The Viewbook
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Studies
Agricultural Business
Kristen Bender
What are you doing now?
Living and working in San Luis Obispo for Coast National Bank, a local community bank. I work in the Small
Business Lending department as a loan officer.
How did your program of study at Cal Poly prepare you for your current role?
My current role as a loan officer was directly influenced by the concentration I chose to study within the Agribusiness
major at Cal Poly. Finance and Appraisal allowed me to explore different aspects of the business world, from farm appraisal
to ag lending. I am able to apply nearly everything I learned in my finance and lending classes to what I am doing today.
What did you do when you first graduated from Poly?
In deciding what I wanted to do after graduation, I ultimately felt that my degree and concentration best prepared me
for the field of lending. Being born and raised in San Luis Obispo, I knew I wanted to find a career within this community
to apply what I'd learned at Cal Poly. Like most people, I submitted a handful of resumes to employers and practiced my
interview skills, until I got a bite! Lucky for me, Coast National Bank has been the perfect career fit for me.
How long were you at Poly?
2001-2006 (5 years)
Did you have any co-ops or internships while at Poly?
No I didn't, I worked part-time throughout my college career to make money. But, looking back, I wish I had done
an internship of some kind.
What are your three strongest memories of Cal Poly?
1. The very hands-on classes that the Agriculture department offers! I believe every Cal Poly grad should be able to
say that they've milked a cow!
2. Throwing my cap in the air at graduation! Best feeling in the world when you're finished and have that degree.
3. Lastly, of course, was meeting my future husband :)
When you think of Cal Poly you immediately think of this...?
The view! Cal Poly is such a beautiful campus, as is San Luis Obispo.
What brought you to Cal Poly?
My parents are both Cal Poly Alum's. I'm lucky that they were able to stay in San Luis and raise my brother and
I here!
Was your goal to stay locally after graduation? Can you talk about that?
Yes, definitely! You'd think that having been born and raised in SLO, I'd be ready to get out of the bubble! But I love it here
and my family's here. It's amazing how many friends from college I talk to that moved away after graduating; they all miss
San Luis and would love to move back. Unfortunately, it's a known fact that the job market here is not the job market you'd
find in a bigger city. I consider myself super lucky to be able to work and play in my hometown.
When you are not working, what do you find yourself usually doing?
Spending time with my family barbequing and enjoying a margarita OR at the beach or park with my husband and our
golden retriever puppy!
Agricultural Communication
Salvador Hurtado
What are you doing now?
I work as the Technical Sales and Customer Service representative for US Agriseeds in
Central/South America and the Caribbean.
How did your program of study at Cal Poly prepare you for your current role?
My program at Cal Poly always prepared me to work with what I had, make the best of it, and
anticipate. Cal Poly preparing me to be a teacher was probably the best training I could have received to
go into business and sales. Having the opportunity to travel and teach about the products we offer,
anticipate grower questions and work with the tools you have when you travel have allowed me to
adapt quickly to a setting outside the classroom. The rest of the training about product knowledge,
industry etiquette and understanding the business came from my mentors at US Agriseeds.
What did you do when you first graduated from Poly?
When I graduated from Poly I was still and still not done with school. I had already been
accepted to the Agriculture Education and Communications Master's program at Cal Poly. After
graduating I had the opportunity to student teach at Le Grand High School. A perfect way to
realize that I was not in school no more, yet still learning.
How long were you at Poly?
I was at Cal Poly for 6 years
Did you have any co-ops or internships while at Poly?
Yes while I was at Cal Poly I had the following interships:
Helena Chemical Company—Field Scout Cotton Industry
Orange County Fair—Livestock Department Crew
US Agriseeds – Customer Service Intern
Jamba Juice—Healthy Kids English/Spanish instructor
Le Grand High School—Agriculture Department Student Teacher
What are your three strongest memories of Cal Poly?
When I visited the campus for the first time as an FFA member and competing in the State
FFA Judging Finals.
Living with the same 8 Cal Poly students for 6 years in San Luis Obispo and growing
unbreakable friendships with each one
Helping Dr. Flores with Latinos in Agriculture and speaking at the 26 hours conference.
Seeing the students there reminded me of who I was before I left for Cal Poly and the
journey/path i took through my college career
When you think of Cal Poly you immediately think of this...?
A well worth education
What brought you to Cal Poly?
My Calexico High School agriculture advisor was a Cal Poly Alum and I visited Cal Poly several
times participating in the State FFA Finals. When I came for the first time in 2000, I met Dr.
Robert Flores who motivated me to apply, the year I applied I received a call from Dr. Bill Kellogg
to make sure that I had everything I needed. The decision was simple.
Was your goal to stay locally after graduation? Can you talk about that?
My goal was to go out and teach at the high school level at Calexico High School as soon as I
graduated. That was the plan after I had left Calexico in 2003 and I had spent 6 years working towards
that goal. Then sometimes when you aren't expecting it, opportunities show up that you have to take
advantage of. Mr. Larry Fernandez, president of US Agriseeds, made me an offer I could not refuse. He
offered me the opportunity to learn more about the agriculture industry. I have learned how a seed has
the potential to influence the fresh produce market and what we eat day to day on a global level
learned first‐hand from growers all across Central and South America. These growers even exporting
product to the USA while still feeding their own countries. This is a knowledge that I know I can pass on
to my students when I think it is time to go back to teaching.
When you are not working, what do you find yourself usually doing?
I am a very passionate fan of futbol (soccer), I follow almost every league and play whenever I have a
chance. My world stops for 1 month every 4 years to follow Mexico in the world cup competition and I
am already making plans to attend the World Cup in Brazil 2014. I enjoy cooking, and would not mind
opening a restaurant at some point in my life that focuses on Mexican/Thai/Japanese cuisine. I was
recently introduced to cycling by a friend, and I really enjoy how it lets your thoughts wonder freely. I
am now realizing how great of an area San Luis Obispo is for jumping on a bicycle and just going for
miles.
Having this freedom allows me to rest my mind and come into the office every day and learn about new
markets. My goal after a day in the office is to find out as much information as possible regarding these
markets to see what US Agriseeds can do to help farmers have a better crop. How can I improve
agriculture in Latin American countries by sending our products to those farmers? The end goal of
agriculture is to feed the world, to adapt and react with a growing population while protecting the
environment. Thanks to soccer, cooking, cycling and the support of my mentors at US Agriseeds, friends
and family, I am able to answer these questions and strive to help the agriculture industry.
Nutrition
Laura Hall, PhD, RD Field: Nutrition Reason for entering teaching: I've always seen myself teaching ever since I was a kid Reason for entering the field: When I first learned about biochemistry in high school I was inspired to pursue nutrition because I wanted to learn more about which foods make you healthy and why Favorite quote: "Life is a gift and what you do with it is your gift back"- my mom Continued inspiration: My continued inspiration includes my faith, my family, and my friends Last reason to explode in laughter: You have to be able to laugh at yourself, know that you're not perfect and then learn a little something about yourself in the process. Biggest challenge: My biggest challenge is not having enough time in the day but I make the most out of what I do have! Description by students: I really care about my students and getting them on the path to a successful career. Favorite part of the day: Seeing my son! Perfect day: Reason for coming to Cal Poly: When I graduated from Cal Poly I was ahead of the game because of all of my "Learn by Doing" experience so when I had the opportunity to come back, I knew that it was my turn to help students get the same wonderful education that I receive Favorite weekend activity: I enjoy going on walks with my husband, son and 2 dogs Favorite part of the central coast: I love living on the central coast because the weather is always great and so are the people!
Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Administration
Lori Jordan
What are you doing now?
I am in the new media and digital distribution space
for entertainment. I'm currently functioning as a Digital Entertainment Professional.
How did your program of study at Cal Poly prepare you for your current role?
My Cal Poly education is invaluable to me. The "learn by doing" approach at Cal Poly prepared me for the ever changing
world of business. I'm able to adapt and change on a daily basis, if needed, because I look at each new challenge as
a learning experience and a chance to broaden my skill set.
What did you do when you first graduated from Poly?
My first job as a Cal Poly graduate was as the Promotions Manager at a group of local radio stations. It was a
fun, demanding, and hands on role, and is one that I still pull from years later.
How long were you at Poly?
I was at Cal Poly for four years with a change of major mid-way through (Industrial Engineering to Recreation
Administration). I did do one summer quarter (which I highly recommend, it is a great time of year to be on the
Central Coast), which allowed me to stick with my four year plan.
Did you have any co-ops or internships while at Poly?
My job at the radio stations started as an internship (which is a graduation requirement of the REC program) and
turned into a full time position. Throughout my education I did over 1,000 hours of community service, which included
many projects with local Chambers, the Wildflower Triathlon, and the Morro Bay Harbor Festival (which also became my
Senior Project).
If you could describe your co-op/internship experience, what was the biggest thing that made
an impression on you?
All of the experiences I had as an intern or volunteer were key in my career development. I was given great
responsibility in each role, and still use many of the skills I gained from each project. Some examples of projects
I worked on:
- Morro Bay Bird Festival: I worked closely with the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce to develop the business plan for
what is now an annual event for Bird Watchers around the Globe.
- Wildflower Triathlon: I worked on the Public Relations team for two years which included writing Press Releases,
organizing the motorcycle motorcade for filming and assuring that all press had details about the participating athletes.
- Morro Bay Harbor Festival: Conducted an exit survey with over 500 respondents which, in addition to serving as the
basis for my Senior Project, provided Harbor Festival organizers with detailed feedback for use in planning future events.
What are your three strongest memories of Cal Poly?
1. Moving into the dorms. I could not wait! I was in Yosemite Tower 8, third floor, room J. I got a great roommate,
luckily, and met many of my dear friends who I still see to this day.
2. My professors. The professors at Cal Poly are incredible people who are dedicated to helping students get a great education.
Switching majors and navigating all of the avenues it took to get there was made much easier by great professors in both majors.
3. Senior Year. I was the President of the Recreation Administration Club, completing my Senior Project, and worked on
Wildflower as the head of the Public Relations Team. It was one of my busiest years at Cal Poly, and one that I attribute
to my ability to prioritize and juggle multiple things every day.
When you think of Cal Poly you immediately think of this...?
The Poly 'P' and late nights! But really... I think of the community that is Cal Poly, both during and after my
time there. It is an extremely tight bunch, and when I meet someone who went to Cal Poly, there is an immediate bond.
What brought you to Cal Poly?
My entire family seems to have passed through the Cal Poly doors. Both my father and mother attended, as well as
some second cousins. My Mom took me with her to visit the campus when I was in seventh grade, and I knew that it was
the University I wanted to attend
Was your goal to stay locally after graduation? Can you talk about that?
I wanted to move to Washington D.C. and work around Government in a Special Event capacity. I always loved the East
Coast, so thought I would eventually end up there. As it worked out, I did stay local for almost two years, and then
moved up to San Francisco, which turned out to be a fantastic path for me. Of course now, my husband (who is also
a Cal Poly grad, '89) and I would love to get back to the Central Coast one day. It really is a piece of paradise.
When you are not working, what do you find yourself usually doing?
Traveling is my favorite thing to do. Local, overseas, as long as I get to see something new, I'm happy. If I'm
grounded, then you'll find me swimming with my Masters team, creating tote bags and working on "geeky" things.
