Josie Pashulka

The Operator:
Recognizing hands-on agricultural excellence

As the backbone of Rusylvia Cattle Co., Josie manages a thriving purebred and commercial cow-calf operation, 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. She is a long-standing supporter of 4-H as well as the Canadian Maine-Anjou Association guiding and providing opportunities for junior producers, ensuring that the next generation has the support they need to thrive.

Janice Wirsta

The Ignitor:
Honouring an AFSC team member driving change

As Northeast Area Director and Treasurer for 4-H Alberta, Janice plays a vital role in shaping the future of young agricultural leaders. 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, ensuring long-term sustainability through the financial and operational management of the farm. She also champions succession planning by integrating the next generation into the business, reinforcing the importance of women in decision-making and leadership roles in agriculture.

Whether guiding clients through the complexities of farm financing or selecting genetics to enhance her own breeding herd, Janice works closely with producers to help them achieve their financial goals, making a difference across the industry with her knowledge, leadership and mentorship.

Sheri Strydhorst

The Professional Leader:
Celebrating industry professionals shaping the future

An expert, researcher, and educator, Sheri’s 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, through teaching students at the University of Alberta and Alberta Agriculture, leading producer field workshops, and presenting at national and international scientific conferences. Her ability to bridge cutting-edge research with practical on-farm applications has made her a valuable asset to the industry.

Sheri has been a tireless advocate for securing increased funding for agricultural research, successfully helping 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.

Dr. Mariana Guerra-Maupome

The Promoter:
Recognizing those amplifying agriculture’s voice

An animal veterinarian, Mariana has used her expertise to mentor, educate, and elevate the industry as a highly visible role model for female veterinarians. 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.

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.

Nikki Peltzer

The Community Builder:
Acknowledging grassroots campaigns

As a longtime mentor and leader in 4-H as well as playing a key role in Summer Synergy, the Strathmore Stampede, and the Rodeo Royalty program, Nikki has been a driving force behind youth engagement in agriculture, shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Through her work with the Strathmore Stampede Royalty Program, she has worked diligently to promote women’s involvement in leadership roles, championing their participation in agricultural organizations and committees, and helping them become strong advocates for agriculture and rural traditions.

Kendra Donnelly

The Maverick:
Honouring bold, unconventional leadership

As President of Ki-Era Cattle and Consulting, Kendra 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.

She 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.

Beyond innovation, she is also a champion for women in agriculture, breaking down industry norms and opening doors for others by promoting and mentoring women within her organization, ensuring they have opportunities to lead and succeed. 

Amanda Elzinga-Pugh

The Rising Star:
Spotlighting emerging talent

With over 9 years at Merck Animal Health, Amanda 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.

A fierce advocate for women in agriculture, she is one of the driving forces behind SHE Grows Beef, a conference that brings women in the industry together for education, mentorship, and support.

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.

Leona Staples

The Notable Lifetime Achiever:
A special tribute to an individual’s enduring impact

As the co-owner and operator of The Jungle Farm, Leona 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.

She has been a steadfast advocate for women in agriculture, serving on the Olds College Board of Governors to shape education for future generations of agricultural professionals, and playing 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.

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.