Young Dairy Leaders Find Their ‘Ah-ha’ Moment to Advocate for Our Great Industry
An ‘ah-ha’ moment when young leaders realize the power within themselves to advocate for the dairy industry often unfolds at the Holstein Foundation’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI). This year was no exception, as seventy-six young adults from across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico took part in Class 13 initial phase one.
“I watched people change with ‘ah-ha’ moments just like the members of Class 1 did 30 years ago when YDLI first started,” Diedra Harkenrider, a member of the first YDLI advisory committee and now director of development with the Holstein Foundation, said. “Something connects with them. You see it in their face and their posture…they stand taller, talk louder, and step out of their comfort zone.”
Phase one was held in Tampa, Fla., where dairy professionals gathered for a time of networking, learning and connecting. Some of the educational development tasks included:
- Learning from YDLI Advisory Committee members.
- A session focusing on behavioral styles from Kelli Vrla, CSP, CVP, CCSP, Road Warrior for Workplace Engagement.
- Improv performance from Spitfire Comedy Club and learning how improv skills can be applied to everyday life and careers.
- Communication and professional delivery skills during an interactive workshop from John Sanna, Senior Trainer and Executive Coach, and Veronica Ocasio, an Associate Trainer and Executive Coach.
- A session on staying resilient in the midst of change and how to build effective habits was presented by Laura Daniels, Executive Coach and Strategist with Hitch Pin.
- Effective communication session, led by Michele Ruby, communication consultant and current chair of the Holstein Foundation Board of Trustees.
Phase I of YDLI wrapped up with time spent preparing for Phase II of the program when participants will dive deep into using what they learned in their local communities.
Find Your Why
As a Class Four YDLI graduate, I was recognized as the 2024 YDLI Distinguished Alumni Leader. I too found my ‘ah-ha’ moment at YDLI a couple of decades ago. Through networking opportunities, I found how I could positively use my voice to advocate for an industry I was born to love.
The one piece of advice that I gave to the YDLI Class 13 was discovering their why. I said, “Often when we find our passion and then follow it, we lead a purpose-filled life. One that brings joy to our hearts and intention to the world.”
It was clear to me when I not only looked out at the room after my presentation in Florida, but also when looking out at all the YDLI classes over the last couple of decades. They have not only found their why, but they have also found a way to help push our industry forward.
Holstein Foundation’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute is a nationally recognized three-phase leadership and communication skills development program for young adults working in the dairy industry.
