: present, engaged and ready to contribute.
Core attributes: Empathetic, Resilient
Geena says: “This industry has supported me since the inception of my career, and together we help solve agricultural problems around the world and support our growers.”
Geeta Sanjeev, Global Quality Control Director | HM.CLAUSE
Her nominator Andrea Fruchier of HM.Clause says: What tangible impact has she had on the seed industry in the US? Geeta was actively involved in the International Seed Health Initiative (ISHI) for vegetable seed crops, a forum for exchanging information, sharing expertise on seed health testing, and facilitating the development of new seed health tests for economically essential pathogens associated with seed.
Core attributes: Driven, Dedicated
Geeta says: “I lead global quality to safeguard seed health and deliver reliable, high-quality seeds. I am driven by my plant pathology roots and passion for agricultural excellence and innovation.”
Katy Soden, Director of Business Operations | California Crop Improvement Association
Her nominator Lisa Branco of Radicle Seed says: Katy is a cornerstone of reliability, knowledge and professionalism at California Crop Improvement Association. In an industry where precision and trust are everything, Katy brings both — along with a calm, solutions-oriented approach that makes her an invaluable partner. Her work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt across the seed industry.
Core attributes: Ambitious, Diligent
Katy says: “I work in seed certification to drive positive change, support agriculture’s success, and collaborate with dedicated people across our industry.”
RIta Varagona, Weed Control Trait Indication Lead | Bayer
Her nominator Ty Vaughn of Bayer says: For 15 years, Rita has delivered innovations in herbicide-tolerant (HT) traits to combat the toughest weeds in farmers’ fields. As weed control trait indication platform lead at Bayer, she guides her team in shaping the pipeline with products that define modern weed control strategies.
Core attributes: Collaborative, Tenacious
Rita says: “I love working with our teams combining our science and business know-how to make innovative products that help farmers run efficient, planet-friendly farms.”
Lynn Veenstra, North America Sales Manager | HeinzSeed
Her nominator John Marchese of HeinzSeed says: Lynn has made a significant impact by blending technical expertise with strong customer relationships. She plays a key role in bringing innovative tomato seed varieties to market, ensuring growers have access to high-performing, reliable genetics. Lynn is known for her leadership in sales strategy, her ability to connect with growers and her dedication to advancing the vegetable seed sector.
Core attributes: Enthusiastic, Dedicated
Lynn says: “It excites me to share my love of food and plants to help bring high-quality ingredients to kitchens across the world.”
Sarah Wilbanks, CEO | Association of Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA)
Her nominator Doug Miller of Canadian Seed Growers’ Association says: Sarah builds organizational culture better than anyone. She meets every issue head-on, resolving it with grit, grace and her trademark southern charm. She had energized AOSCA, activated grassroots membership and delivered new, value-added tools and services on a modest budget.
Core attributes: Visionary, Empathy
Sarah says: “Each seed we plant represents hope for a healthy meal on someone’s table, for resilient farms and for a sustainable food system.”
