Mary McLeod

Mary McLeod graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Telecommunication, initially aiming for a role in public relations for a major non-profit organization. While interning with an advocacy group focused on rural economic development, she was tasked with creating video content to highlight the challenges faced by small family farms. Through countless interviews and visits to farms across the state, she discovered a deep-seated passion for the stories of those who work the land. Mary was particularly struck by the disconnect between urban consumers and the realities of food production, and how often farmers' voices were absent from mainstream conversations about food, economy, and environment. She recognized the powerful role of journalism in bridging this gap. Her communication skills, honed in the dynamic world of broadcast and PR, now serve her in crafting nuanced, empathetic articles that give a voice to agricultural communities, advocating for understanding and support for the vital work they do.