Voices of Women in Ag Tech: Ambassador Profile on Carolyne Vowell
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 Carolyne Vowell of Soiltech Wireless.
Carolyne Vowell
Who are you and what do you do in the ag tech industry?
Carolyne Vowell: My name is Carolyne Vowell and I am the Product Manager and Sustainability Lead for Soiltech Wireless.
How did you achieve the success that you have in the industry?
CS: I think I’ve been successful in this industry because of my ability to adapt and learn on the job. I didn’t grow up on a farm, I didn’t study soil or plant health in school, I studied geography. That being said, the science of “where” provided a broad base of knowledge to build upon. Through all the roles I have had, I listened, observed, started forming and testing opinions, read hundreds of articles, and listened to a lot of podcasts. And I tailored my social media to agriculture and ag-tech to learn from people I had never met before, people from all across the industry. That ability to do the research and teach yourself new things is a highly underrated skill, but I believe that is the only reason I am where I am today.
Could you share a pivotal moment in your career that helped you get to where you are today?
CS: I ended up in the agriculture industry inadvertently. After graduating college, I got a job as a GIS Technician that just happened to be with a grower/packer/shipper operation. I learned how vital maps, imagery, and technology are to a corporate farm like this and wanted to learn more about the in-field applications. I took on the task of building an in-house drone program and doing all of the remote sensing analytics, and from there started working with an agronomist who helped immerse me in the world of agri-tech. That whole experience was pivotal for me.
What advice would you give to other women trying to succeed in this field?
CS: A year ago, I was thinking of leaving the agriculture industry altogether. I’d had several years that really tested me and I was feeling burnt out from working so hard to repeatedly prove myself and gain respect as a colleague. I had some allies, but in the day-to-day, I felt very isolated being the only woman in the field with about 20 male counterparts. I alienated myself even further when I reported the inappropriate behavior of multiple co-workers to human resources. But within this bubble of isolation, I learned to stand up for myself. I learned to speak out even if I’m being shushed; and by speaking up I was able to pull some other women out of isolation, letting them know that they are not alone. I say all this not to discourage others, but to be honest about what it may be like and what it may take to succeed. You have to be mentally tough and harness that strength to stand up and speak up. You can’t be afraid of asking for advice or for help, and shouldn’t ever be afraid of voicing any safety concerns. Find your mentors and allies and leverage those relationships. And don’t work toward success hoping to prove yourself to others, do the work because it will make a difference and have an impact on the future.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
CS: Don’t underestimate or dismiss the quiet ones in the room. The people that don’t speak up much and get called out for their lack of participation, these folks are actively listening, observing, and absorbing information. That was me, and I feel like that quiet time paid off.
What’s a fun or unexpected fact about yourself?
CS: In my off hours, I work with my dog on scent detection. My goal is to use her, and to train other rescue dogs, to help detect pests and diseases within agriculture fields.
What was your first job?
CS: My first job was working as an animal caretaker at a humane society.
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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