Eileen Jensen grew up on a family dairy farm and has been involved in agriculture in a variety of capacities throughout her life. After studying Agricultural Business at SUNY Cobleskill, she transferred to Cornell University where she received her Masters Degree in Agricultural Education. After trying her hand at teaching high school agriculture, Eileen decided she wanted to gain experience beyond New York State, so she set out to travel and learn about agriculture along the way. Eileen moved in 2009 and called the Midwest home for 7 years where she worked for three major agricultural marketing and communications agencies located in St. Louis, Missouri and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During her tenure in the Midwest her clients included the United Soybean Board, Monsanto, Merck Animal Health, and Case IH Equipment. Today, Eileen is excited to be back in New York State as the Executive Director of the New York Animal Agriculture Coalition (NYAAC) where she works with New York dairy farmers and helps them have a positive, proactive voice in their communities. While working with farmers across New York State and connecting with consumers of all ages, Eileen shares her experience and knowledge through social media outreach, article & blog writing, and personal conversations. Eileen has been an active Farm Bureau member for many years. She has served on the Yates County Board of Directors and the State YF&R Committee. Eileen has participated in the AFBF Women’s Communication Bootcamp and was named as a National Top 10 finalist for the YF&R Excellence in Ag award area. She recently finished up her work in the two-year AFBF Partners for Advocacy Leadership (PAL) program. Encouraging farmers to share their story and their passion for agriculture is what motivates Eileen in her current position and as much as she enjoyed traveling and loved the Midwest, she believes that what is happening right here at home means the most.