From West Texas to the White House: Ag Women Connect Gains National Recognition

Ag Issues, Blog, Note from the Founder

September 28, 2026
By Venessa Wood

From West Texas to the White House: Ag Women Connect Gains National Recognition

What began as a calling to connect women in agriculture has grown into a national movement, opening doors, creating opportunities and bringing the voices of rural America to the national stage.

AWC IN THE NEWS

September 28, 2026Ag Women Connect is making headlines!

On September 24, 2026, KCBD NewsChannel 11 featured Ag Women Connect Founder and CEO Venessa Wood, highlighting the organization’s journey from its West Texas roots to gaining national attention, including recent opportunities to represent women in agriculture at events involving the White House and President Donald Trump.

But behind the headlines is a much bigger story. It’s a story about faith, perseverance, relationships and what can happen when women come together with a shared purpose.

A Calling That Started With Connection

Ag Women Connect was founded on a simple belief: every woman in agriculture has a story worth telling.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wood began connecting women through virtual Zoom meetings, creating a space where women could share their experiences, exchange ideas and encourage one another.

What started as conversations grew into something much greater.

Today, Ag Women Connect has developed a national network, bringing together women from different agricultural backgrounds who share a commitment to connection, education, advocacy and strengthening rural communities.

During her KCBD interview, Wood reflected on the faith that inspired her to establish the organization and her desire to recognize women working on the front lines of agriculture.

That mission continues to guide AWC today.

Taking Women’s Voices to the National Stage

One of the most exciting developments highlighted in the KCBD interview was Ag Women Connect’s recent participation in a September event in Dallas.

Through an invitation from the grassroots organization Bienvenido, AWC representatives attended an event featuring President Donald Trump.

Wearing their signature cowgirl hats, the women represented their agricultural roots while participating in an event that brought national attention to their organization.

Wood and fellow agricultural advocate Sarah Falen had the opportunity to shake hands with President Trump during the event, a memorable moment Wood shared during her television interview.

For Ag Women Connect, opportunities like these reflect the growing reach of an organization founded to create meaningful connections and encourage women’s participation in conversations affecting agriculture and rural America.

AWC remains committed to helping women become informed, build relationships with agricultural leaders and explore opportunities to participate in agricultural policy and advocacy.

More Than an Organization: Creating Opportunities for Women

While national recognition is an exciting milestone, the heart of Ag Women Connect remains its members.

Through networking opportunities, educational programming, chapter events and its weekly podcast, Ag Talk: Your Story Matters, AWC provides a platform for women to share their experiences and learn from one another.

The podcast, which grew out of the organization’s original virtual conversations, now features discussions about agriculture, faith, business, leadership and public policy.

From women managing family farms and ranches to agricultural entrepreneurs, educators and industry professionals, AWC recognizes the many contributions women make throughout agriculture.

Our message remains the same: Your Story Matters.

Investing in the Next Generation

The organization’s growing national presence also creates opportunities to expand the impact of the Ag Women Connect Foundation.

Established in 2023, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit supports agricultural scholarships, disaster relief and opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders.

On November 6, 2026, the Foundation will host its Freedom 250 Gala in Lubbock, Texas.

The evening will celebrate women making a difference in agriculture, recognize outstanding leaders and award scholarships to young people pursuing their agricultural dreams.

The Foundation is also preparing for its first educational trip to Washington, D.C., in spring 2027. This initiative is designed to give women in agriculture opportunities to meet agricultural legislators and industry leaders, better understand the legislative process and explore potential careers and leadership opportunities in agricultural policy.

These programs represent the next chapter of our mission: turning meaningful connections into educational opportunities and lasting impact.

Staying True to Our Roots

As Ag Women Connect continues to grow, so does its visibility.

During the KCBD interview, Wood also discussed navigating public criticism and the importance of remaining focused on the people who believe in the organization’s mission.

It’s a lesson that applies far beyond agriculture. Leadership requires perseverance, a willingness to step outside your comfort zone and the determination to keep moving forward.

For AWC, national attention does not change the organization’s original purpose.

We will continue creating opportunities for women to connect, share their knowledge, strengthen their communities and pursue leadership roles throughout agriculture.

What started in West Texas is reaching women across the country, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.

Because when women in agriculture connect, their stories can reach far beyond the farm gate.

Watch Our KCBD News Feature

We sincerely thank Dayna Glover and KCBD NewsChannel 11 for taking the time to share the Ag Women Connect story and highlight the women who make our organization possible.