Minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and related science (MANRRS) held its first virtual Regional Cluster during the last weekend of September. Regional clusters serve as the organization’s fall premiere recruiting events. Each cluster featured an Opportunity Fair, Student Competitions, Alumni Mixers, and professional and leadership development for student participants.

This year the theme was: “MANRRS: Reclaiming our Time, Territory, and Triumph.” Regions I, II, and III were represented and the conference was held over two days, Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, 2020. There were countless opportunities for student participants to network. The event offered participants professional development workshops, and information on how to succeed in the classroom and within their own student organization chapters.

This event was a huge success for our University of Tennessee Herbert College MANRRS chapter. We had 10 attendees from UT Knoxville and three participated in contests. Windy Soto Gonzalez won the elevator speech competition for Region III! And, Legna Soto -vice president of UTMANRRS won second place, and both will be competing in the spring at the National Virtual MANRRS conference! Kayla Bibbs, our current treasurer and senior placed in the top five of the trivia competition.

Overall, the conference was an amazing opportunity for our students to witness how to thrive during a complete shift in how they may have experienced MANRRS before. The future of UTMANRRS is bright.

MANNRS is a national society that welcome membership of people of all racial and ethnic groups pursuing agricultural and related science careers. We encourage you to get connected and involved by contacting our chapter advisor Sharon Couch or visit our organization on VOLink.