Twenty-five students from disciplines throughout the CAES attended the Regions I/II/III Virtual MANRRS Cluster Conference Sept. 25-26.

In addition to participating in the various professional development programs offered through the conference, three students won awards in their respective competitions:

• First Place Impromptu Speech: Milosh McAdoo
• First Place Interview Competition: Jasmine McIver
• Second Place Elevator Pitch: Tahirah Jones

Sophomore Milosh McAdoo won first place in the conference’s Impromptu Speech Contest.

“This contest, and the cluster in general, allowed for me to push out of my comfort zone and grow even more in my leadership and knowledge of the agricultural industry,” said McAdoo, a sophomore studying animal sciences. “I’m overall just really glad I had the opportunity to represent North Carolina A&T.”

The MANRRS Regional Cluster Meetings, held virtually this year, serve as the organization’s premiere recruiting events in the fall. Each cluster featured an opportunity fair, mock interviews, student competitions, an alumni mixer, and professional and leadership development for student and professional attendees.

The goal of the cluster meetings was to encourage diversity and pluralism and promote the development of those leadership skills that will prepare attendees to thrive in the agricultural, natural resources and related sciences. Attendees were provided effective strategies and techniques for professional development and advancement in today’s work environment.  MANRRS hoped to achieve this goal by collaborating with corporate, government and university partners to offer seminars that provide a guide for attendees’ future success.

The 1890 Center of Excellence to Motivate and Educate for Achievement supported the attendance of 21 students. Based at N.C. A&T, the MEA Center of Excellence serves all 19 of the 1890 land-grant universities. It encourages and supports young people from underrepresented minority groups to pursue studies and careers in the food, agriculture, natural resources and human (FANH) sciences and the broader STEM fields.

“The MANRRS 2020 regional cluster was my first experience with the organization,” said Brandon Free, a freshman studying animal sciences. “Before joining the zoom, I was expecting to see a large number of participants and a well-organized event. That’s exactly what I experienced over both days.

“The cluster meetings were very informative, and it provided me with amazing tips that I can use for my future. Overall, I felt encouraged and capable of pursuing my dream career. I learned the importance of networking and building connections and getting experience when I am ready to apply for future careers.”