The Moments That Stick with You: Celebrating 10 Years of Cultivating Change

Imagine walking into a room and, for the first time in your career, feeling like you belong. Feeling seen, supported and surrounded by people who want to see you succeed. In an industry where being LGBTQ+ hasn’t always felt easy, moments like these carry weight. They shape careers, build confidence and remind people they’re not alone. 

In 2026, the Cultivating Change Foundation celebrates 10 years of making more of those moments possible, while advancing the LGBTQ+ community across food and agriculture.  For many, those moments began at the Cultivating Change Summit.  

Loren Ruddenklau remembers attending their first Cultivating Change Summit alone and has returned almost every year since.  

“My favorite memories from Cultivating Change Summit are the times I reunite with someone I only get to see there. There are a lot of benefits to the summit but the yearly reminder that all of these people are around and doing their own things within the industry is something I take with me,” Loren said.  

That sense of belonging has been central to the Cultivating Change Foundation since its earliest days. When Luke Allen first heard about a gathering focused on LGBTQ+ intersectionality in agriculture, the decision to attend was immediate.  

“Finding others like me in this industry had always been hard — and finding actual resources to support queer people in ag felt nearly impossible,” Luke said. “I didn’t just want to show up. I felt a responsibility to.” 

Over time, those early moments turned into something bigger. For Luke, getting involved with the Cultivating Change Foundation shaped both career growth and confidence. 

“Getting involved pushed me — to grow, to learn more about myself and LGBTQ+ issues and ultimately to show up more fully in both my personal and professional life,” Luke shared.  

The foundation itself has grown alongside its people. What began as a largely volunteer‑driven effort has become a more focused and connected organization, better positioned to support a growing and diverse community. Kirk Maag, who attended the first Cultivating Change Summit in 2015 and served as one of the Cultivating Change Foundation’s inaugural directors, has seen that evolution firsthand.  

“For much of its first decade, CCF was powered entirely by the tireless dedication of committed volunteers,” Kirk reflected. “Through strong leadership and vision, the foundation has become more focused, more connected and more capable — professionalizing our operations, strengthening our partnerships and propelling our mission forward.” 

That progress is visible across the industry, from expanded networks to stronger student involvement and increased LGBTQ+ visibility in food and agriculture. For Kirk, visibility remains central to the Cultivating Change Foundation’s purpose.  

“Visibility matters. The foundation brings visibility to the presence, contributions and leadership of LGBTQ+ individuals within the food and agriculture industries, sending an unequivocal message that there is a place for everyone within these industries,” said Kirk. 

As the Cultivating Change Foundation looks ahead, our work remains rooted in the moments that matter most. As Allen put it, “When people feel supported, they show up more authentically — for themselves, their employers and their communities.” 

Ten years in, these moments have shaped careers, strengthened relationships and helped build a more inclusive future for food and agriculture. In the years ahead, the work continues, building more connections and ensuring no one has to navigate this industry alone.