Women in Ag Tech Holds First Meeting at Tech Hub LIVE

By Cindy Zimmerman|July 25, 2023

A new organization was born in Des Moines this week at the 2023 Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo – Women in Ag Tech or WiAT (pronounced wyatt).

1 of 10

1 of 10

A new organization was born in Des Moines July 24 at the 2023 Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo – Women in Ag Tech.
2 of 10

Guest speaker Dr. Karen St. Germain, Earth Science Division Director for NASA, provided a fascinating glimpse into how space technology helps agriculture and also set the stage for a broader discussion on the role of women in the technology space as a whole.
3 of 10

“Women bring a different perspective, they bring different questions, they bring different experience and expertise,” St. Germain said. “The quality of the science is all about the quality of the questions you ask.”
4 of 10

CropLife Editor Sowinski (left) and Dr. St. Germain have a candid discussion about women’s expanding role in the ag tech community.
5 of 10

Women in Ag Tech is led by a group of inspirational ambassadors who are leading the way forward in ag tech.
6 of 10

Nearly 100 women attended the first in-person Women in Ag Tech meeting in Des Moines.
7 of 10

Attendees had the opportunity to make meaningful connections during the first in-person meeting for Women in Ag Tech.
8 of 10

Guests enjoyed wine and fare provided by a local farm.
9 of 10

Special thanks to Signature Sponsor Faegre Drinker.
10 of 10

CropLife Editor Lara Sowinski thanks Sustaining Sponsor AquaSpy.

It was a year ago at the 2022 Tech Hub LIVE in Indianapolis that Meister Media Worldwide CEO Gary Fitzgerald mentioned the idea to new CropLife Media Group Editor Lara Sowinski and after a few phone calls it became evident that there was a definite need for such an organization. A group of ambassadors was formed and many virtual meetings were held and the end result was a packed room for the first in-person meeting held on Monday afternoon prior to the Welcome Party for Tech Hub LIVE.

Organizers initially hoped for 60 women to attend, but registration was topped 80 and the actual turnout was closer to 100. Guest speaker Dr. Karen St. Germain, Earth Science Division Director for NASA, provided a fascinating glimpse into how space technology helps agriculture and also set the stage for a broader discussion on the role of women in the technology space as a whole.

Top Articles

11 Fertilizer Spreaders Designed With Flexibility in Mind

Corn Disease: Take These Key Steps When Fighting Fusarium

MagrowTec, Certis Belchim Form Strategic Partnership to Enhance Plant Protection Product Performance

Dr. Karen St. Germain, NASA’s Division Director of the Earth Science Division, discussed NASA Earth and its role in agriculture, and shared her experiences as a woman in STEM.

During the inaugural Women in Ag Tech meeting, Dr. Karen St. Germain, NASA’s Division Director of the Earth Science Division, discussed NASA Earth and its role in agriculture, and shared her experiences as a woman in STEM.

“Women bring a different perspective, they bring different questions, they bring different experience and expertise,” she said. “The quality of the science is all about the quality of the questions you ask.”

St. Germain called the WiAT meeting “energizing” and that was almost an understatement. There was tremendous enthusiasm and participation in the short breakout brainstorming sessions where the women discussed how to promote and grow the group, design mentorship and networking opportunities, and just keep the momentum going. Women who are interested are urged to get in touch with the group through their Women in Ag Tech LinkedIn group.