ICYMI: Women’s Voices from the Grain and Milling Value Chain

Reprinted with permission from Miller Milling Magazine (March 17, 2026)

This international list of 18 accomplished businesswomen reads like a Who’s Who of achievements and quotable quotes from the high performers in the grain and milling sector. It also features our very own Women in Agribusiness Portfolio Director Svitlana Synkovska, among other key speakers from the 2025 WIA Summit, which was held in Orlando last September.

Image courtesy of Miller Milling Magazine

Honorees in this article “Empowering Women Across the Grain Value Chain” were asked about their entry into the business, the opportunities and challenges that define the landscape, and their message to young women leaning in to a career in ag. Those interviewed include:

1. Melinda Farris, CEO of the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM), USA

2. June Arnold, Head of Policy, GAFTA, UK

3. Alejandra Castillo*, President & CEO of the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA), USA

4. Erin Gowriluk, President of Canada Grains Council (CGC), Canada

5. Martha Siemer Stice, member of Board of Directors, Siemer Milling Company, USA

6. Zuleyha Cakmak, board member, Besler Flour, Turkey

7. Christina Serebriakova, CEO, ASAP Agri and Broker at Atria Brokers, Ukraine

8. Mariam Al-Hazaa, Business Development Manager, AI Hazaa investment Group, Egypt

9. Juliana Farah*, President of Agricultural Sowing Commission of the São Paulo State Agriculture and Livestock Federation (FAESP), Brazil

10. Atiye Ece Erkan, Chairman of the Board of Turun Flour Mills, Turkey

11. Masha Belikova, Senior Editor, Fastmarkets, Ukraine

12. Svitlana Synkovska*, Portfolio Director for Women in Agribusiness (WIA), USA

13. Buse Tellioglu Altindis, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Tellioglu Gida, Turkey

14. Natalja Skuratovic*, Senior Account Executive at EarthDaily Agro, France 

15. Ayten Candar Isik, Board Member, Candarogullari Derya Mill, Turkey

16. Priscilla Bakalian, Head of Buehler’s African Milling School from 2022 to 2025, Kenya

17. Suad Abubaker, Director, Pembe Flour Mills, Kenya

18. Nouran Ezzeldin, Founder & CEO, Granos Oros for Agribusiness Solutions and Export, Egypt

*Members of the 2025 WIA Summit speaking faculty.

This special feature brings together these voices in their own words as they weave the story of their path in agriculture, whether that be in family-owned flour mills, industry associations, global trading houses or other disciplines like engineering or science or journalism.

These sometimes hard-won career victories serve to bring diversity to a traditionally male-dominant industry and showcase the results driven by elevating women to leadership positions: greater attention to detail, stronger communications programs and nurtured company culture, strong development of people, and unique approaches to risk management and planning that positively affect the bottom line.

Here are some key messages from the interviews:

“Women still need to see themselves represented in leadership roles and feel encouraged to take up space in conversations historically dominated by men. There are several ways to “feed the leadership pipeline” one of which includes the establishment organizational targets supported by programs and policies that promote the advancement of women.” – Erin Gowriluk, President of Canada Grains Council

“To young women, I would say: this industry needs you, and the world depends on the work it does. If you are passionate about feeding people, solving complex problems and being part of a global community, there is a place for you here. Feed your passion. Feed the world.” – Melinda Farris, CEO of IAOM

“Don’t be discouraged from applying for a role you don’t have a background in! Raise your hand for that opportunity that might feel a bit out of reach! Speak boldy and confidently about what you want, and even if someone tells you no, keep going. My dad is fond of saying –‘ you are going for the YES, because the NO is a given.’”  – Alejandra Castillo, President & CEO of NAEGA

“This industry isn’t defined by rivalry, but by collaboration and a shared responsibility to provide essential food supplies. Knowing that our work contributes to people’s daily lives keeps me motivated, no matter the challenges.” – Mariam Al-Hazaa, Business Development Manager, AI Hazaa investment Group

“Trust yourself and know that you deserve a seat at the table. At first glance, our sector may seem limited in terms of career opportunities, but in reality there is room for anyone who brings knowledge, vision and hard work. After all, what keeps a mill running is not only the mechanical systems; it is the people who give that system its spirit, direction and meaning.” – Zuleyha Cakmak, board member, Besler Flour

See the full Milling & Grain article “Empowering Women Across the Grain Value Chain” here.