Young people sowing the seeds of tomorrow
15 Under 20 Fields of Promise
The world’s next great agricultural innovators, scientists, farmers and changemakers are already among us.
Fields of Promise honors 15 extraordinary young people under the age of 20 whose passion, leadership and ideas are creating a stronger future for agriculture and the planet.
Fields of Promise is a global honor recognizing 15 extraordinary young people under the age of 20 whose leadership, innovation, service and bold ideas are helping shape the future of agriculture, food, science and rural communities.
From laboratories and classrooms to family farms and communities around the world, these remarkable young leaders are advancing scientific discovery, pioneering new technologies, championing conservation, strengthening rural communities and inspiring others through their passion and purpose.
Through curiosity, determination and a commitment to making a difference, these young changemakers are planting the seeds for generations to come.
Selected annually as a class of 15 under 20 Fields of Promise Fellows, they represent the creativity, optimism and leadership that will help feed, fuel and sustain the world for generations.
15 Under 20 Fields of Promise reflects Pivot Bio’s belief that investing in the next generation is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of agriculture, and in the people who will lead it.
Nominate
“As we celebrate Pivot Bio’s 15th anniversary, there’s no better way to look ahead than by celebrating the young people who are already helping shape the future. Fields of Promise gives us the opportunity to recognize their leadership, invest in their potential and inspire others to discover the ways they can make a difference through ag and the communities it supports.” Chris Abbott, CEO Pivot Bio
Eligibility Criteria
Nominees must be under the age of 20 at the time of nomination and impact activities must have happened within the last 12 months
There is no single path to becoming a Fields of Promise fellow. Some are scientists, others entrepreneurs, advocates, farmers, inventors or volunteers. What they share is a willingness to act, a commitment to serving others and the belief that agriculture can be a powerful force for good.
Meet the Fellows
Meet the first two honorees from the inaugural class of Fields of Promise. Beginning September 7, 2026, nominations will open as we continue building the inaugural class, selecting the remaining fellows over the next 12 months to complete the inaugural class of 15.
Veronica Banuelos
Veronica is a first-generation college student and bilingual leader whose passion for agriculture, animal science and service is helping inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals. Through veterinary clinical internships, agricultural research at Iowa State University and leadership roles in which she mentors students and promotes STEM careers, Veronica has combined hands-on experience with a deep commitment to advancing animal health and sustainable agriculture.
Her leadership has been recognized with 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. She embodies the vision of the Fields of Promise award — a young leader who believes agriculture can build a better future for people, communities and the planet, and who is helping to make that future a reality.
Miranda Estrada Suarez
Miranda is a second-year Science Bound scholar at Iowa State University majoring in Accounting and Business Analytics (Ivy College of Business) who has a passion for leadership, professional development and community engagement. As a first-generation scholar who grew up in a rural Western Iowa community, she understands the value of agriculture to communities and is driven to make an impact in the agribusiness space.
She recently completed the Gerdin Leaders Academy earning a Gerdin Leaders micro-credential and has been recognized as a ‘Member of the Month’ for her commitment to ethical leadership, service, and inspiring others through her actions. Miranda is dedicated to building the foundation needed to make a meaningful impact in business while giving back to her community, and she is committed to growing as a collaborative and purpose-driven leader. Miranda also serves as a Science Bound mentor leader during the year, giving back to the pre-college and college programming.