Cultivating Capacity, Empowering Futures: An International Summit Led by Southern University’s College of Agriculture and Ag Center
On November 14th, the Southern University College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences (CAHES) and the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center proudly hosted their first-ever Capacity Building Day, marking a transformative moment in student development and global partnership. The “Cultivating Capacity, Empowering Futures” International Professional Development Summit welcomed exceptional students from Southern University and A&M College and Southern University at New Orleans and global industry leaders from DRAX, an International Sustainable Energy Company based out of the United Kingdom, to explore the future of sustainable careers.
Held at the Leon R. Tarver II Cultural & Heritage Center, the summit was a vibrant showcase of Southern’s commitment to student success, innovation, and international collaboration. From the moment registration opened at 8:30 a.m., the atmosphere buzzed with energy and ambition. Students arrived in professional attire, ready to network, compete, and learn from experts in renewable energy and agriculture.
Celebrating Visionary Leadership and Global Partnership
The day began with a powerful acknowledgment of the leadership that made this inaugural summit possible. We proudly recognized:
- The visionary guidance of Southern University System President Dennis Shields
- The strategic direction of Chancellor-Dean Dr. Orlando F. McMeans
- The strong governance of the Southern University Board of Supervisors
- The dedication of our faculty and staff
- And most importantly, the brilliance and drive of our exceptional students from across the Southern University System
We also extended deep gratitude to our international partner, DRAX—a UK-based leader in renewable energy—for their belief in our mission and their investment in our students’ futures. We were honored to welcome a distinguished delegation of DRAX professionals, including:
- Joya Williams, Business Ethics Partner for North America
- Jaidyn Oliver, Internal Communications Business Partner
- Vicki Skelton, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager
- Dr. Naomi Christopher, DEI Manager for North America
- Deidra Jackson, SVP of Corporate Affairs for North America
- Kelvin Banks, Senior Forester – Landowner Assistance Program
- Shelby Kelmell, U.S. Community Fund Officer and Louisiana Liaison
- Michelli Martin, U.S. Communications Manager
- Matt White, Executive Vice President
A Day of Discovery, Innovation, and Impact
Throughout the summit, students engaged in high-impact, interactive sessions designed to prepare them for careers in agriculture, energy, and sustainability:
“Ready, Set, Green!” – Workforce readiness for a sustainable future. This session featured a live demonstrations and conversations about professional attire followed by a resume and LinkedIn workshop led by DRAX.
AgriPitch: Innovation in AgTech – A dynamic case challenge and pitch competition where students tackled real-world agricultural technology problems and presented innovative solutions in a fast-paced format inspired by “Shark Tank.”
Executive Roundtable- This session consisted of Executives from DRAX and Southern University to grow the capacity of this new relationship.
Building Capacity, Empowering Futures
As the first Capacity Building Day hosted by the College of Ag and the SU Ag Center, this summit marks the beginning of a bold new chapter. It is part of the SU Ag Center’s Capacity Building Series, a high-impact initiative designed to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and connections to lead in the global green economy. With DRAX as a committed partner, Southern University is cultivating a new generation of changemakers—rooted in excellence, driven by innovation, and ready to shape a more sustainable world.
This was made possible through the collaboration between the Ag Center and College of Agriculture & Career Services. Special acknowledgement goes to Dr. Renita Marshall, Robert Easly, Jr., and Tamara Montgomery. Capacity-building is defined as the “process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes and resources that organizations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world." An essential ingredient in capacity-building is transformation that is generated and sustained over time from within; transformation of this kind goes beyond performing tasks to changing mindsets and attitudes. Universities can serve as centers of capacity-building through research, innovation and data collection and analysis. Institutional Advancement and Career Services developed the Corporate Capacity Building Model for corporations, and the initiative has impacted student development. We were especially grateful to have scholars from the Honore' Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement (HCUSA) that demonstrate professionalism and stewardship for the planet like their namesake, Lt. General Russell Honore'.
For more information about the summit or upcoming opportunities, please contact Robert Easly at robert_easly@suagcenter.com or Dr. Renita Marshall at renita_marshall@suagcenter.com.
