FAS is the eyes, ears, and voice of U.S. agriculture around the world, working to create global trade opportunities for those who produce and export American farm and food products. FAS Foreign Service Officers can serve in one of more than 100 FAS offices at U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world. The fellowship will support Laura Jimenez through two years of graduate school, two internships, mentorship, professional development, and preparation to begin her career. The fellowship is valued at approximately $106,000.
The Director of the Diplomatic Fellowships, Patricia Scroggs, stated, “We are thrilled that Laura will be joining the Foreign Agricultural Service Fellowship Program. Growing up in Austin, Texas, Laura learned about the vibrant agricultural industry in her home state and became interested in supporting U.S. agricultural exports as a public servant. I am confident she will excel in graduate school and the Foreign Agricultural Service and will contribute to her community.”
Laura Jimenez, daughter of Felix and Thelma Jimenez, was born and raised in Austin, Texas. There, Laura was very involved with the Lake Travis FFA Chapter, where she raised and showed market goats, competed in livestock judging, and spoke at public policy events. With a growing interest in international affairs and agricultural service, Laura deepened her knowledge of agriculture at Texas Tech University, with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and minors in agribusiness management and political science. She engaged in public service by working in the Texas Capitol in the Senate Committee for Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs. She leveraged networks and professional development serving the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and as a current intern for the International Trade Programs for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). Through her service, she has assisted in developing export marketing strategies for companies exhibiting in NASDA’s food trade shows in Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas. Laura’s next steps include completing a master’s in agriculture economics to continue fulfilling her interests and expertise in agricultural trade overseas.
Laura Jimenez is proud to be a FDFP Fellow and a future Foreign Agricultural Service Officer. She commented, “I'm beyond grateful to have received this opportunity to represent the Foreign Agricultural Service, where I'll be able to continue my family's agricultural legacy by helping farmers and ranchers like them grow their export opportunities and promote U.S. agricultural trade.”
About the FAS Diversity Fellowship Program
The Foreign Agricultural Service Diversity Fellowship program (FDFP) is a USDA program administered by Howard University that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding individuals who represent ethnic, gender, social, and geographic diversity and have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). FDFP provides fellows with up to $42,000 annually for two-year Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness master’s degree and arranges two summer internships, professional development activities, and mentorship. Those who successfully complete the program will receive employment in the Foreign Agricultural Service. More information can be found on FDFP’s website: https://fasdiversityfellowship.org/
