Pivot Bio Honors 15 Global Fields of Promise Fellows Under Age 20
As it celebrates 15 years of transforming agriculture through science and innovation, Pivot Bio has unveiled a new global recognition initiative designed to spotlight the next generation of agricultural changemakers. The company announced the launch of Fields of Promise, a worldwide honors program that will recognize 15 outstanding young people under the age of 20 whose leadership, ideas and community service are making a meaningful impact on agriculture and rural communities.
The initiative is one of several major programs marking Pivot Bio’s 15th anniversary and reflects the company’s belief that the future of agriculture depends on empowering young innovators today. Through Fields of Promise, Pivot Bio will celebrate young entrepreneurs, scientists, students and community leaders whose work is helping strengthen food systems, advance agricultural innovation and improve rural livelihoods across the globe.
Investing in Agriculture’s Next Generation
Agriculture is undergoing rapid transformation as farmers, researchers and agribusinesses adopt new technologies to improve productivity while addressing sustainability challenges. Pivot Bio believes that young people will play a central role in shaping this future, bringing fresh ideas and innovative solutions to issues ranging from food security and environmental stewardship to scientific research and rural economic development.
The Fields of Promise initiative has been created around a simple but powerful vision: recognizing young individuals who are already making meaningful contributions and encouraging others to pursue careers that strengthen agriculture and rural communities.
The program forms part of Pivot Bio’s broader anniversary celebration, including its Year of One Million Thanks campaign. Throughout the anniversary year, the company plans to highlight inspiring stories of young leaders whose efforts demonstrate the many different ways agriculture creates opportunities, drives innovation and supports communities around the world.
By investing in emerging talent, Pivot Bio hopes to encourage more students and young professionals to explore careers in agriculture, science, engineering, technology and community leadership.
Celebrating Leadership Beyond the Farm
According to Pivot Bio Chief Executive Officer Chris Abbott, agriculture extends far beyond farming itself. It encompasses science, education, technology, conservation, food production and the strength of rural communities.
Abbott explained that the company’s anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on Pivot Bio’s achievements over the past 15 years but also a chance to recognize young people who are shaping agriculture’s future through leadership and service.
He said Fields of Promise enables the company to celebrate young innovators, invest in their development and inspire others to discover how agriculture can become a pathway for creating positive change. Abbott expressed pride in recognizing young people whose commitment and achievements are already making a difference in their communities.
First Fellows Recognized Through Science Bound
The inaugural Fields of Promise Fellows are Veronica Banuelos and Miranda Estrada Suarez, two exceptional students nominated through Science Bound, a nationally recognized educational program based at Iowa State University.
Science Bound encourages students to prepare for careers in agriculture, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and education while helping them develop leadership skills that benefit their communities.
The organization has built a strong reputation for supporting students from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with academic opportunities, mentorship and professional development experiences that prepare them for successful careers.
Pivot Bio surprised Banuelos and Estrada Suarez during a Science Bound session focused on the future of agriculture, where CEO Chris Abbott personally announced their selection as the program’s first Fields of Promise Fellows.
Veronica Banuelos: Inspiring Through Science and Service
Veronica Banuelos represents the growing number of young leaders entering agriculture through scientific research and community engagement.
As a first-generation college student, Banuelos has demonstrated remarkable commitment to agricultural education while serving as a bilingual leader who actively mentors and encourages future agricultural professionals.
Her interests center on animal science, veterinary medicine and sustainable agriculture. Through veterinary clinical internships and agricultural research at Iowa State University, she has gained valuable practical experience while contributing to scientific advancement in animal health.
Beyond academics, Banuelos has invested significant time mentoring younger students and promoting careers in STEM and agriculture. Her leadership demonstrates how education and service can work together to inspire the next generation.
Her accomplishments have already earned several prestigious honors, including the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) Future Leaders Award, the AmeriCorps National Service Award, and the Pathways to Innovation & Leadership Access to Higher Impact Learning Award.
These recognitions highlight her dedication to improving agriculture while supporting students and communities through education and leadership.
Pivot Bio noted that Banuelos exemplifies the purpose of Fields of Promise by demonstrating how young leaders can use science, compassion and service to create lasting benefits for agriculture and society.
Miranda Estrada Suarez: Building the Future of Agribusiness
The second Fields of Promise Fellow, Miranda Estrada Suarez, brings a different but equally valuable perspective to agriculture.
Currently a second-year Science Bound scholar at Iowa State University, Estrada Suarez is pursuing degrees in Accounting and Business Analytics through the Ivy College of Business.
Growing up in a rural community in western Iowa gave her a firsthand understanding of agriculture’s importance to local economies and families. As a first-generation college student, she has become passionate about using business knowledge to strengthen the agricultural industry.
Her interests focus on leadership development, professional growth and community engagement—skills that are increasingly important as agriculture becomes more data-driven and technologically advanced.
Recently, Estrada Suarez completed the Gerdin Leaders Academy, earning a Gerdin Leaders micro-credential that recognizes leadership excellence. She has also been named Member of the Month for demonstrating ethical leadership, community service and a commitment to inspiring others.
In addition to her academic achievements, she serves as a mentor leader within Science Bound, supporting both pre-college and university students while helping create opportunities for future agricultural professionals.
Her work illustrates how business, analytics and leadership are becoming essential components of modern agriculture.
Science Bound’s Role in Developing Future Leaders
Science Bound Director Dr. Alexis Campbell praised both students for embodying the values behind the Fields of Promise initiative.
She emphasized that Science Bound believes meaningful change begins by providing students with opportunities to learn, explore and develop leadership skills.
According to Campbell, Banuelos and Estrada Suarez lead with curiosity, compassion and purpose while understanding that lasting impact comes from investing in others.
She expressed pride in nominating both students as the first Fields of Promise Fellows and celebrated their recognition as examples of young leaders who are already making significant contributions to agriculture and their communities.
A Global Recognition Program
While the first fellows were selected through Science Bound, Fields of Promise is designed as a global initiative that will eventually recognize young people from many different regions and backgrounds.
The program seeks to celebrate individuals whose work reflects innovation, service, leadership and a commitment to strengthening agriculture and rural communities.
Future fellows may include students, researchers, entrepreneurs, volunteers and young professionals who are addressing challenges related to food production, sustainability, education, conservation or rural development.
By highlighting a diverse range of success stories, Pivot Bio hopes to demonstrate the many career pathways available within modern agriculture.
Nominations Open This September
Pivot Bio announced that nominations for the Fields of Promise 15 Under 20 program will officially open on September 7.
Students, educators, community organizations and industry leaders will have the opportunity to nominate outstanding young people whose achievements deserve international recognition.
Individuals interested in learning more about eligibility requirements, nomination guidelines and the overall program are encouraged to visit the official Fields of Promise website when nominations become available.
As Pivot Bio celebrates its milestone anniversary, the launch of Fields of Promise underscores the company’s long-term commitment not only to advancing agricultural innovation but also to investing in the young leaders who will define the future of farming, food production and rural communities for generations to come.
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