Pathways to power: fostering sustainable agri-food supply chain management leadership among women and minorities

Florida A&M University's Division of Research received a $200,000 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Fields program (CFDA 10.318) effective September 15, 2025, with a completion date of September 14, 2028. The project, titled "Pathways to Power: Fostering Sustainable Agri-Food Supply Chain Management Leadership Among Women and Minorities," will be conducted at the university's Tallahassee, Florida location.

The award supports educational and workforce development initiatives designed to increase participation of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM disciplines related to food and agricultural sciences. Based on the program's established focus areas, the project will likely deliver products and services such as curriculum development, mentorship programming, experiential learning opportunities, and professional development activities in sustainable agri-food supply chain management. These initiatives align with the WAMS program's objective to build a competent and qualified workforce in emerging agricultural technologies and sustainable food systems while creating career pathways for underrepresented populations in rural STEM fields.