As Pivot Bio, one of the world’s leading agtech companies, celebrates its 15-year anniversary, the company today announced the launch of Fields of Promise, a new global honors program that will celebrate 15 young people under the age of 20 whose ideas, leadership and service are helping shape a stronger future for agriculture and rural communities.

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The first two honorees from the inaugural class of Fields of Promise, Veronica Banuelos and Miranda Estrada Suarez stand with Dr. Alexis Campbell, director of Science Bound at Iowa State University.

The first two honorees from the inaugural class of Fields of Promise, Veronica Banuelos and Miranda Estrada Suarez stand with Dr. Alexis Campbell, director of Science Bound at Iowa State University.

The 15 under 20 Fields of Promise, one of several initiatives marking Pivot Bio’s anniversary, reflects the company’s belief that investing in the next generation is essential to the future of agriculture. During the Year of One Million Thanks, another major initiative, Pivot Bio will introduce 15 Fields of Promise fellows whose impact demonstrates the many ways young people are strengthening agriculture and rural communities, advancing innovation and creating opportunities for others.

Fields of Promise is built on a simple belief: The future of agriculture belongs to the young people who are change-makers, entrepreneurs, scientists and innovators focused on building a better world. Every day, young people around the world are helping shape what’s next.

“Agriculture has always been about more than what happens in a field. It’s rooted in science, technology, education, conservation, food security and the strength of our rural communities,” said Chris Abbott, chief executive officer at Pivot Bio. “As we celebrate Pivot Bio’s 15th anniversary, we’re also honoring the young people who are shaping the future. Fields of Promise gives us the opportunity to recognize their leadership, invest in their potential and inspire others to discover the ways they can make a difference through ag and the communities it supports. I’m proud to celebrate these remarkable young people and their impact.”

The first two Fields of Promise fellows showcase the important role that science plays in agriculture. Veronica Banuelos and Miranda Estrada Suarez were nominated by Science Bound. Based at Iowa State University, Science Bound is a nationally recognized program designed to encourage students to prepare for and pursue degrees and careers in agriculture, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (ASTEM) and education. At the same time, Science Bound equips them with the skills and confidence to become leaders in their communities. Pivot Bio CEO Chris Abbott was on hand to surprise the students during a session on the future of agriculture, hosted by Pivot Bio.

Banuelos is a first-generation college student and bilingual leader whose passion for agriculture, animal science and service is helping inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals. Through veterinary clinical internships, agricultural research at Iowa State University and leadership roles in which she mentors students and promotes STEM careers, Banuelos has combined hands-on experience with a deep commitment to advancing animal health and sustainable agriculture.

Her leadership has been recognized with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) Future Leaders Award, the AmeriCorps National Service Award and the Pathways to Innovation & Leadership Access to Higher Impact Learning Award. She embodies the vision of the Fields of Promise award — a young leader who believes agriculture can build a better future for people, communities and the planet, and who is helping to make that future a reality.

Estrada Suarez is a second-year Science Bound scholar at Iowa State University majoring in Accounting and Business Analytics (Ivy College of Business) who has a passion for leadership, professional development and community engagement. As a first-generation scholar who grew up in a rural Western Iowa community, she understands the value of agriculture to communities and is driven to make an impact in the agribusiness space.

She recently completed the Gerdin Leaders Academy earning a Gerdin Leaders micro-credential and has been recognized as a ‘Member of the Month’ for her commitment to ethical leadership, service, and inspiring others through her actions. Estrada Suarez is dedicated to building the foundation needed to make a meaningful impact in business while giving back to her community, and she is committed to growing as a collaborative and purpose-driven leader. Miranda also serves as a Science Bound mentor leader during the year, giving back to the pre-college and college programming.

“At Science Bound, we believe the future is shaped when students are given the opportunity to learn, lead and discover what’s possible,” said Dr. Alexis Campbell, director of Science Bound. “Veronica and Miranda exemplify what Fields of Promise represents. Leading with curiosity, compassion and purpose, and understanding that meaningful change begins by investing in others. We are incredibly proud to nominate Veronica and Miranda as the first two Fields of Promise fellows and excited to see them both recognized for the difference they are making.”

Nominations for the Fields of Promise 15 Under 20 program will open on September 7. Individuals interested in learning more about the program, eligibility requirements and the nomination process are encouraged to visit https://www.pivotbio.com/15-under-20-honors-fields-of-promise beginning September 7.

About Pivot Bio

Pivot Bio, one of the world’s leading agtech companies, delivers patented crop nutrition technologies that harness the power of nature to help farmers reliably and productively grow the food the world needs in the face of increasing volatility. Currently available in North America and soon in Brazil, the company’s products represent a breakthrough innovation and one of the agriculture industry’s most promising solutions. Pivot Bio has been recognized three times by TIME magazine on its annual list of Best Inventions, by Fast Company on its World Changing Ideas and World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies lists, by CNBC on its Disruptor 50 list, by Fortune on its Impact 20 list and by MIT Technology Review as one of 15 climate tech companies to watch. For more information, visit PivotBio.com.

About Science Bound

Science Bound (SB) is a pre-college through college program dedicated to increasing the number of Iowa youth who pursue and earn degrees in Agriculture, Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (ASTEM) and Education. Science Bound was established in the late 1980s in partnership with Iowa State University, Des Moines Public Schools, and the National Science Foundation. SB was created to address both workforce demands and opportunity gaps that limit college and career access for Iowa youth. The goal is for students to not only graduate from high school, but do so with a clear, actionable plan for college and career success.

Currently serving four school districts in Iowa, the program supports more than 550 8th – 12th grade youth and +160 Iowa State University students annually. The precollege program operates as a five-year, 430-contact hour, wrap-around program beginning in middle school and continuing through high school and into college. Partnering with 22 schools and 50+ teachers, Science Bound students participate in bi-weekly (middle school) and weekly (high school) after-school programming. The model includes consistent mentorship, family engagement, summer academic enrichment, campus visits, industry exposure, and immersive career exploration experiences. Students who complete the program earn a full-tuition scholarship to ISU, reinforcing a clear and attainable pathway from middle school exploration to postsecondary success. For more information, visit sciencebound.iastate.edu.

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