Brooklyn Botterman, a senior at Iowa State University majoring in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Animal Science, is from Genoa, Illinois. She’s a dynamic presence on campus, engaging in numerous organizations and leadership roles that showcase her commitment to agriculture and professional development. Brooklyn serves as a peer mentor for the Agricultural Communications program, guiding underclassmen with her insights and experience. Her involvement extends to Sigma Alpha, a professional agricultural sorority; Block and Bridle, Sales Club, and Bacon Expo committee. She is actively involved in the Start Something CALS program, where she’s a key member of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) team.

Brooklyn’s journey into the Start Something CALS program began in her Econ 334 class with Kevin Kimle, where she was introduced to entrepreneurship through the lens of agriculture. Inspired by this new perspective and encouraged by mentors, she joined the program and has since become a dedicated competitor on the Iowa State NAMA team. In 2024, she competed with her team in the national competition, where they placed sixth. She is eager to return to the competition in the spring of 2025, motivated by the challenge of creating comprehensive marketing strategies for agriculture-based companies. For Brooklyn, NAMA is a unique opportunity to build a marketing plan from scratch with her peers, fostering creativity, teamwork, and strategic thinking. 

When asked for advice for younger students, Brooklyn emphasizes the importance of active engagement. “The only way to know if something works for you is to immerse yourself in what it offers,” she shares. “Start Something CALS provides students with endless opportunities and experiences that can shape one’s journey, so don’t be afraid to try!” Reflecting on her experience, she appreciates the freedom within the program to explore new projects and concepts, which has fueled her passion for agri-marketing. Looking ahead, Brooklyn is determined to pursue a career in the agricultural industry, where she can continue to innovate and bring fresh ideas to the field, using the skills she has developed in NAMA and her academic journey.