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Executive fellows program framed as open to diverse backgrounds, CDFA fellow says

Department of Food and Agriculture · July 24, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Executive fellow Sarah Ansell urged prospective applicants that the Executive Fellows Program values dedication to public service over prior agricultural experience and recommended applying even without an agriculture background.

Ansell encouraged prospective applicants to the Executive Fellows Program and the broader capital fellows programs, saying they do not require a specific background. "You don't need to come from any kind of specific background," she said, adding that dedication to public service and a willingness to learn are the key qualifications.

She said her own lack of an agriculture family background did not prevent her from learning on farm tours and engaging with farmers about climate-smart practices. Department staff also credited fellows with providing practical support for departmental events and projects, framing the fellowship as both a learning opportunity and a workforce pipeline for state government.