August 21, 2025 – Communication and issue experts Brandi Buzzard, Hinda Mitchell, and Eric Mittenthal will serve as mentors during the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2025 College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program. Collegiate students, clubs, and classes are invited to sign up. The 2025 program is set to begin on September 8.
CAO connects college students from across the country who are passionate about sharing agriculture’s story. Over the course of nine weeks, participants will gain the tools, training, and experience needed to become confident communicators about agriculture online and on campus. Last year, CAO participants were awarded $20,000 in scholarships and prizes for demonstrating exceptional creativity and impactful communication.
“College Aggies Online not only gives students firsthand communications experience, but it also provides them with guidance and feedback from industry mentors. This allows students to truly develop and grow their skills over the course of the program,” said Emily Ellis, director of communications and content with the Animal Agriculture Alliance. “We’re excited to have Brandi return as a mentor, in addition to Hinda and Eric as new mentors.”
Brandi Buzzard is a passionate agriculture advocate that has been helping others share their stories for more than a decade. She has been featured on MSNBC, FOX, and CBS, addressing issues like beef conservation, sustainability, and nutrition. Buzzard has worked for the Beef Cattle Institute, Kansas State University Research & Extension, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the Red Angus Association of America.
Hinda Mitchell is the founder and president of Inspire PR Group, a national, multi-service public relations and marketing communications firm based in Columbus, Ohio. A trusted counselor to major C-suite executives, Mitchell is a sought-after strategic leader and crisis and issues manager. She is a frequent public speaker, trainer, and media interview guest, and writes often for numerous national and trade publications.
Eric Mittenthal is the chief strategy officer at the Meat Institute, leading the Protein PACT initiative and the Meat Institute’s framework for continuous improvement to transparently verify progress toward global goals, in alignment with consumers’ values and expectations. Prior to joining the Meat Institute, Mittenthal led the International Food Information Council’s communication and media initiatives. He started his career as a broadcast reporter and producer in major media markets, including Atlanta.
Students interested in becoming confident and effective communicators for agriculture are invited to sign up now. Registered participants can refer a friend to sign up for the program for the chance to win a $25 gift card.
The 2025 CAO program is sponsored by Dairy Management Inc., CHS Foundation, Cooper Farms, Dairy’s Foundation, Farm Credit, Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), National Chicken Council, National Pork Board, and Ohio Poultry Association. Additional support is essential to continuing this important program and providing the future leaders in agriculture with critical training and hands-on experience in communications and engagement. To become a sponsor of this year’s program, see the sponsorship opportunities and contact Logan Hall, director of membership and marketing, at lhall@animalagalliance.org.
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