A Summer in D.C. with Purdue Alumni

Emma Sheward (Junior, Agribusiness; Frankton, IN) spent summer 2025 interning in Washington, D.C. with DTB AgriTrade, a trade policy firm. The firm is a shared partnership among six individuals, three of whom are Purdue alumni: Ben Conner, Stephen Sothmann and Roger Wentzel. In her role, she participated in trade deals research, converted complex policy and marketing into clear materials for clients and developed skills in government-industry relations.

When describing her experience, Emma shared, “My experience in Washington, D.C. this summer was nothing short of amazing! Living and working in Washington, D.C. was an adventure every day. I had the opportunity to join the CropLife America D.C. Ag Intern Network, and I built valuable connections with agricultural organizations and companies across the city. This experience gave me the opportunity to learn about the government affairs and policy advocacy efforts of groups such as the American Farm Bureau, NASDA, the Sugarbeet Association, Merck, AgriPulse and many others.”

Emma added, “Living close to downtown with two fellow Purdue students, we made the most of every weekend by exploring the museums and attractions throughout D.C. and Virginia. One of my favorite memories was walking along the National Mall at dusk.”

She was also able to assist with the United States Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC) three-day conference. The event brings together domestic crop and livestock cooperators with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to strengthen collaboration and improve efficiency in expanding market access across the world. Emma stated, “I had the opportunity to connect with cooperators from across the country and hear Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins speak about the nation’s export programs.”

Emma summarized the experience with these words, “My summer in D.C. exceeded expectations, and it shaped the direction of my future career. The mentorship I received from DTB AgriTrade staff, along with the connections I built across the city’s agricultural network, proved both invaluable and transformative!”