We’ve narrowed the field and it’s finally time to reveal the full lineup of 30 High-Impact Women.
In baseball, legends are defined not just by their stats but by the way they change the game. The same is true in the seed industry, where innovation, resilience, and teamwork determine success season after season. These home-run hitters bring fresh thinking, steady leadership and vision to every corner of the seed industry.
These women have carved out space in a field long dominated by others, proving that grit, skill and collaboration are the true markers of excellence. From the lab to the boardroom, from seed physiology to supply chain, they are rewriting what impactful leadership looks like in our industry.
We congratulate each of them (in alphabetical order) for the lasting impact they are making. Together, they remind us that in seed — as in baseball — it takes a team to win, and the best players leave a legacy that carries the game forward.
So without further adieu, here they are are in alphabetical order!
Maria Alfaro, Sales & Product Development | Radicle Seed Company
Her nominator Lisa Branco of Radicle Seed says: Maria is the kind of professional who leaves a mark on everything she touches — and in the seed industry, that mark is lasting. As a key leader at Radicle Seed Company, Maria brings not only deep agronomic expertise but also a visionary approach to stewardship, grower relationships, and innovation in the field. Maria has a rare ability to connect the science of seed with the needs of the people it serves.
Core attributes: Passionate, Dedicated
Maria says “I’m passionate about helping farmers thrive and dedicated to providing better seeds and sustainable solutions for a stronger agricultural future worldwide.”
Shely Aronov, CEO and founder | InnerPlant
Her nominator, Alex Yaeger of Crackle PR says: Shely is a three-time founder, one of the few female founders/CEOs in agriculture, and she recently was recognized as one of Inc.’s 2025 Female Founders 500. Her non-linear path includes time as a Commander in the Israel Defense Forces, leading a $320M World Bank-funded project to build a wastewater system in Colombia, and most recently, founding InnerPlant in 2018.
Core attributes: Bold, Authentic
Shely says: “I lead InnerPlant to harness innovation that creates value for farmers, boosts yields, and drives lasting impact for agriculture and the farming industry.”
Eliane Bodah, Research Director | Pure Line Seeds, Inc.
Her nominator Kirsten DeLong of Pure Line Seeds, Inc. says: Eliane is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse! She not only has brought our company to new levels with her knowledge, expertise and professionalism but has made strides towards impacting the seed industry for years to come.
Core attributes: Love, Resilience
Eliane says: “Working in plant genetics improvement to feed the world requires science, art and resilience but all it takes is one seed.”
Donna Boggs, Associate Director | California Seed Association
Her nominator Lisa Branco of Radicle Seed says: Donna is the heart and soul of the organization. With years of dedication to supporting seed companies across the state, she provides steady leadership, advocacy, and organizational expertise that keep the association thriving. Donna is known for her collaborative approach, strong industry relationships and tireless commitment to ensuring that California’s seed sector remains innovative and competitive. Her work has made her an indispensable leader and a trusted voice in the U.S. seed community.
Core attributes: Dedicated, Resourceful
Donna says: “I am driven to serve and connect with others, knowing that together we can make a meaningful difference and contribute to a stronger seed industry.”
Kristi Bruner, Seed Services Manager | Biddick, Inc.
Her nominator Shannon Straka of Biddick, Inc. says: Kristi has nearly 20 years in the seed industry. She is known for her leadership, operational excellence and technical expertise. Starting at Trelay Seeds, she quickly earned a reputation for solving problems and mentoring colleagues. She now leads seed service operations at Biddick, Inc., where she oversees conditioning, treating, packaging and warehousing for corn, soybeans and small grains. Her meticulous planning and attention to detail uphold Biddick’s reputation for quality.
Core attributes: Dedicated, Resilient
Kristi says: “Raised on a dairy farm, agriculture runs through my veins. My unwavering belief is that empowering women is paramount to the enduring prosperity of agriculture.”
Patty Buskirk, Founder | Seeds By Design
Her nominator Robb Bauman of True Leaf Market says: Patty’s extensive career in the seed industry, culminating in her recognition as an All-American Selections (AAS) Breeder’s Cup recipient for her groundbreaking work in vegetable breeding, is truly commendable. However, her impact extends far beyond her exceptional breeding prowess. What makes Patty’s achievements particularly remarkable is her entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering resilience.
Core attributes: Innovative, Generational
Patty says: “I view myself primarily as a plant breeder and love the idea of sustaining vegetable and flower biodiversity. I imagine generations of gardeners seeding heirlooms and unique varieties to achieve the greatest gardening experience.”
Shawna Castro, Account Manager | Incotec
Her nominator Lisa Branco of Radicle Seed says: Shawna Castro is a true professional whose presence strengthens every room — and every partnership — she’s part of. As a leader at Incotec, Shawna brings deep industry knowledge, a collaborative mindset, and a clear dedication to advancing seed technology and service. What sets Shawna apart is her ability to build genuine relationships rooted in trust, respect and follow-through.
Core attributes: Relationship Builder, Problem Solver
Shawna says: “I grew up with agriculture all around me, and I’ve always admired the dedication it takes to feed the world. That’s my motivation: supporting the people who do this work every day. To me, a bag of seed isn’t just product — it represents someone’s livelihood and their family’s future. Being part of that is both humbling and inspiring.”
Janie Cornelius, Sales Support Lead | Cornelius Seed
Her nominator Kariann Kuntz of Cornelius Seed says: At Cornelius Seed, Janie wears many hats analyzing and compiling field data, training and supporting the sales team, and conducting some of her own seed trials. Her expertise is matched by her communication skills, as she transforms agronomic findings into tools our team uses to better serve growers.
Core attributes: Adaptable, Grounded
Janie says: “Rooted in our family’s seed legacy, my why is raising the next generation with strong values while serving farmers with integrity and independence.”
Caroline Currie, Regional Strategic Marketing Lead, Seeds & Traits | BASF
Her nominator Lisa Powell of BASF says: Caroline is a dynamic and visionary leader shaping the future of seed through innovation, strategy and deep-rooted industry relationships. As strategic marketing lead for seeds & traits at BASF North America, Caroline plays a pivotal role in steering the long-term seed strategy. She helps guide a multi-billion-dollar pipeline to market including the game-changing Nemasphere™ nematode resistance trait and Axant™ Flex the first quadruple-stacked herbicide trait for cotton.
Core attributes: Bold, Authentic
Caroline says: “I believe value creation begins at the farmer level. I thrive on building effective solutions that deliver differential innovation and lasting impact for our industry.”
Catherine Frans, Chief Operations Officer | Independent Professional Seed Association – IPSA
Her nominator Todd Martin of IPSA says: Catherine has been with IPSA a total of six years and as COO has transformed our marketing programs and promotion of our independent seed company members. Coupled with her guidance of our scholarship program, she has been a major presence for hundreds of scholarship applicants.
Core attributes: Innovative, Steadfast
Catherine says: “Independent seed companies are the backbone of rural America and a driving force in American ag. These companies have pioneered solutions for 100 years, and I support them in shaping the future with grit, integrity and vision.”
