15 Minutes With… Ebony Webber, CEO of MANRRS

By Michelle Pelletier Marshall, Women in Agribusiness Media (September 10, 2024)

For over 20 years, Ebony Webber’s passion for developing a platform where future leaders from traditionally underrepresented and underserved groups has shone brightly as she has meticulously helped create a space to drive meaningful change in this area.

That is what the National Society of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) has grown to be – “the voice that promotes academic and professional advancement for minorities in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences through community, affirmation and empowerment.”

Webber’s dedication and focus on operational efficiency, strategic planning and team empowerment earned her the top seat at MANRRS in April of this year, when she was named the first chief executive officer of the non-profit organization. Recognized for her unparalleled expertise and a proven track record of transformative leadership, Webber was tasked with helping to forge and execute the strategic vision of the organization as dictated by the needs and inputs from the membership. And has she ever! During her decades as COO, she is credited with helping MANRRS realize a tenfold increase in revenue, a 700 percent growth in staff, a 300 percent increase in active membership, a threefold growth of national partners and a doubling of the attendance at MANRRS annual conference.

WIA Today spoke with Webber as she was collaborating with WIA to send two of her students to the annual Women in Agribusiness Summit this month in Denver as part of the organization’s WIA Event Partnership.

1). MANRRS seeks to change the future of the industry – speaking of ag here – to a more equitable and diverse environment. What are some of the top steps to making that happen, and how can the industry assist with this?

Some top steps for making a more equitable and diverse workforce include:
Form partnerships and outreach to more diverse or underrepresented communities.
Collaborate with educational institutions to promote agricultural and natural resource careers to diverse communities, starting at an early age.
Foster a culture of belonging, where all individuals can share their unique perspectives.
Encourage participation in industry conferences specifically geared towards minority groups.

Industry can support these initiatives by partnering with community-based organizations, like MANRRS, that work with minority groups, providing them with the support they need to thrive in the agricultural industry. Additionally, companies and institutions can create career pathways and internships that introduce diverse talent to the industry.

2). As a non-profit organization, what are some of the unique challenges your company faces?

Like many non-profits, MANRRS must continually seek funding from donors, grants, sponsors and partnerships to support our programs, scholarships and operational costs. The limited and inconsistent funding can hinder our ability to expand outreach, offer more scholarships, or provide robust support to members and communities. Limited financial resources can also restrict MANRRS ability to hire sufficient staff, leading to overburdened employees and potential burnout. Also, combatting implicit biases can be a challenge. Addressing implicit biases within the industry and broader society that hinder the progress of minority individuals in agriculture and related sciences is an ongoing challenge for the groups MANRRS advocates for.

Tackling deep-rooted, systemic barriers that minority communities face in agriculture and related fields requires comprehensive and sustained efforts. Lastly, increasing awareness about MANRRS’s mission and programs among target audiences, potential members and donors requires strategic marketing and outreach efforts, which are restricted based on funding limitations.

3). Can you give a us a couple success stories of students who have broadened their networks, education and opportunities thanks to MANRRS guidance?

There are too many to count, but here are a couple of standout success stories that highlight how MANRRS has empowered students through its network, educational programs and opportunities:

1. Dr. Antoine Alston

Background: Dr. Antoine Alston, now a professor and administrator at North Carolina A&T State University, attributes much of his professional success to his involvement in MANRRS during his early career.

How MANRRS Helped: As a student, Dr. Alston joined MANRRS and gained access to mentorship opportunities, professional development and networking events that expanded his career horizons. Through the guidance he received from industry leaders and peers in MANRRS, he was able to secure internships and scholarships that helped him pursue his graduate education.

Impact: Today, Dr. Alston is a highly respected leader in agricultural education, mentoring a new generation of students while continuing to advocate for diversity in agriculture. His connection to MANRRS helped him not only develop his career but also become a mentor and role model for others in the field.

2. DeShawn Blanding

Background: DeShawn Blanding, a young African American student passionate about agriculture, was able to pursue his dream of working in the agribusiness sector thanks to the opportunities facilitated through MANRRS.

How MANRRS Helped: During his time as a member, DeShawn participated in several MANRRS national conferences, where he had the chance to present research, attend leadership workshops and network with recruiters from top agricultural companies. Through these connections, he secured an internship with a major agribusiness corporation, which ultimately led to a full-time job offer after graduation.
Impact: DeShawn is now thriving in the agribusiness industry, where he serves as a key advocate for inclusion and diversity, helping to bring more underrepresented voices into the sector. His journey, which started with the guidance and support of MANRRS, has been one of professional growth and community-building.

3. Jewel Bronaugh

Background: Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, an agricultural leader who eventually became the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), credits her early involvement with MANRRS for shaping her career path in public service and agriculture.

How MANRRS Helped: As a student, Jewel participated in MANRRS conferences, where she developed critical leadership and networking skills. MANRRS provided her with access to mentors and professionals who helped guide her through her studies and professional choices. This network allowed her to secure key internships and positions, which were foundational in advancing her career in agriculture and public administration.

Impact: Dr. Bronaugh served in various influential roles in agriculture, including as the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, before being appointed as Deputy Secretary of the USDA. Her journey exemplifies how MANRRS can help individuals build the skills, confidence and connections needed to lead in the agricultural sector, particularly in high-level government positions.

These stories exemplify the transformative power of MANRRS in helping students and professionals not only expand their networks and education but also achieve long-term success in industries where diversity is still underrepresented. The mentorship, resources and sense of community provided by MANRRS have allowed countless students to overcome barriers and make lasting impacts in their respective fields.

4). MANRRS now has a reach of over 8,000 students and professionals across 40 U.S. states, with more than 100 MANRRS chapters. What does the future hold for MANRRS?

For MANRRS, we hope to continue to double in size at academic institutions across the country and North America. We hope to expand into all 50 continental states and U.S. territories. We look forward to introducing more non-traditional students and professionals to careers in agriculture and natural resources, and to the day when we are fortunate enough to receive a major gift of $1 million dollars or more.

5). You have said that becoming CEO of MANRRS is your dream come true, and that you still wake up passionate to do your job. What path have you followed to reach this goal and how do you think it can help those whom you help at MANRRS?

Since I first began working for MANRRS 21 years ago, I wake up passionate and excited about the work I get to do every day and the lives I get to impact through my work. MANRRS changed my life when they took a chance on me as a green college student and has assisted in my development and growth to CEO. I want to help develop future generations of CEOs and high-performing leaders in the food, agriculture and natural resources industries, and feel we are well on our way to doing that.

6). Congratulations on your recent receipt of the Women in Agribusiness Demeter Award of Excellence, which recognizes the outstanding achievements of women in their respective fields and their exceptional contributions to the agribusiness industry. What does it mean to you to be chosen for this award?

Being chosen for the WIA Demeter Award is an incredible honor. I’m truly humbled by the recognition from my peers in the industry. For most years of my career, it often felt like my work was in vain and no one was recognizing the incredible impact MANRRS was making in the industry. I’m happy to know that was not the case and many people for many years have witnessed our strides. This award signifies that I have led this organization to be a premier organization for agriculture and leadership development of students and professionals.

Want to learn more and meet Ebony? Look for her at the MANRRS exhibit booth at the WIA Summit later this month (September 24-26) in Denver.