Congratulations to MANRRS 2026 Farm Credit VIP Scholarship Winners!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Farm Credit and MANRRS proudly announced the 2026 Farm Credit VIP Scholars Program winners, supporting outstanding MANRRS students passionate about agriculture. Recipients receive a $1,000 academic award, full travel to the 2026 National MANNRS Conference and exclusive access to the VIP Scholars track for professional development and networking with Farm Credit leaders.

The Farm Credit VIP track provides scholars with meaningful interactions with Farm Credit professionals and opportunities for leadership development, including a CliftonStrengths assessment and professional etiquette training. Additionally, students will learn about Farm Credit careers in fields including finance, credit, capital markets, information technology, marketing and more.

“Farm Credit is proud to annually sponsor the MANRRS National Conference and provide up to 30 Farm Credit VIP Scholars with a full day of programming on leadership skills, interview preparation and networking," said Farm Credit Council President and CEO Christy Seyfert. "We are committed to fostering the youth who will become the future’s farmers, ranchers, rural leaders and innovators, and appreciate the continued partnership with MANRRS in supporting this mission."

“I am incredibly proud to have collaborated on the inception of this scholarship in 2016,” said MANRRS CEO Ebony Webber. “What began as a vision to expand access and opportunity has grown into a meaningful investment in the next generation of leaders. Seeing its continued impact is a powerful reminder of what intentional partnerships can achieve.”

This partnership and program help shape the future of agriculture by ensuring students receive leadership skills and professional development training to succeed in their careers.

The 2026 VIP Scholars:

• Karmen Bowen – Tennessee State University

• Kennedi Brazil – Fort Valley State University

• Kamilah Camacho – Texas Tech University

• Olivia Carroll – University of Arizona

• Sophia Chenault - Southern University and A&M College

• Amari Christopher - University of Maryland Eastern Shore

• Ava Coleianne - Purdue University

• Morgyn Edwards - Southern University and A&M college

• Rosemarie Faisao - Washington State University

• Christian Frontado Dordelly - University of Kentucky

• Nery Gonzalez - Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

• Nithin Gudderra – North Carolina State University

• Nickolos Hall - Prairie View A&M University

• Sofia Hall-Levin - University of Maryland

• William Hamlin - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

• Alyssa Jaime – Colorado State University

• Plamedie Kanjinga-Kabole - Central State University

• Saige Kenner - Southern University and A&M College

• Corey McKenzie – Michigan State University

• Kashmere Miller – Tuskegee University

• Kelsey Parker – Florida A&M University

• Nyla Reiss - Southern University and A&M College

• Shawn Saturday – The Ohio State University

• Zaynah Shahid – University of Kentucky

• Abigail Starks - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

• Aristotle Verrios – North Carolina A&T

• Sarah Wilson – Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University

• Edith Zhao – Rutgers University

Farm Credit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services, today and tomorrow. It has been fulfilling its mission of helping rural America grow and thrive for more than a century with the capital necessary to make businesses successful and by financing vital infrastructure and communication services. For more information visit www.farmcredit.com.

Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, MANRRS is a national organization dedicated to developing and empowering individuals in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. Through leadership development, career readiness, and meaningful industry connections, MANRRS nurtures potential, supports unique journeys, and creates pathways to internships, careers, and lifelong success. Serving students from junior high through doctoral programs, as well as professionals, MANRRS provides access to mentorship, hands-on experiences, and a strong community that prepares members to lead, innovate, and make a global impact. For more information visit manrrs.org.