Hawkeye Student Selected for C2A3 ASPIRE Student Leadership Program

Developing Tomorrow's Leaders in Agriculture

NORFOLK, NEBRASKA—One Hawkeye Community College student has been selected to participate in the 2026–27 ASPIRE Student Leadership Program through the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement (C2A3).

Kenedy Lammert, a second-year Ag Business Management student from Marshalltown, Iowa, will join 34 other students from across the country for a year of leadership development, professional networking, and opportunities to explore careers in agriculture, natural resources, and related industries. The student will be supported throughout the program by Hawkeye Community College ASPIRE advisor Amber Greiman.

The ASPIRE Student Leadership Program brings together emerging student leaders from community colleges across the United States, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and professional connections needed for future success. This year's cohort includes 35 students representing 15 community colleges across 12 states.

Throughout the year, students will participate in monthly professional development webinars focused on strengthening their leadership skills and preparing them for future careers. As part of the program, each student will complete an ASPIRE Community Service Leadership Project, identifying a need or opportunity within their campus, organization, or community and developing and implementing a project that makes a positive impact. These projects give students an opportunity to put their leadership skills into practice while working with community partners and organizations.

The program includes two national experiences, beginning with the C2A3 National Conference, Nov. 1–4, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, where students will connect with agricultural educators, industry professionals, and leaders from across the country. From February 15–19, 2027, students will spend the week in Washington, D.C., where they will meet with their state's congressional delegation, explore the nation's capital, and learn more about agricultural policy and advocacy. A select group of students will have the opportunity to present their Community Leadership Projects to a panel of leaders from USDA, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Rural Development. The week will conclude with students attending the C2A3 Ag Outlook Forum, where they will hear from national agricultural leaders about issues and trends shaping the future of agriculture.

The ASPIRE Student Leadership Program is led by Brandon Keller, ASPIRE Director of Student Leadership Development & Programming; Dr. Tee Bush, ASPIRE Director of Leadership Development and Assessment; and Amy Woerdemann, ASPIRE Operations Coordinator. Together, they coordinate the program's leadership development activities, student engagement opportunities, and national experiences.