Sunni Wise
Program Advisor at the Department of Education in the Division of Career and Technical Education / Arkansas FFA Executive Secretary
Hometown: Bismarck, AR
Briefly describe your role:
As the Southern District program advisor, I provide support to over 50 agriculture programs. I help coordinate professional development for our teachers, help implement state guidance, and serve as a resource to teachers all across our state.
I also served at the Arkansas FFA Executive Secretary where I manage our Arkansas FFA state officer team and develop and design our conferences and curriculum. My time is spent traveling with our officers all over the state and country to provide them with opportunities to advocate for Arkansas FFA and agriculture. My role also allows me to have contact with National FFA to keep our members and advisors informed throughout the year.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: I wouldn’t say always. I didn’t grow up with an agriculture background. I had always loved the idea of becoming a vet, but when I realized I could help change students’ lives, take care of animals, and make a difference I wanted to become an Agriculture Educator. As a state officer, I was able to see first-hand that the impact of the State Staff had on Arkansas Ag Ed and FFA and I wanted to be a part of that.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: The agriculture industry has traditionally been cultivated by men. Women bring incredible value to the industry and the greatest challenge is the inability to see the value they bring to the table. As my time in the industry grows longer, I am thankful to see a shift in women who understand and know they belong in the agriculture industry. The greatest opportunity is the amount of jobs that are available. There are new jobs created every year that serve the industry; the ability to make an impact are abundant.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: My greatest inspiration comes from Arkansas FFA and my agriculture educators in high school. My AG teachers were the first to help me see the potential that I had and Arkansas FFA helped me to develop personal growth, premier leadership, and career success.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: My advice is to find your purpose, fuel your passion. I found mine and there isn’t a day that I come to work and feel like I am actually working. It brings me so much joy to know that every day I get to do what I love and to make a difference in the lives of others while doing it. If you don’t know what direction you want to travel, you’ll end up lost. Take as long as you need and once you find your purpose and don’t hold anything back.
Q: What’s been your secret to success?
A: Support and Connections. I have had a lot of really great encouragers and connectors in my life. Agriculture is the most incredible industry in the area of connections! I would be nothing without those who saw my potential and kept pushing me towards success. Thank you to my greatest support system!
