Mentorship Programs for the Next Generation
This webinar will explore how leadership can be developed within the horticulture industry through mentorship programs. Learn about support networks, professional development, and how to design your business to create more opportunities for the next generation of horticulture professionals.
This webinar will be presented in Spanish with live English interpretation, so that you can choose your preferred language
The roundtable begins with a cross-industry roundtable featuring AmericanHort Board Members and Community Connector Leaders sharing how they are evaluating this season and planning for the year ahead. From labor and workflow to forecasting, customer expectations, production planning, and business strategy, you’ll gain insight into how leaders across the industry are approaching the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Thursday, August 13, 2026
1:00-2:00 PM ET
Included with AmericanHort membership; $49 for non-members.
Our Speaker
Vanessa Pino Lockel
Executive Director of Extension
Cornell University
Vanessa is the Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk), where she leads programs focused on agriculture, sustainability, community education, and youth development. With more than 20 years of experience in government relations, public engagement, and community resilience, she has worked with New York State agencies, the MTA, and various regional recovery initiatives following Superstorm Sandy. Vanessa is deeply passionate about inclusive leadership, sustainability, and expanding educational opportunities for diverse communities, including Latino agricultural audiences. She earned a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University and completed doctoral studies in Social Welfare at Stony Brook University.