Women manage significant roles on dairy farms and vendor businesses, in addition to serving in leadership positions among industry organizations. The experience of professional women involved within the dairy industry is very unique. Passions, triumphs and challenges are somewhat different, compared to other agricultural sectors.
Many dairywomen desire fellow connections and insights for success. The Dairy Girl Network (DGN) aspires to help one another in continuing to move industry progress forward. The group offers opportunities for all women in the dairy industry to achieve personal and professional development.
Through networking events, educational programs, and mentoring, DGN empowers dairywomen to CONNECT INSPIRE ACHIEVE® together.
DGN Leadership
The DGN Board of Directors includes elected representatives serving as dairy farmers and industry professionals. The leadership team also includes advisory members and DGN staff.
Rebecca Pfeffer
President
Maola, Altoona, PA
Email
“Being elected to a board that represents female voices across the U.S. dairy industry makes you pause and think… wow. This is a HUGE deal. I do not take this responsibility lightly and am so honored that I am trusted to be a part of this. In addition to my professional skillset, I am excited to bring my millennial perspective, upbeat attitude and willingness to ask questions to help this board enhance the lives and create opportunities for all individuals involved.”
Mary Knigge
Vice President
Dairy Farmers of America, Washington DC
Email
“I’m thrilled to be part of the Dairy Girl Network which shares my desire to foster collaboration, empower and the support of women involved in the dairy industry. This is something that not only benefits the women involved but the entire industry.”
Julie Patterson
Treasurer/Secretary
Farmer, Auburn, NY
Email
“I enjoy learning and connecting with others. I get fulfillment from seeing people grow, learn new things, and I support people being true to themselves. Through the years, Dairy Girl Network has embodied these things for me. DGN is the unique to the agricultural industry by fulfilling its members in ways you don’t necessarily find with other organizations.”
Industry Representatives:
Jennifer Fernandes Hanf
Milc Group, Pismo Beach, CA
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“I have met, learned and worked with many wonderful women through the Dairy Girl Network and I’m excited to serve on the board. It is a true privilege and honor to be part of an organization that connects, supports, and educates women with a shared passion for the dairy industry.”
Kimberly Tarvis
State University of New York (SUNY) Cobleskill, Cobleskill, NY
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“As an educator, it is my mission to help students to achieve their greatest potential. DGN is an organization that aligns with that mission; to help women, and those who support women in the dairy industry, to dream without reservation and grow through challenges. I am excited to be a part of the DGN Board of Directors to shape the future of DGN and listen to the voices of folks that make up this incredible organization!”
Julie Veldhuis
smaXtec, Twin Falls, ID
Email
“It is an exciting time to be a woman in the world of agriculture! Since I was a little girl, it was my dream to be part of something bigger and the beneficiary of that hard work was the dairy industry. With my grandson getting ready to turn 1, I want to ensure he has the opportunity to be a 5th generation dairy farmer!”
Dairy Producers:
Natalie Berning
East Dubuque, IL
Email
“I am thrilled and honored to be joining the DGN Board of Directors. In 2022, I attended my first DGN Forward Together Conference, and it was nothing short of life-changing. Meeting so many incredible women who are making a real impact in the dairy industry inspired me in ways I never expected. I am excited to help spread the word about this amazing organization and to create opportunities for other women to connect, grow, and pursue their dreams. I’ve witnessed and experienced first hand Dairy Girl Network empower women through the variety of outreach efforts they offer and am am eager to help foster these powerful engagements amongst more women in dairy.”
Sarah Daugherty
Cuba City, WI
Email
“Experiencing the Dairy Girl Network’s growth from an informal gathering of women at World Dairy Expo to what it is today is nothing short of inspiring. The mission has evolved and become much more far-reaching while maintaining the core commitment of empowering women through connection. In addition to working 20+ years in the dairy industry in nutrition, education and heifer raising, my husband and I have been also blessed with six children. Navigating a career while working as a woman in the dairy industry has taught me the importance of flexibility, patience and living with intentionality. I hope to offer insight to other women that are navigating the path of career-building while creating an important family-life in the process.”
Rosario Ibarra
St Nazianz, WI
Email
“I have always admired the opportunities that the US dairy industry offers to women. As our population changes, it is key for our industry to embrace its diversity and create opportunities for women of all backgrounds, so they can get involved, engage, influence, and grow the dairy industry. As a Latina farmer it is my honor to represent a valuable sector of our industry, and I am committed to be the voice of many other women behind the scenes. DGN’s inspiring events build bridges to connect and empower women, so I am excited to be part of its vision.”
Stacy Konyn
Escondido, CA
Email
“I am excited to be a part of Dairy Girl Network. I am passionate about empowering women through education, support, and shared knowledge. I look forward to connecting with other members, offering practical guidance, and contributing to a network that uplifts and strengthens our community, ensuring a thriving future for women in dairy.”
Siska Reece
Melba, ID
Email
“I am excited to bridge the gap between the Midwestern dairy girls and those of us in the West! I’m also excited to meet new people, learn from them and make more friends!”
Lorilee Schultz
Orangeville, IL
Email
“Dairy women are some of the hardest working, most resourceful and resilient people on the planet. I am inspired every day by the women across the country doing amazing things on their farms, within their families, and in their communities. But I also know that it’s an incredibly demanding, sometimes isolating, and often complicated role. I am honored to be part of this organization that brings us together to share both our struggles and our victories, while also providing opportunities to learn and grow.”
Advisory Members to the Board:
Laura Daniels
Dairy Girl Network Founder and Ex-Oficio President
Hitch Pin Consulting, Cobb, WI
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“I have always been an advocate for advancing women to leadership roles within agriculture. The Dairy Girl Network influences women dairy farmers and dairy professionals and brings us together to build friendships, grow networking opportunities and unite us all by our passion.”
Dr. Kelly Reed
Diamond V, Prosser, WA
Email
“I have a passion for the dairy industry specifically in education and collaboration, both within our industry and to our consumers. Dairy Girl Network provides an great opportunity to advance our industry in these ways and so much more. I am very excited for the opportunity to contribute!”
Leah Hurtgen Ziemba
Michael, Best & Friedrich LLP, Madison, WI
Email
“I’ve found that the right mentor at the right time is vital to achieving personal and professional success. I welcome the opportunity to provide my perspective to the Dairy Girl Network and giving back to the agricultural industry that I love.”
Staff:
Amanda Borkowski
Executive Officer
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“I learned about DGN in college during World Dairy Expo, and it immediately shaped my life. Not growing up on a farm, I fell in love with dairy during college, and having a support group of women in all different backgrounds but with the same passion really helped me dive into this industry.”
Renee Norman-Kenny
Operations Officer
Email
“Sharing a passion and love for the dairy cow is what brings these passionate, hardworking and remarkable dairywomen together. Yet it is each individual woman’s support, discussion and relationship with other dairywomen that truly makes each of us stand out and shine.”
LuAnn Troxel
Financial Officer
Email
“The Dairy Girl Network provides a unique forum for women who love the dairy industry to share ideas and make connections. It’s just great to be involved and see how this organization can grow.”
Brenda Gilbertson
Key Projects Lead
Email
“As a mother of four girls, it’s my hope that they’ll have the opportunities they desire to pursue in the future. With networking, education and support all in one place – DGN opens new doors for self-growth, reaching dairywomen where they are. This is quite impactful and an amazing resource for women involved in dairy farming.”
Brittany Radtke
Event and Experience Coordinator
“Dairy Girl Network has provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share similar passions and experiences, which is invaluable as a business professional. Every day I strive to lift up and support female entrepreneurs in whatever way I can. I’m proud to be part of the DGN community and look forward to continuing my involvement in order to achieve our common goals.”
Chelsie Voorhees
Communications Coordinator
Email
“There’s something powerful about women showing up for each other, especially in agriculture. At Dairy Girl Network, I’ve found more than connection. It’s a sisterhood that understands the life we’re living and the legacy we’re building.”