The 2025 Women in Ag Award winners

This year’s Women in Ag Award recipients are breaking down barriers, setting new expectations and bringing fresh ideas and practices to the agriculture industry. Together, they remind us of the power of mentorship, innovation, and community in shaping the future of this industry.

The 2025 Women in Ag Awards were presented during The Notables, a special reception on March 16 in Calgary. The event was held in conjunction with the 2025 Advance Women in Agriculture West Conference.

The 2025 recipients are:

• Josie Pashulka, The Operator
• Janice Wirsta, The Ignitor
• Sheri Strydhorst, Professional Leader
• Mariana Guerra-Maupome, The Promoter
• Nikki Peltzer, The Community Builder
• Kendra Donnelly, The Maverick
• Amanda Elzinga-Pugh, The Rising Star
• Leona Staples, The Notable Lifetime Achiever

Shaping the future

Josie Pashulka
Operator/Primary Producer

Josie is a true leader in agriculture. As the backbone of Rusylvia Cattle Co., she has played an instrumental role in breeding excellence, managing a thriving purebred and commercial cow-calf operation, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the farm. But her impact extends far beyond her own operation.

Josie has been an Alberta Beef Producers delegate for five years, advocating for producers and strengthening the industry. She has also served as an auditor for VBP+ (Verified Beef Production) for 12 years, assessing beef operations for on-farm food safety, helping to ensure best practices across the industry.

Through her work at Lakeland College, she has trained countless students in artificial insemination, helping to shape the future of livestock management. Her dedication to mentorship is evident in her long-standing support of 4-H, where she has guided young producers with knowledge, encouragement, and hands-on learning opportunities. Her leadership in the Canadian Maine-Anjou Association has further strengthened opportunities for junior producers, ensuring that the next generation has the support they need to thrive.

Josie’s passion for agriculture, her tireless work ethic, and her unwavering support of others have made a lasting impact on the industry.

Janice Wirsta
The Ignitor

Janice’s impact on agriculture and community leadership is remarkable. As Northeast Area Director and Treasurer for 4-H Alberta, she plays a vital role in shaping the future of young agricultural leaders. Janice’s dedication to the 4-H program is deeply personal. She was a member herself for eight years, and now, as a leader for more than a decade, Janice continues to guide and mentor youth—including her own daughters—showing them the possibilities that exist for women in agriculture.

Beyond 4-H, Janice plays a pivotal role in her family’s operation, K-Cow Ranch, a successful purebred cow/calf business. She is involved in the financial and operational management of the farm, ensuring its long-term sustainability. She also champions succession planning, helping to integrate the next generation into the business, reinforcing the importance of women in decision-making and leadership roles in agriculture.

Her passion for the industry extends to her role as an agricultural lender, where she works closely with producers to help them achieve their financial goals. Whether guiding clients through the complexities of farm financing or selecting genetics to enhance her own breeding herd, Janice’s knowledge, leadership, and mentorship are making a difference across the industry.

Sheri Strydhorst
Professional Leader

Sheri is an expert, researcher, and educator whose contributions to the agricultural industry have been nothing short of remarkable. Her work in agronomic research has improved crop production, benefiting farmers across Alberta and Canada. She has led critical research programs in collaboration with Alberta Wheat Commission, Alberta Pulse Growers, and Alberta Agriculture, helping producers adopt new management practices to increase yields and sustainability.

Beyond research, Sheri is deeply committed to education and mentorship. She has taught and mentored students at the University of Alberta and Alberta Agriculture, led producer field workshops, and presented at national and international scientific conferences, reaching thousands of farmers, agronomists, and industry professionals. Her ability to bridge cutting-edge research with practical on-farm applications has made her a valuable asset to the industry.

Sheri’s leadership extends beyond her research—she has been a tireless advocate for securing increased funding for agricultural research, ensuring that farmers and producers have access to the latest innovations. She has successfully helped secure millions of dollars in funding for projects that directly support farmers on-farm management decisions, reinforcing the importance of science and innovation in agriculture.

Mariana Guerra-Maupome
The Promoter

Dr. Mariana Guerra-Maupome is an influential advocate for women in agriculture, using her expertise as a production animal veterinarian to mentor, educate, and elevate the industry. She is a highly visible role model for female veterinarians, demonstrating through her leadership that women have a strong and essential place in the agri-food sector.

Mariana’s impact reaches far beyond veterinary medicine. She is a bridge-builder, ensuring safety and inclusivity for feedlot workers by developing Spanish/English resources that have been widely adopted by industry organizations like the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Her efforts to improve communication and safety standards have had a direct, positive impact on the working conditions of many in the livestock sector.

She is also deeply committed to youth engagement and mentorship. Through her work at TELUS Agriculture, she leads programs that connect local youth with the food production cycle, fostering a deeper understanding of agriculture from an early age. Additionally, she plays a key role in the TELUS production animal veterinary externship program, where she has mentored and guided many young veterinarians—particularly women—helping them navigate their careers in the industry.

Her work is shaping the future of agriculture by creating inclusive spaces, fostering mentorship, and advocating for the advancement of women in the field.

Nikki Peltzer
The Community Builder

Nikki Peltzer has been a cornerstone of her community, leading with passion, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to building meaningful connections in agriculture. As a longtime mentor and leader in 4-H, Nikki has shaped the next generation of agricultural leaders, ensuring young people have access to learning opportunities, industry experiences, and the support they need to thrive.

Beyond 4-H, Nikki has been a driving force behind youth engagement in agriculture, playing a key role in Summer Synergy, the Strathmore Stampede, and the Rodeo Royalty program. She has worked diligently to promote women’s involvement in leadership roles, championing their participation in agricultural organizations and committees. Her ability to bring people together, foster mentorship, and encourage leadership has left a lasting mark on those she works with.

One of the defining aspects of Nikki’s leadership is her ability to bridge rural and urban communities. Through her work with the Strathmore Stampede Royalty Program, she has helped young women become strong advocates for agriculture and rural traditions, ensuring that the next generation understands the importance of the industry and its deep-rooted values.

Through her dedication to mentorship, leadership, and fostering a sense of community, Nikki has made a lasting difference in the lives of many. Her ability to connect people and strengthen organizations ensures the future of agriculture is in good hands.

Kendra Donnelly
The Maverick

Kendra Donnelly is redefining what it means to be a leader in agriculture. As President of Ki-Era Cattle and Consulting, she has embraced a non-traditional approach to agribusiness, proving that finance, consulting, and sustainability are just as critical to agricultural success as hands-on production. Her work is shaping the future of agriculture—one bold decision at a time.

Kendra led the integration of methane capture and renewable natural gas production, challenging long-standing manure management practices. Traditional methods rely on twice-yearly manure spreading, often leading to odour, dust, and environmental concerns. Instead of accepting that as the norm, Kendra took a risk—partnering with Tidewater Renewables to develop bio-digester technology that transforms waste into renewable energy, recycles water, and creates nutrient-rich byproducts. This project will not only reduce environmental impacts but will improve cattle performance and set a new standard for sustainable practices in the beef industry.

Her leadership extends beyond innovation—Kendra is also a champion for women in agriculture, breaking down industry norms and opening doors for others. She promotes and mentors women within her organization, ensuring they have opportunities to lead and succeed. By proving that success in agriculture comes from diverse expertise and unconventional thinking, she is inspiring the next generation to forge their own paths and embrace their unique strengths.

Amanda Elzinga-Pugh
The Rising Star

Amanda is an innovator, educator, and motivator in the agriculture industry. With over 9 years at Merck Animal Health, she has used her role to bridge the gap between industry, producers, and consumers, helping to educate and advocate for the best practices in animal health and sustainability.

But Amanda’s impact goes far beyond her professional work. She is a fierce advocate for women in agriculture and is one of the driving forces behind SHE Grows Beef, a conference that brings women in the industry together for education, mentorship, and support. This conference creates a space for women to share experiences, learn from experts, and gain the tools needed to thrive in agriculture.

Amanda also believes hands-on learning is essential, and she volunteers with 4-H, Lakeland College, and youth mentorship programs. She has coached, judged, and mentored young agriculturalists, ensuring that they develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Her impact can be seen in the countless young women she has encouraged, supported, and inspired.

Leona Staples
The Notable Lifetime Achiever

Leona Staples is a legacy-builder. As the co-owner and operator of The Jungle Farm, she has spent decades fostering agriculture education, agritourism, and business mentorship. Her farm welcomes over 30,000 visitors each year, ensuring that consumers understand the importance of agriculture and local food production.

Her influence extends far beyond her farm. She has been a steadfast advocate for women in agriculture, ensuring that women have opportunities to lead, grow, and succeed. She served on the Olds College Board of Governors, helping shape education for future generations of agricultural professionals, and played a key role in launching the Calgary Farmers’ Market, a now multi-million-dollar enterprise that has helped countless small businesses and farmers thrive.

She has also spent more than 30 years as part of the Innisfail Growers Cooperative, a pioneering collaboration that has helped farm families remain viable, profitable, and connected to their communities.

But what sets Leona apart is her commitment to mentorship and education. Whether through 4-H, school programs, business development, or industry leadership, she has dedicated her career to ensuring others have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

Leona leads by example—she invests in people, builds communities, and uplifts the next generation. She is an advocate, an innovator, and a mentor whose impact will continue to shape the industry for years to come.

Congratulations to all our 2025 award winners.

840 CFCW is the official media partner for the AFSC Women in Ag Award.