The Connector of the Year is an award recognizing the importance of industry connection.
In the seed industry, progress rarely happens in isolation. It happens through relationships, introductions, trust and the people who consistently bring others together. That belief is what led Seed World to introduce a new recognition this year: the Connector of the Year Award.
The award honors an individual who strengthens the industry not through title or visibility, but through connection. It recognizes someone who builds bridges, creates community and helps move seed forward by making relationships stronger across companies, disciplines and generations.
This year’s recipient is Lisa Branco, general manager of Radicle Seed — a leader widely known for her instinct to connect people and her commitment to lifting others up.
For many in the industry, Branco is the person who makes partnerships possible. She is known for opening doors, making introductions and creating space for collaboration. Her leadership reflects a belief that the seed industry works best when people show up for one another and share ideas freely.
Seed World presented Branco with the Connector of the Year Award during a the first general session of the American Seed Trade Association Vegetable and Flower Conference in San Diego, California.
Watch the video to see the award presentation and hear Branco’s perspective on why connection continues to be one of the industry’s most powerful forces. She says “Nobody succeeds alone in this business.”
