Grand prize winner of Syngenta contest hails from downstate Illinois

Krista Lottinville, a Sheldon, Illinois resident, is the grand prize winner of Syngenta's Drive to Thrive contest that challenges growers and other industry professionals across America to describe how agriculture drives their communities to thrive.

For Lottinville, winning was a dream come true.

“I love agriculture, and I want young women everywhere to love it, too,” she said. “It’s an industry that thrives, in part, because of the community of women who are committed to creating more opportunities for female students and other young leaders. I am so excited and very honored by this win, and I greatly appreciate the recognition and support from Syngenta.”

She plans to donate her $500 gift card prize donate to Women Changing the Face of Agriculture. It is that type of giving spirit that makes Lottinville a wonderful person, said Kelsey Vance, retail sales representative for Syngenta.

“Krista is a role model for all of us in agriculture,” Vance said. “She is super involved and always willing to take on more responsibility to promote women’s leadership in agriculture. We’re proud to support her.”

Her winning essay and video submission described how agriculture nurtures the talents of young women with leadership potential and how it specifically has helped foster her professional growth.