Convention Women’s Session

“Mentoring vs. Sponsorship: The Secret to Elevating Women’s Career Trajectories in the Watermelon Industry”

Presenter: Dr. Lauren Ledbetter Griffeth

We’re gearing up for an outstanding Annual Meeting & Convention in St. Pete Beach, February 18–21, and now is the time to make your plans to be there. Registration and hotel reservations are open, and we’re already seeing strong momentum—so if you haven’t secured your spot yet, we encourage you to do that soon. This is shaping up to be one of our most engaging conventions yet, with fresh programming, great networking opportunities, and a beautiful Florida backdrop.

One of the highlights of this year’s agenda will be our Women’s Leadership Session, featuring Dr. Lauren Ledbetter Griffeth, whose work and voice in leadership development have made a meaningful impact across agriculture.

About Dr. Griffeth: Dr. Lauren Ledbetter Griffeth is a triple dawg graduate of the University of Georgia and serves as an Extension Leadership Specialist, facilitating key leadership programs and contributing as a graduate faculty member. She has authored more than 50 publications, has been featured in the Harvard Business Review for her research on women’s leadership, and was recently recognized as Outstanding Leadership Program Director by the International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leaders. She and her husband, Tim, live on a sheep farm with their two children, Tanner and Lilli.