Voices of Women in Ag Tech: Ambassador Profile on Robyn Heine
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 Robyn Heine from Intelinair.
Robyn Heine
Who are you and what do you do in the ag tech industry?
Robyn Heine: I am Vice President for Communications at Intelinair, an ag tech start-up company based in Indianapolis. We use multiple data sources for imagery and bring it into our digital platform, AGMRI, where we run the imagery through agronomic patterns that we developed. These insights are shared with growers and ag retailer subscribers to identify issues in the field so that they can take appropriate action(s) throughout the entire growing season. I am inspired by being part of the growing ag tech industry and grateful to be working directly with team members and our customers every day. With this innovative technology and partnerships and collaborations, we are helping to tie technology to agronomic challenges, while also working toward solving the many challenges that our industry is facing today, labor challenges, etc.
How did you achieve the success that you have in the industry?
RH: Three things have helped me achieve success: Being a lifelong learner, adapting to different roles and situations, and finding mentors at all stages of my career to guide me. Throughout my career, working hard and listening to others to gain different perspectives were fundamental skills.
Could you share a pivotal moment in your career that helped you get to where you are today?
RH: I became a leader of the former Dow AgroSciences global public affairs function in the mid-2000s. I was responsible for leading all areas of the communications function for the company. In this role, I learned how to collaborate cross functionally in a multinational company, consider many voices in decision making, and lead a global team. I used what I learned at a large company and adapted those skills now that I’m working in a small start-up company where agility and continuous customer feedback is key.
What advice would you give to other women who are trying to succeed in this field?
RH: My daughter just started her career in the agricultural industry last year. I offer this advice that was once shared with me earlier in my career from a string of mentors along my journey: Challenge yourself, keep learning, learn to embrace change, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and own your career. It’s easy to say but hard to do. Keep perspective and stay positive, when you’re stressed and overwhelmed this can be forgotten!
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
RH: Being a mentor is meaningful work. If you are considering being a mentor, don’t be afraid to jump in – start small and build from there. You have more to offer than you realize, and you will get so much out of the experience of helping other women in agriculture. And continue to build and nurture your network.
What’s a fun or unexpected fact about yourself?
RH: I grew up on a farm in Southeast South Dakota with nine siblings. Our family farm is still operating today with my brothers and nephews.
What was your first job?
RH: Radio announcer for a local radio station.
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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