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 Honoring Women’s History Month In the horticulture industry, true leadership is defined by the ability to cultivate growth—not just in plants, but in people. Kylie Diaz, M.S., at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), exemplifies this vision by spearheading the creation and growth of a dynamic new Horticulture Program. As a dedicated program leader, Ph.D. student, and mother, Kylie masterfully balances multiple responsibilities to shape the industry's future leaders. Under her leadership, the Horticulture Program at WTAMU is already making strides. From an initial group of eight students, enrollment is expected to double by next fall. Kylie’s approach combines classroom education, practical experience, and strategic partnerships, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet industry demands. Forging Industry Connections Kylie understands the importance of connecting students directly with the horticulture industry. She has actively developed partnerships with key organizations such as the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) and industry sponsors, including the TNLA Region VI Board & TNLA Members, Wolfe Nursery Direct. These partnerships have enabled students to access valuable certifications like the Texas Certified Landscape Associate (TCLA), enhancing their career opportunities and competitiveness. Kylie emphasizes the importance of these partnerships, stating, “Students aren’t just learning horticulture; they're actively shaping its future. The connections they build today will sustain their careers tomorrow.” Hands-On Learning for Real-World Impact Kylie has implemented several practical learning opportunities:
Leadership and Advocacy Kylie’s leadership goes beyond her professional roles; she is a strong advocate for women in agriculture and horticulture. As a mother and Ph.D. student, her personal journey illustrates resilience and dedication. Balancing family life, rigorous academics, teaching responsibilities, and program leadership, she remains committed to paving the way for future generations. “Balancing everything isn’t easy,” Kylie reflects, “but witnessing students succeed and grow makes all the effort worthwhile. We're building something meaningful and lasting.” Looking Ahead The WTAMU Horticulture Program, under Kylie’s guidance and with TNLA’s continued support, is set for ongoing growth and industry impact. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we proudly recognize Kylie Diaz for her remarkable contributions to horticulture education and her inspiring role in shaping the future of our industry. Want to Support the Future of Horticulture? Connect with Kylie Diaz at [email protected] to learn how your business can help support and nurture tomorrow’s horticulture leaders. 
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In today’s fast-paced Green Industry, having strong, adaptable leaders is essential for long-term business success. But leadership isn’t something that just happens—it’s developed, refined, and strengthened over time. That’s where TNLA Leadership Bootcamp comes in. This exclusive, industry-specific leadership development program is designed to equip professionals with the practical skills, confidence, and industry connections they need to grow into effective managers and future leaders. Why Enroll One of Your Employees? Investing in leadership training isn’t just about developing an individual—it’s about strengthening your entire business. Here’s how sending a team member to TNLA Leadership Bootcamp can benefit your company: ✅ Build Stronger Leaders – Develop confident, capable employees who can take initiative, manage teams, and solve problems effectively.  ✅ Increase Employee Retention – Employees who feel valued and invested in are more likely to stay, reducing turnover and increasing loyalty.  ✅ Gain Immediate Business Impact – Participants don’t just learn theory—they get real-world strategies they can implement immediately to improve operations and team dynamics.  ✅ Expand Your Network – Through roundtable discussions, facility tours, and one-on-one mentorship, participants build valuable connections with industry leaders.  ✅ Future-Proof Your Business – A strong leadership pipeline ensures your business is prepared for growth, succession planning, and industry changes.  What Participants Will Experience The four-part program (August 2025 – January 2026) includes: 📍 32+ Hours of Leadership Training – Hands-on education to build management and leadership skills. 📍 10+ Hours of Exclusive Facility Tours – Firsthand insights into successful operations. 📍 One-on-One Mentorship – Guidance from experienced industry professionals. 📍 Self-Assessment & Personal Development – Helping participants understand their leadership style. 📍 Complimentary Registration – To TNLA’s 2025 Nursery/Landscape EXPO (San Antonio) and 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum (Grapevine). Session Schedule
With only 20 seats available, this program fills up fast. The member rate of $1,000 is available until June 11, 2025. 📩 Apply Now: Application Link Learn More: TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Questions? Contact Sarah Riggins: [email protected] Congratulations to the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class IV of 2024-2025  TNLA Chairman Bobby Eichholz discusses his term, the Board's strategic plan, advocacy efforts, water and labor issues, and the rewards of leadership |
AuthorTNLA Staff Archives
September 2026
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