The World Food Prize Foundation has officially launched its Alumni Ambassador Program, a year-long initiative designed to engage former participants of its youth programs as global advocates for food security. Announced in mid-April 2026, the program selects alumni from the Foundation’s long-running Borlaug Scholars network to serve as regional representatives, strengthening connections between past participants and the Foundation’s ongoing mission.
According to the Foundation’s announcement, the inaugural cohort consists of 22 individuals who have previously participated in youth initiatives such as the Global Youth Institute, Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, or Wallace-Carver Fellowship. These alumni are tasked with advancing the Foundation’s goals by fostering mentorship, expanding outreach and supporting innovation in agricultural systems worldwide.
The program reflects over three decades of investment in youth engagement, during which the Foundation has reached more than 90,000 young people through its global educational and experiential opportunities. By reactivating this alumni network, the Foundation aims to create a sustained pipeline of leadership committed to sustainable food systems.
Mashal Husain, President of the World Food Prize Foundation, emphasized that the initiative builds on the enduring passion of past participants. “For decades, we have seen Borlaug Scholars leave our programs with purpose,” she stated. “This program ensures they remain connected, supported, and empowered to turn that passion into real-world impact.”
Structured as a professional development experience, the Alumni Ambassador Program includes leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and a platform for alumni to link local efforts to the Foundation’s international network. Participants are expected to serve as regional representatives, helping to adapt the Foundation’s mission to local contexts even as contributing to a unified global vision.
The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Foundation’s Alumni Steering Committee, a group of eight former youth program participants who helped shape the program’s design. Members of this committee include Francine Barchett, Emma Barrett, Chris Barron, Nick Blumenthal, Jana Chow, Shywann Horne, Chase Krug, and Andie Pinga.
The 2026 cohort is organized into five regional teams across the United States. The Great Lakes team includes Chris Barron of West Lafayette, Indiana. Jana Chow of Plain City, Ohio; Jacob Savela of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Destiny Taylor of Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The Midwest team features Evelyn Heidt of Altoona, Iowa; Alexander Hutchinson of Manhattan, Kansas; Kelli Klink of Roland, Iowa; Olivia Marti of Arthur, Iowa; and Nolan Monaghan of St. Louis, Missouri.
Additional regional teams represent the Southeast, Northeast, and Western United States, though specific names for those groups were not detailed in the Foundation’s public announcements as of mid-April 2026. The Foundation noted that the program’s structure allows for flexibility in geographic focus based on alumni distribution and regional priorities in food systems work.
By positioning alumni as ambassadors, the Foundation seeks to deepen intergenerational engagement within its network. The program encourages former participants to return not only as beneficiaries but as contributors—guiding current youth program attendees, sharing field experience, and advocating for policies and practices that support resilient agriculture.
The initiative aligns with the Foundation’s broader mission to recognize advancements in food quality, quantity, and availability. While the World Food Prize itself honors individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the global food supply, youth programs like the Alumni Ambassador Program aim to cultivate the next generation of leaders in this field.
As of April 2026, the Foundation continues to accept nominations and expressions of interest for future cohorts through its official website. Updates on ambassador activities, regional projects, and program outcomes are expected to be shared periodically via the Foundation’s newsroom and digital platforms.
For those interested in learning more about the Alumni Ambassador Program or exploring opportunities to engage with the World Food Prize Foundation’s youth initiatives, official information is available through the Foundation’s website and public announcements.
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