WIA Student Scholar Success: 2025 Recipient Lands Job at Bunge

By Michelle Pelletier Marshall & Representatives of Bunge (July 7, 2026)

The Women in Agribusiness (WIA) Student Scholarship Program is going strong and already has 32 applications for this year's lottery program that provides a full three-day pass to the annual WIA Summit for every student chosen to participate.

Applicants this year include students Texas Tech University, Iowa State University, and UC Davis and more. These young women in ag can look forward to a dedicated student lunch and workshop and being paired with their sponsor/mentor, and engaging with peers and ag disciplines across the ag value chain during the event.

Since the program's inception more than 13 years ago, nearly 400 students from across the country and from international locations like Brazil, have benefitted from the experience, thanks to over $1.45 million in sponsorships, of making one-on-one connections with the sector's largest and most formidable agribusiness companies. Students are privy to the most current industry content from expert speakers in the field and networking opportunities that top other events by far -- tours, off-site receptions, members-only events and more.

Gracie Selzer, 2025 WIA Student Scholarship recipient (right), stands with Haley Nunn, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at Bunge's Global headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, where Gracie was attending training.

Many scholars -- like these -- and Gracie Selzer from WIA Summit 2025, walk away with connections that offer sought-after jobs in the sector. Here, meet Gracie, who was recently hired by Bunge as a grain merchandiser after being "discovered" at last year's Summit in Orlando. She will work at the company's high-capacity shuttle train grain elevator in Carter, Montana.

WIA TODAY: Please tell us more about the Women in Agribusiness Summit(s) you attended, and how you came to learn about it and get involved in the organization.

GRACIE: In September 2025, I attended the Women in Agribusiness Summit in Orlando, Florida. As a senior in college, I was searching for opportunities to build connections within the agricultural industry when I came across the student scholarship program. Through that program, I had the privilege of attending the Summit with sponsorship from Bunge. Being surrounded by such a large group of successful women, each with their own unique experiences and accomplishments, was truly one of the most impactful experiences of my college career. The Summit gave me the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, expand my professional network, and gain a deeper understanding of the many career paths available within agribusiness

WIA TODAY: What connections did you make from that participation, and how did it help shape your career goals and path?

GRACIE: Through this experience, I made incredible connections that have played a significant role in not only shaping my career goals but helping me achieve them. Supporting small-scale producers has always been an important part of my career aspirations, and seeing how some of the world's largest agribusiness companies not only support producers but rely on their success was eye-opening. Throughout the conference, I had the opportunity to speak with members of the Bunge team and immediately felt at home because of their values, culture, and commitment to the agricultural community. After the Summit, I began pursuing career opportunities with Bunge and was fortunate to join the team as a grain merchandiser.

WIA TODAY: What is the top skill or benefit you walked away with from the Summit?

Gracie Selzer, one of Bunge's newest employees, thanks to the WIA Student Scholarship Program.

GRACIE: The greatest benefit I gained from the Summit was confidence in myself and my career path. Hearing from women with diverse backgrounds and leadership experiences showed me that there is no single path to success in agriculture. I left with the confidence to build meaningful relationships, seek out new opportunities, and trust in my ability to make an impact in the industry. That experience continues to serve as a reminder to trust my abilities, embrace new opportunities, and continue growing as a leader in agriculture.

WIA TODAY TO BUNGE REPRESENTATIVE KATIE FLASCHAR, SENIOR MANAGER OF EMERGING TALENT: Please tell us how you got involved with the WIA Student Scholarship Program and what it has meant to your business.

KATIE FLASCHAR OF BUNGE: At the 2023 Summit, we met many impressive students who attended through the sponsorship program. As a company committed to developing talent from the ground up, we quickly recognized the value of supporting young women who are investing in their education and future in this industry. We were proud to help create opportunities for them to connect with professionals and organizations leading this work.

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If you are a WIA student scholarship beneficiary or know of one who’d like to share her story, please reach out to Michelle Pelletier Marshall at mmarshall@womeninag.com. We’d love to feature you here as well!

Learn more about the WIA Student Scholarship Program here. Deadline for application submission is July 12. For questions about this opportunity, contact Reagan Russell at rrussell@womeninag.com, WIA Program Administrator.