Sofía Hernández to represent Purdue on AFA Student Advisory Team
Sofía Hernández learned she had been selected to serve on Agriculture Future of America’s (AFA) 2026 Student Advisory Team in October 2025, following a competitive application and interview process.
Hernández, a junior in the Department of Animal Sciences, represents Purdue as the sole student selected from the university this year. Her role officially began following the announcement at the AFA Leaders Conference in November 2025.
Front (left to right): Grace Dunseth, University of Tennessee – Knoxville; Adrianna Meyer, The Ohio State University; Sofía Hernández, Purdue University; Ana Sierra, California Polytech State University – San Luis Obispo; Molly Dillingham, North Carolina State University; Abigail Commodore, North Carolina State University. Back (left to right): Ben Goldstein, Louisiana State University; Jacob Savela, University of Minnesota; Nithin Gudderra, North Carolina State University; Alexis Ator, Michigan State University; Chloe Ecord, Fort Hays State University. Not Pictured: George Wilson, University of Tennessee – Knoxville. AFA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing future leaders in food and agriculture. It hosts an annual Leaders Conference and several institutes that enhance career development and industry exposure.
As a member of the Student Advisory Team, Hernández will help facilitate conference programming, support event execution, guide fellow students and participate in volunteer work. She will also serve as host for the Animal Institute, which will take place in April 2026 in partnership with Merck Animal Health.
finding her path through afa
Hernández first became involved with AFA in 2023 after learning about the opportunity through her academic advisor, Ashley York, Ph.D., while preparing for her first year at Purdue.
After applying, she was accepted to attend the 2023 AFA Leaders Conference. She has returned every year since. In 2025, she was anonymously nominated to apply for the Student Advisory Team and completed a competitive interview process before learning she had been selected.
Coming from an urban background, Hernández said AFA helped her understand how interconnected the industry truly is.
“I didn’t know how plant science, food science, animal science, entomology and more all intertwine, or how I could get to where I want to be through different career paths,” Hernández said. “It’s like a spider web — everything connects.”
Hernández credits the nonprofit organization for helping her secure summer internship experiences and industry connections.
Leading through service
Hernández views her role on the team as an opportunity to give back to a community that has helped shape her academic and professional journey.
“It's really significant to me to give back to a community that has been a stepping stone in all of my paths in agriculture,” Hernández said.
In addition to AFA, Hernández is deeply involved on campus. She serves as vice president for the Puerto Rican Student Association, treasurer of the Purdue Art Community, a College of Agriculture Student Ambassador and a teaching assistant for AGR 11400: Introduction to Animal Sciences Academic Programs.
AFA places a strong emphasis on servant leadership, which closely aligns with Hernández’s own values.
“Being a servant leader means thinking about how you can support others and help them find their place,” Hernández said. “Especially for students who may not see themselves represented in agriculture, that support matters.”
Through her Purdue experiences, Hernández has strengthened her communication skills, which is something she believes is essential to effective leadership.
“You can be saying words but not really communicating,” Hernández said. “Active listening, being present and understanding your audience are just as important.”
mentorship & looking ahead
Hernández credits several mentors at Purdue for supporting her growth, including York, as well as Brad Kim, Ph.D., and graduate students in his meat science and muscle biology lab. She also recognizes Shaunta Scroggins, Ph.D., for mentorship through the Lead Forward Fellowship Program in the John Martinson Honors College.
Looking ahead, Hernández said she is excited to continue developing personally and professionally through her role on the Student Advisory Team while helping shape student experiences in agriculture at a national level.
She has accepted an internship with Elanco Animal Health for summer 2026 and plans to graduate in May 2027. After graduation, she intends to pursue either veterinary school or graduate school.
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