Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1084285
15 people from other classes, too," Rigg said. "I have a pocketbook of people I know from this program that help one another find jobs, and more." Once they've participated in the program, many members choose to stay involved in the almond industry. For example, Rigg has served on two ABC committees and currently sits on the Global Market Development Committee. Similarly, Phippen is a fifth-year mentor for the Leadership program, a commitment that demonstrates the value of the program and the desire for industry members to challenge and support each other in growing in their careers and broadening their horizons. "I went from being a member 10 years ago to passing on what I learned to others," Phippen said. "I wanted to encourage younger people to get involved, whether that be as Almond Board of California committee members or members of the Board of Directors. They come in with fresh ideas that elevate the industry." In the 10 years since the program's inception, many changes have taken place — one being the group's sheer growth in the number of participants. But the goal remains the same: to build a community of leaders prepared to advance the almond industry into the future. To learn more and apply to be a participant in a future Almond Leadership Program, visit the Leadership webpage at Almonds.com/ Growers. Almond Board of California's (ABC) multiple areas of focus and staff who seek to benefit the industry. "The Almond Leadership Program gets the younger generation of leaders engaged in industry current events," Souza said. "Personally, it has made me more aware of the issues and taught me how I can use that to prepare to be a future leader." Sullivan Grosz, another 2018 Leadership participant, represents the farm lands department at Pearson Realty. Grosz said his career is built on relationships, trust and knowledge, values that the Almond Leadership Program instills in each of its members. "The friendships with my fellow classmates, mentors and all involved in the program will continue to grow and last a lifetime," Grosz said. "The almond industry knowledge I gained with the program gives me a tremendous edge in my industry." Participants throughout the years can tell you firsthand that the relationships formed through the Leadership program last long after the program formally ends in December of each year. "The networking is really important, and I have kept in contact with many of my classmates," Phippen said. Rigg said this network reaches across Leadership classes, too. "There's a group of us in our class that stay in contact, but I know many Service is a pillar of the Almond Leadership Program. The 2018 Leadership Class visited Valley Children's Hospital in Madera for a morning spent creating almond art with young patients. (Photo by the Almond Board of California)