LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A Lake County agriculture leader has received an award for leadership from a nationwide organization.

American Agri Women, or AAW, a national coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women's organizations that educate consumers, advocate for agriculture and offers networking and professional development opportunities, announced that Sharron Zoller, from the Lake County Chapter of California Women for Agriculture, is the 2023 recipient of their highest honor for members the LEAVEN award for exemplary leadership.

The event was held in Sacramento where the two organizations came together for AAW’s national convention hosted by California Women for Agriculture, or CWA.

Nominated by her peers, Zoller exemplifies the meaning of the words that make up “LEAVEN”: Loyalty, Enthusiasm, Anticipatory, Valiant, Effectiveness and Nurturing.

AAW annually recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact within the agriculture community through their leadership skills, dedication and service. and has been instrumental in driving positive change.

Also, a recipient of this year’s LEAVEN award for her exemplary leadership, Kathy Goodyke of Minnesota Agri-Women.

Sharron Zoller and her husband, Broc, are first generation farmers. She has been active in CWA for decades, is currently the state president and has been involved with AAW for many years.

“Leaven” (yeast) is a small element that can interact and influence everything around it. It permeates and raises the elements it’s mixed with. Leaven multiplies its effectiveness for good.

California Women for Agriculture was founded in 1975 and is the most active, all-volunteer agricultural organization in the state, with 20 chapters and more than 1,300 members comprising farmers, ranchers, bankers, lawyers, accountants, marketing professionals, support services, consumers and the vast stakeholders of the agriculture industry.

CWA promotes leadership within local communities, advocacy on key local, state and federal issues, public service and outreach, agriculture literacy in our schools, and promotional initiatives to preserve and educate those living in our increasingly urbanized California landscape. CWA advocates for the economic sustainability of the diverse California agriculture community so future generations can continue to produce a healthy diverse food supply.

The Lake County Chapter of CWA was organized in May 1976 as the fifth chapter in the state.

The chapter gives a face to Lake County agriculture through community involvement and supports local farmers and ranchers by advocating, promoting and educating on behalf of agriculture within the community.

Each year, the Lake County Chapter of CWA presents its annual AgVenture program to educate local community leaders and others about the role of agriculture in Lake County and awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors and full-time college and vocational students whose educational emphasis is related to agriculture.