Welcome Class 55 by California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

Dane White

dwhite299 — 2025-08-15 21:35:34 UTC

Director of Education

California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

Eureka, California

In my natural habitat

dwhite299 — 2025-08-15 21:44:46 UTC

At a night market in Vientiane, Laos; enjoying the fruits of good work, surrounded by some of my favorite people on the planet and laughing with a best friend. Sweaty and happy.

Excited about...

dwhite299 — 2025-08-15 21:46:31 UTC

The journey ahead for already brilliant, accomplished people to see themselves, their capacity and their impact through an infinite lens!

Hobbies

dwhite299 — 2025-08-15 21:47:13 UTC

Soccer, hiking, swimming, being outside, Patch adventures, reading, curiosity, traveling, general mischief and merriment

Dream dinner guest(s)

dwhite299 — 2025-08-15 21:48:54 UTC

Anthony Bourdain, Jane Goodall, Ronaldo, Winston Churchill, Holmes

Judy Sparacino

jsparacino4 — 2025-08-15 22:29:08 UTC

Programs Manager

CA Ag Leadership Foundation

Salinas, CA

In my natural habitat

jsparacino4 — 2025-08-15 23:15:03 UTC

Vibing on a body of water, hanging with great people, doing good work and taking stock of what's important in life.

Excited about...

jsparacino4 — 2025-08-15 23:24:11 UTC

I look forward to getting to know you beyond just the big three listed in the news release and to being an ardent supporter of your continued growth and development in the program.

Hobbies

jsparacino4 — 2025-08-15 23:27:58 UTC

Dance, Rita adventures, cooking, travel, going to concerts, being with family.

Dream dinner guest(s)

jsparacino4 — 2025-08-15 23:41:37 UTC

2peoplecooking (Chuck & Hailee), Sean Evans, Dolly Parton, Kyle & Rita

Lauren Fann

fanntasticlly_exploren — 2025-08-18 19:53:20 UTC

Manager of the Pest Management Research Portfolio

Almond Board of California

Modesto, CA

In my natural habitat

fanntasticlly_exploren — 2025-08-18 19:59:57 UTC

Exploring somewhere new, in this photo Australia. Spending time with friends and thinking of the next great meal I'm going to eat.

Excited about...

fanntasticlly_exploren — 2025-08-18 20:02:14 UTC

meeting new people and setting designated time to self-reflect and work on personal growth.

Kiaran Locy

2025-08-18 20:02:36 UTC

Director Brand & Industry Communications

California Prune Board

Carmichael, CA

Hobbies

fanntasticlly_exploren — 2025-08-18 20:03:35 UTC

Traveling, tennis, golf, reading and eventually, I'll get back into pottery.

In my natural habitat

2025-08-18 20:05:22 UTC

Enjoying the ride with my sweetheart in Palm Springs. Soaking in the mid-mod architecture and grabbing a bite to eat somewhere great.

Drew Crane

drewmcrane — 2025-08-18 20:05:49 UTC

President/CEO

Crane Mills

Tehama, CA

Dream dinner guest(s)

fanntasticlly_exploren — 2025-08-18 20:08:01 UTC

Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, and Octavia Butler

Claire Aicken

2025-08-18 20:26:52 UTC

Supervising Agricultural/Standards Inspector

County of San Diego, Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures

Oceanside, CA

Omar Alexander Gonzalez-Benitez

2025-08-18 20:36:52 UTC

Varietal Development Supervisor

Planasa

Watsonville, CA

Natalie Collins

natalielcollins1 — 2025-08-18 20:37:45 UTC

President

California Association of Winegrape Growers

Lodi / Sacramento

In my natural habitat

2025-08-18 20:38:57 UTC

Exploring somewhere new (Chichen Itza above) with my love. Soaking in a new culture, eating some good local grub and then relaxing by the beach.

in my natural habitat

natalielcollins1 — 2025-08-18 20:40:53 UTC

Taking in Lake Louise in Banff, Canada. A lover of the outdoors, hiking, and exploring new places.

Excited about...

2025-08-18 20:42:12 UTC

Meeting everyone and forming new connections. Growing into an impactful leader and learning new things along the way!

Excited about...

natalielcollins1 — 2025-08-18 20:43:27 UTC

getting to meet and learn from each person in this class!

Excited about:

2025-08-18 20:45:10 UTC

Expanding my network and diving into a new adventure. I look forward to big things to come from the things we learn together.

In my natural habitat

drewmcrane — 2025-08-18 20:45:47 UTC

Out in the woods. An early morning, waking up with the forest. The sharp scent of fresh-cut timber, the distant wail of chainsaws, heavy thuds from falling trees, and the hum of nearby machinery. A symphony for the senses.

Hobbies

natalielcollins1 — 2025-08-18 20:45:58 UTC

Hiking and exploring, reading and podcasts, drinking wine, and watching sports. And yes, I am aware I need some actual hobbies.

Hobbies

2025-08-18 20:46:38 UTC

Traveling, football & baseball games, going to concerts, reading, cooking, hanging with the family and getting some beach time in.

Dream dinner guest(s)

2025-08-18 20:47:50 UTC

Robin Williams, J. K. Rowling, Anthony Bourdain

Interests + Hobbies

2025-08-18 20:50:16 UTC

Seeking out thrills with my kiddos like zip lining. Museums, dining out, and cultural exploration, travel and gatherings with my family and neighbors. Dancing, walking and weight lifting.

Dream dinner guests...

natalielcollins1 — 2025-08-18 20:51:29 UTC

Jane Goodall, Robert Mondavi, and John Wooden.

In my natural habitat

2025-08-18 20:55:06 UTC

Since November 2024 golf has been my natural habitat, and it nicely created a symbiosis relationship with my previous natural habitat which was behind the wheel/airports. I really enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures and foods. Now some of that has been exploring new golf courses while still continuing to get better on the course.

Dream dinner guests

2025-08-18 21:04:24 UTC

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Steve Martin, Eleanor Roosevelt

I'm excited about...

drewmcrane — 2025-08-18 21:09:19 UTC

...jumping in to the proverbial deep-end with a diverse group of like-minded individuals.

Hobbies/Interests

drewmcrane — 2025-08-18 21:57:33 UTC

Family adventures, camping, fly-fishing, turkey hunting, gardening, cooking, reading, growing trees.

All Blacks & Black Caps.

Dream Dinner Guests

drewmcrane — 2025-08-18 22:01:39 UTC

My late grandparents, but before they were grandparents.

Emma Sertich

2025-08-18 22:39:24 UTC

Field Compliance Advisor, Plant Science Instructor

Center Safe Ag, Ventura College

Ventura, CA

In my natural habitat

2025-08-18 22:55:10 UTC

I'm always finding fun and beautiful places to enjoy around the world and in the back yard of Ventura County. I love being with my friends and family and their furry friends, getting a little lost while enjoying great food, wine, and ambiance.

I'm most excited about...

2025-08-18 22:57:46 UTC

Meeting all of you, networking, and creating lasting relationships!

Interests & Hobbies

2025-08-18 23:01:26 UTC

Hosting fabulous dinner parties, tablescaping, cake decorating, painting, ballet, wine tasting, decorating for Christmas, crafting anything I can think of, dynamic and deep conversations.

Logan Robertson Huecker

logan283 — 2025-08-18 23:03:23 UTC

Executive Director

Sequoia Riverlands Trust

Visalia, CA

Dream Dinner Guest(s)

2025-08-18 23:03:59 UTC

For loving to host dinner parties this question is tough... I'd love to share dinner with anyone open to an interesting conversation.

In my natural habitat

logan283 — 2025-08-18 23:10:39 UTC

On the South Fork of the Kaweah River - this is home!

Jared Davit

2025-08-18 23:10:51 UTC

Vice President / Partner; Claims Adjuster

Jarran Ag Services / Global Ag Insurance Services, LLC

Yuba City, CA

Excited about

logan283 — 2025-08-18 23:11:32 UTC

Meeting new people

Expanding my circle

Learning from everyone

Interests + Hobbies

logan283 — 2025-08-18 23:12:40 UTC

Reading, writing, hiking, spending time with family, karate, travel, and good food!

Sadie Strain

sstrain2012 — 2025-08-18 23:13:47 UTC

Controller/Office Manager & President

Strain Farming Company & SSS Farms

Woodland, Ca

Dream dinner guests

logan283 — 2025-08-18 23:13:56 UTC

Brené Brown and my great-grandmother Angelina when she was around my current age and stage...that's two different dinners, though! ;)

In my natural habitat

2025-08-18 23:27:01 UTC

This photo encapsulates two of the things I love the most: family and agriculture! Driving around the orchards with my kids in the truck are some of my favorite moments.

Excited about...

2025-08-18 23:33:19 UTC

... I'm very excited to meet everyone and having a new group of friends that are like minded and people I can learn from. Also, I'm excited to learn more about myself, growing as an individual, and the great experiences that I know are on the way.

Hobbies and Interests

2025-08-18 23:47:44 UTC

Traveling, going to new restaurants, cooking, golf, reading, coaching baseball, concerts, movies, and watching a good documentary.

Dream Dinner Guests

2025-08-18 23:50:59 UTC

Gordan Ramsay, Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, and Larry Ellison.

In my natural habitat

sstrain2012 — 2025-08-18 23:59:03 UTC

Mid-season rice field check wearing anything but jeans when it’s going to be >90 degrees. Leisurely drive around fields (and maybe some water level manipulation) followed by an afternoon or evening with friends, family or both. Always makes me feel close to my ancestors and people I’ve lost. Country music, poor vocals, slightly sweaty, grounded in my work and always a smile.

Excited about…

sstrain2012 — 2025-08-19 00:03:33 UTC

Connections, learning with and from my fellow classmates and beyond! Finding those people who encourage and support me, challenge me, and are wanting for the same from me.

Hobbies

sstrain2012 — 2025-08-19 00:07:24 UTC

Golfing, gardening, time with family, art projects, comedy shows, volunteering, reading, new food spots, travel, intellectual conversations, hugs, and basically any social event where I can meet people where fun will be had

Dream dinner guest(s)

sstrain2012 — 2025-08-19 00:24:50 UTC

My paternal grandfather, Ronald Reagan, Eleanor Roosevelt, and I reserve the right to invite more 😋

Jon Neugebauer

2025-08-19 01:15:31 UTC

Owner, CFO and VP of Operations, PCA, Commodities Broker, and Contracts Manager

McArthur Farm Supply, Inc.

Fall River Mills, CA

Natural Habitat

2025-08-19 01:20:21 UTC

This is one of my mobile offices. It's where I can find solace in the busy world. This is a side of me very few are able to see.

I am excited about...

2025-08-19 01:22:49 UTC

This great journey us 24 strangers are able to embark on together and the relationships we get to craft along the way.

My hobbies include

2025-08-19 01:30:09 UTC

Devoting my Saturdays in the Fall to watching my Texas Longhorns play football, hunting in the winter, watching the San Francisco Giants in the spring and boating in the summer. I also spend countless hours with my family and friends when possible.

My dream dinner guests would be

2025-08-19 01:35:19 UTC

Al Capone for business purposes. Robin Williams for the entertainment. Mother Teresa so she could pray for us.

Josh Enos

2025-08-19 02:13:08 UTC

Director of Sales and Business Development

Carriere Family Farms

Chico, Ca

Natural Habitat

2025-08-19 02:31:18 UTC

Husband, dad, and adventurer. My wife and I are raising two very active boys (which I’ll admit is partly my doing!). I love being outdoors, challenging myself physically and mentally, and I’ve been hooked on backpacking ever since I first set foot on the trail years ago. Work has me traveling the world selling nuts, but my favorite moments are spent in nature with my wife, kids, and friends.

Excited about

2025-08-19 02:33:00 UTC

Thrilled for the challenges ahead and what we'll all learn from each other.

Hobbies

2025-08-19 02:34:39 UTC

Kids, wife, family, outdoors, travel, exploring foreign grocery/markets, putting myself in uncomfortable situations.

Cesar Mendoza

2025-08-19 02:43:53 UTC

Senior Business Representative

BASF Corporation

Fresno,CA

In my natural habitat

2025-08-19 03:02:17 UTC

Out in nature with a cup of coffee patiently waiting for sunrise and for mother nature to wake up. It's where I can get away from technology and recharge my own battery.

I'm excited about. . .

2025-08-19 03:11:24 UTC

meeting, working with and building memories with 23 fellows from diverse backgrounds with similar goals and a desire to make a difference.

Excited about...

2025-08-19 03:17:32 UTC

learning more about all of you and getting to experience this with you all. I am ready for the challenges and experiences that are to come.

Hobbies and Interest

2025-08-19 03:18:50 UTC

Traveling, hunting, fishing, cooking, concerts, gardening, family time, and always up for a new adventure.

Hobbies

2025-08-19 03:21:06 UTC

Golf, traveling, sporadic runner (typically run 5k when I do), concerts, watching sports (49ers Season ticket holder), having frequent catch-up dinners with friends and spending time with family!

Dream dinner guests:

2025-08-19 03:25:21 UTC

Late grandparents and family members that have passed.

father, my siblings and their kids.

Dream Dinner Guest(s)

2025-08-19 03:25:58 UTC

My maternal grandparents and great-grandparents—I miss my grandparents and, in addition, my maternal great-grandparents because they lived what I gathered was a wildly adventurous life (which I didn't get to learn enough about).

Dream dinner guest(s)

2025-08-19 03:31:33 UTC

My great grandfather and grandfather, Royce S. Bringhurst and Victor Voth (pivotal strawberry breeders), Barry Bonds, John Daly, Cody Johnson

Lisa Howard

2025-08-19 04:23:39 UTC

Owner/Winemaker

Tolenas Vineyards and Winery

Suisun Valley

Fairfield, Ca

In my natural habitat

2025-08-19 04:24:03 UTC

Excited about

2025-08-19 04:26:19 UTC

Growing as a person and leader.

Meeting new people - its like the first day of school all over again (love it!)

Traveling around the state, country, and world with a trusted fun group!

Hobbies

2025-08-19 04:32:09 UTC

Camping, boating, fishing, horseback riding, wine, food, 4H leader, youth sports mom (travel baseball, jujitsu, flag football), and family time!

Dream Dinner Guest(s)

2025-08-19 04:34:19 UTC

It would be a big table! All four of my grandparents to tell all the stories I didn't get to hear, or didn't fully appreciate when I was little. Add in Julia Child, what I would give to see her in the kitchen with my two Italian grandmas, then talk about all her challenges breaking into her field. Robin Williams for extra entertainment.

In my natural habitat

2025-08-19 05:45:34 UTC

At the lake on a boat playing with family and friends. Listening to a curated boat playlist, enjoying a cold beverage and wind in my hair.

Although, it took me all night to find a photo of me outside of a vineyard! ....this easily could have been subbed for a vineyard photo, riding a 4wheeler, tasting fruit, and or harvesting!

Ryan Scott

2025-08-19 15:46:18 UTC

Vineyard Manager

Monterey Pacific

Paso Robles, Ca

In My Natural Habitat

2025-08-19 15:47:30 UTC

On the water.

Whether it be learning deep sea fishing, spending time with family at Lake Tahoe or simply hanging out at the beach or by the pool, being by the water just makes everything better.

Excited About

2025-08-19 15:48:01 UTC

Meeting everyone and collectively taking on this opportunity/challenge. Can’t wait for whatever comes our way and growing together!

Hobbies

2025-08-19 15:48:47 UTC

Coaching youth sports, rooting on my Bay Area teams (9ers, Giants, Warriors), the rare opportunity to get on the golf course and enjoy 18 holes, taking on outdoor yard projects and hanging out with family and friends enjoying great food and wine.

Dream Dinner Guests

2025-08-19 15:49:12 UTC

One huge family dinner including my late grandparents. The opportunity for our kids to sit at the same table and hear their stories would be magical.

Kevin Voorhees

2025-08-19 17:04:51 UTC

Vice President - Credit Approval

AgWest Farm Credit

San Luis Obispo, CA

In My Natural Habitat

2025-08-19 17:09:23 UTC

Excited about…

2025-08-19 17:11:09 UTC

The challenges that lie ahead of all of us, learning from each other, and the bonds that will be made throughout this program.

2025-08-19 17:13:30 UTC

Ag Teacher

Galt High School

Elk Grove, CA

Hobbies

2025-08-19 17:13:45 UTC

Gardening, Golfing, learning new things, books/podcasts about human history, coaching high school football, spending time with friends and family.

Dream Dinner Guests

2025-08-19 17:16:59 UTC

Pete Carroll

Michael Pollan

Gordon Ramsay

Casey Kirchhoff

2025-08-19 18:53:08 UTC

Vintner / GM

Kirchhoff Family Wines

Clarksburg, CA

In my natural habitat

2025-08-19 19:03:58 UTC

Taking a hike with my family in Yosemite, introducing my kids to nature and the amazing natural world we live in :)

Excited about

2025-08-19 19:09:49 UTC

I'm probably most excited to travel and get outside my comfort zone, seeing new perspectives. I love getting outside my bubble, finding out new ways of thinking.

Hobbies/Interests

2025-08-19 19:14:39 UTC

Playing or listening to music, cooking, hiking/ camping, boating, skiing, designing, and brewing beer 🍺

Dream dinner guests

2025-08-19 19:17:57 UTC

Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo Dicaprio

Socrates

and my wife (we always share plates)

2025-08-19 19:47:29 UTC

In my natural habitat

A car full of flowers with music blasting is my favorite place to be.

I’m excited about …

2025-08-19 19:51:35 UTC

Growing beyond my classroom with a group of new people who have like minded goals… and travel. I’m always excited about traveling.

Interest last and hobbies:

2025-08-19 19:54:29 UTC

Reading, running and cooking are my favorite ways to unwind. I spend a lot of time with my family and as much time as I can outdoors hiking or exploring new places.

Dream Dinner Guest

2025-08-19 19:57:06 UTC

Taylor Swift

Ina Garten

Kelly O’Hara

Tommy Bottoms

2025-08-20 03:34:22 UTC

Owner

Tremont Farms

Davis, California

In my natural habitat

2025-08-20 03:42:36 UTC

Visiting the famous glory hole at Lake Berryessa with my family. We love exploring cool sights with our kids.

I’m excited about…

2025-08-20 03:48:35 UTC

An intentional time of self reflection and engaging dialogue. Also looking forward to being coached.

Jeremy Wagner

2025-08-20 03:56:18 UTC

Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, County of San Mateo Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures

Sunnyvale, CA

Hobbies

2025-08-20 03:58:32 UTC

Coaching my girls teams, being active and sports, concerts, yard work, podcasts

Dream dinner guests

2025-08-20 04:03:30 UTC

Warren Buffett

J.R. Simplot

C.S. Lewis

In my natural habitat

2025-08-20 04:23:39 UTC

Some of my friends are a little prickly, but I like them just the same! I love exploring new places, learning cool history and meeting the local plant life.

Exited about...

2025-08-20 04:30:27 UTC

Meeting and connecting with all of you, learning skills and expanding my perspective.

Hobbies

2025-08-20 04:36:52 UTC

Hiking, camping, fixing bicycles, homebrewing, travel and spending time with family.

Dream dinner guests

2025-08-20 04:41:14 UTC

Two of my heroes are Stanislav Petrov and Vasili Arkhipov. I think it would be cool to throw them a dinner to thank them for saving the world.

Jordon Navarrot

2025-08-20 23:35:02 UTC

Deputy Manager – Reclamation District 108

General Manager – Dunnigan Water District

Grimes, CA

Morgan Campbell

campbellm77 — 2025-08-21 00:33:58 UTC

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Westside Water Authority (Bakersfield, CA)

Fresno, CA

In my natural habitat

campbellm77 — 2025-08-21 00:35:04 UTC

Spending time outdoors around all types of bodies of water with my family.

Excited About...

campbellm77 — 2025-08-21 00:39:00 UTC

Being supported (and supporting others) in a journey to grow more comfortable being uncomfortable

Exposure to a mixture of people, ideas, locations, values, and information I wouldn't normally get to experience

Extra bonus - getting to do all of the above and more while meeting a new group of friends!

Interests and Hobbies

campbellm77 — 2025-08-21 00:41:21 UTC

Volleyball

Reading

Bread baking (amateur level!)

Yoga

Camping/Hiking

Escaping from my day job in ag by...playing farming video games

Dream Dinner Guests

campbellm77 — 2025-08-21 00:46:13 UTC

The matriarchs of my family line, back 5 or so generations.

In my natural habitat

2025-08-22 20:40:28 UTC

I'm a total gym rat! I've spent 15 years in the same gym and it has become my largest social circle. I recently enjoyed introducing my son, Cooper, to the gym!

Excited about

2025-08-22 20:51:35 UTC

Growth!! While I can't wait to glean from external perspectives and insights from getting to know the class and attending seminars, I'm also extremely excited to find the time and resources for introspective understanding and development.

Interests & Hobbies

2025-08-22 20:54:22 UTC

Boating, Fishing, Snowboarding, Golfing, Travel... All of which are better when accompanied by my wife and two children!

Sam Christopherson

2025-08-23 14:34:36 UTC

Sr Purchasing Manager

Markon

Salinas / Sacramento, CA

In My Natural Habitat

2025-08-23 14:40:41 UTC

At Citi Field during a trip to New York with my fiance earlier this year. I love going to different MLB ballparks and have a goal to visit all 30 teams' parks.

Excited about...

2025-08-23 14:42:43 UTC

I am excited to dive into a new challenge and look forward to growth and experiences with a close group of like-minded but unique individuals.

Hobbies

2025-08-23 14:43:45 UTC

Boating, camping, duck hunting, golf, and skiing

Dream Dinner Guests

2025-08-23 14:48:13 UTC

Alton Brown and my grandfathers. I loved watching Good Eats as a kid and find the science behind food fascinating. My mom's dad passed away when I was young and my dad's dad recently passed away; being able to share a meal with both men at this stage in my life would be a wonderful experience.

Kelly Damewood

2025-08-26 17:24:08 UTC

CEO, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Company headquarters is in Santa Cruz, CA. I live in Kings Beach, i.e. North Lake Tahoe 🌄

Excited about . . .

2025-08-26 17:25:51 UTC

New challenges, new tools, new resources, expanded community and network

Hobbies

2025-08-26 17:27:02 UTC

Yoga, somatic movement, breathwork, swimming, sunsets, lots of time in the woods, writing, poetry, travel, crafts with my son

Dream Dinner Guests

2025-08-26 17:37:23 UTC

Willa Cather, Mary Oliver, Thich Nhat Hanh, Patanjali

In my natural habitat

2025-08-26 17:47:01 UTC

Just returned from retreat outside Santa Fe, NM. I always feel inspired and creative in the desert. P.S. this activity reminded me to take more pics of myself, my camera roll is literally only my dog and kid!

Dream dinner guest

2025-08-27 23:31:59 UTC

One of the funniest and most genuine actors - Steve Carell

klocy — 2025-11-20 05:54:12 UTC