Generations of entrepreneurship

Isabella Koenig professional headshot

Name: Izzie Koenig

Hometown: Botkins, OH

Major: Agribusiness (Finance Concentration)

Why did you come to Purdue: I came to Purdue for its nationally recognized strength in the College of Agriculture, but I knew it was the right place for me when I felt genuine support from every staff member I met. The professional development opportunities and the passion of Purdue’s alumni network made it clear this was a community where I could grow and thrive.

Favorite Purdue tradition: Old Gold and Black - I’ve been committed to the colors since elementary school. No matter where I am, I love spotting someone proudly wearing Old Gold and Black and instantly connecting over our shared Boilermaker pride.

Koenig posing with NAMA group in a conference center hall

Top three influences at Purdue:

  1. My NAMA team members - I am constantly learning and growing alongside them while having fun along the way. They were the first to make me feel welcome at Purdue.
  2. The entire College of Ag - The incredible talent, passion and support shown by both students and faculty have continually reminded me that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
  3. Friends - Some of my greatest memories and biggest sources of support have come from the friends I’ve met at Purdue. Their encouragement and friendship have made campus feel like home. 
Top five memories of your time at Purdue: 
  1. Tuesdays at NAMA practice - plenty of hard work, but many more laughs for balance
  2. All the NAMA competitions - seeing months of preparation and dedication come to life
  3. Trekking to Mackey in a blizzard
  4. Rising Professionals Program 2025
  5. Celebrating birthdays with friends on campus
Places you have been as a Purdue student: 
  • Austria, Slovenia, Italy - AGEC Study Abroad
  • Kansas City, MO - AFA Leaders Conference and ’25 NAMA competition
  • St. Louis, MO - ’26 NAMA competition
  • Indianapolis, IN - Corteva internship
  • Denver, CO - Sigma Alpha Leadership Conference

Koenig with friends dressed in formal wear

Favorite club/organization: 

  • Campus-wide - Old Masters/Rising Professionals
  • College of Agriculture - National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA)

Favorite student-led event: Purdue Student Government

Favorite Purdue event: Men’s basketball games in Mackey

Favorite place to study: ABE

Favorite thing about CoA: The people! I haven’t met someone who isn’t extremely passionate about their major. 

Favorite class: AGEC 425 - Estate Planning and Property Transfer

Favorite professor: Dr. Moss

Class you are excited to take your senior year: AGEC 524 - Agricultural Finance

Three biggest accomplishments at Purdue: 

  1. Earning recognition as one of the top five students in my department each year
  2. Building lifelong friendships and mentorships
  3. Helping lead our NAMA team and fostering a healthy, high-performing culture

Koenig in front of Corteva Agriscience sign in a leaf wall

Something about you that is not listed on your resume: I have a heart for entrepreneurship - my family owns three small businesses!

Future plans: After graduation, I hope to gain experience in an administrative role within the agricultural industry, earn my MBA and then help lead the fifth generation of my family’s agricultural equipment dealership. 

Advice for underclassmen: Be patient; there is no success without failure. Keep applying for organizations and leadership positions, even if you’ve been denied before. The right opportunities and people will come along.

The biggest takeaway from Purdue: Pursue what truly excites you and build meaningful connections along the way!