AMES, Iowa – An Iowa State University student has received the U.S. Forest Service LEADing Change Agent award.
Megan Kemp, a senior in agronomy and global resource systems, was one of five students nationwide to receive the award during the 2019 Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) 34th Annual Career Fair and Training Conference April 6 in Overland Park, Kansas.
The award identifies MANRRS students who are leaders of distinction. Kemp serves as the president of the Iowa State chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences and is a member of the Leaders Enhancing Agriculture, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Collective (LEAD-IT). Kemp said her involvement with MANRRS helped her develop her own style of leadership and approach to sustainable change.
“I am so fortunate and grateful to have such a diverse team of people supporting me and my goals. With their guidance, I am able to be an effective and successful change agent,” Kemp said.
Kemp grew up in Durango, Iowa, but considers herself a global citizen. She has combined her passion for agriculture, community service and cross-cultural work to serve marginalized communities throughout the world. She said it’s an honor to be recognized by MANRRS as a leader.
Theressa Cooper, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences assistant dean of diversity, describes Kemp as a phenomenal student and well-rounded leader.
“Megan is both a passionate and determined leader; these characteristics drive her efforts to make the world a better place for herself and her community. She is an excellent example of what it means to lead change,” Cooper said.
Award winners receive $500 to fund scholarship or educational activities. The MANRRS local chapter also receives a $1,500 grant. MANRRS is a national, non-profit organization that promotes and fosters the inclusion of underrepresented minorities in agriculture, natural resources and related science disciplines. MANRRS establishes partnerships among its student and professional members to promote scholarly excellence, professional development, networking and career placement.