Voices of Women in Ag Tech: Ambassador Profile on Carolyn Gunkel
Women in Ag Tech is a newly formed and crucial group that aims to provide women in agriculture technology with a platform to connect, engage, and build a community.
As part of our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the agricultural technology sector, we bring you exclusive insights from our inspirational ambassadors and other women leading the way forward in ag tech.
We recognize the importance of hearing directly from women in our industry. Their expertise and unique insights offer a fresh and dynamic approach to tackling challenges and driving innovation in this rapidly evolving field. Join us as we delve into their stories and expertise empowering you with the knowledge and inspiration to shape the future of Ag Tech.
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In this Ambassador Profile, we feature Carolyn Gunkel from the law firm Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath.
Carolyn Gunkel
Who are you and what do you do in the ag tech industry?
Carolyn Gunkel: I am an attorney at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath in Des Moines, Iowa. I have litigated ag-related cases for more than 15 years. I’ve represented many different players in the ag industry, including product manufacturers and retailers, and I’ve worked on many different kinds of cases, including cases alleging crop damage, personal injury, and the protection of intellectual property. Most of our cases involve some aspect of ag tech, whether it be satellite imagery of crops, data from grower platforms, or data from farm implements, and so on.
How did you achieve the success that you have in the industry?
CG: My success comes from not being afraid to ask questions of the smart people I’ve met in the ag industry. Having been born and raised in Iowa, frequently visiting my grandparents’ farms, I thought I knew about agriculture. It wasn’t until I started litigating ag cases that I saw how many interesting issues face the industry. I’ve been lucky to have client contacts who are experts in their fields who have been willing to take the time to teach me. That industry knowledge, combined with my legal skills, has positioned me well to handle my caseload.
Could you share a pivotal moment in your career that helped you get to where you are today?
CG: When I was a first-year lawyer, a combination of factors led me to the opportunity to take my first deposition, a task that is usually reserved for more senior lawyers. I was nervous to do it and afraid my inexperience would show, but it went really well! That gave me the confidence to approach new opportunities with fewer nerves and more enthusiasm.
What advice would you give to other women trying to succeed in this field?
CG: After my oldest child was born, I went on a reduced time schedule, and, since then, I have explored different alternative schedules within the firm. I was initially hesitant to do so, worried that deviating from a full-time partner-track associate position would mean that I wouldn’t get interesting and challenging work. Thankfully, that has not been the case! My advice to other women trying to succeed in any job in agriculture is to not be afraid to craft your career in a way that serves you and your family best.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
CG: To echo a sentiment that I shared above, there are more different and exciting opportunities in the agriculture industry than I had ever imagined. If you have an idea or see a new opportunity, don’t be afraid to go for it!
What’s a fun or unexpected fact about yourself?
CG: For the last five to six years, my hobby has been powerlifting, which is performing the squat, bench press, and deadlift with a barbell. I had never touched a barbell until I was 37 years old, but once I saw how much stronger I could get, I was hooked! I train with a great group of supportive women who have become good friends, which makes it even more fun.
What was your first job?
CG: When I was in middle school, I babysat for several families in my neighborhood. I remember being thrilled if I got paid $2 an hour.
Women in Ag Tech is a crucial initiative for advancing and advocating for women in the field and provides a platform to connect, engage, and build a community. The initiative prioritizes opportunities for women to engage both face-to-face and virtually by cultivating a collaborative community through access to mentorship programs, idea exchanges, and collaboration with professionals and organizations within our industry.
Join our Women in Ag Tech LinkedIn Community Group and attend our first in-person meeting at Tech Hub LIVE in Des Moines, Iowa on July 24th. Learn More and Register at TechHubLIVE.com.
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