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30 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 S AMANTHA SISK DOESNT remember a time when she didnt feel connected to agriculture. Growing up in rural Danville Ind. and participating in the National FFA Organization and 4-H cemented her decision that she had found her calling. I was a 10-year 4-H member showing cattle and pigs recalls Sisk. Additionally I was active in the Danville FFA chapter and participated in career develop- ment events such as public speaking parliamentary pro- cedure and the essay contest. The continued support of my parents my small-town upbringing and involvement in so many activities helped to establish the foundation that would encourage me well into the future. After earning a degree in 2010 from Purdue Universitys College of Agriculture in agricultural communication which she says provided a perfect balance between my interests in communication writing speaking and design and my passion for agriculture Sisk held various ag-related positions. She served as an intern with the Indiana Beef Cattle Association Indiana Pork DuPont Pioneer and as a marketing specialist for AgriGold. Today Sisk is corporate communications manager for AgReliant Genetics LLC the third largest corn seed company in the U.S. which is headquartered in Westfield Ind. She was recently named 2015 Future Giant of the industry by Seed World at the American Seed Trade Associations 132nd Annual Convention in Washington D.C. in June. The award recognizes an early career individual who demonstrates the ability to make a significant impact on the seed industry. Nominations were judged by Seed Worlds editorial board and based on leadership industry involvement and success in their area of specialty. To me it affirms that the steps that Ive taken so far have been in the right direction says Sisk who feels both honored and humbled to receive this award. I hope I was selected because others have faith that my continued pursuit of progress will further advance the industry to which so many have dedicated their lives. Tom Koch vice president of research at AgReliant Genetics certainly thinks so. As one of Sisks nomi- nators he says Although its still early in her career Samantha has shown a true love and dedication for The 2015 Future Giant of the industry award recipient credits her agriculture career to many mentors including her professors coworkers and family. the seed industry and its people. Her passion for our company the seed industry and agriculture in general is very evident. She simply deserves the recognition. While many awards give proper recognition for past achievements and efforts Koch says This is one of the few that reward not only current hard work and dedica- tion but also recognize future potential for contribu- tion. Samantha has the potential to positively impact and even change the seed industry. Not many have the company CEOs ear and attention when speaking as Samantha does even when so early in her career. None of this comes as a surprise to Tracie Egger assistant director of academic programs at Purdue University and another of Sisks nominators for this prestigious award. There is nothing more rewarding for me than to see my former students achieve their goals and be recognized for the amazing qualities I know they pos- sess Egger says. Samantha served as an ag ambas- sador for three years and helped me immensely with different events and at numerous prospective student recruitment activities. She also took part in the College of Agriculture Leadership Development Certificate Program and traveled on an industry immersion trip that I led to the DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Johnston Iowa. LISA KOPOCHINSKI is a veteran journalist with 20-plus years of experience writing about everything from transportation and technology to agriculture and issues. She resides in Sacramento Calif. Meet Future Giant Samantha Sisk Ramon Molinary Puerto Rico station manager Harry Brokish AgReliant Research Tom Koch vice president of Research and Samantha Sisk corporate communications managertour the companys Puerto Rico research station.