Harlea Hoelscher was born and raised in Whitharral, a small farming community on the South Plains of Texas that is located 40 miles west of Lubbock. She is a fifth generation Texan on both sides of families that are deeply rooted in agriculture. Growing up, she was able to experience many different facets of the agriculture industry with family that grows cotton, raises livestock, as well as having a father who works within the Farm Credit system. Harlea will graduate with her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M in December of 2020 where she will receive a dual degree in agricultural economics and agricultural communications and journalism. Throughout her time at Texas A&M, Harlea has served as an officer in the Agricultural Economics Society, a member of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council, and participated in undergraduate research studying consumers’ agriculture literacy related to lab-cultured meat products. In May of 2019, Harlea was given the opportunity to travel on a study abroad to the African country of Namibia. While there, Harlea was able to learn about the development of agriculture within the country and communicate her findings through photojournalism. Harlea is also a student worker at the College of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences where she has gained skills that will be applicable to life after college. In the summer of 2020, Harlea will be interning with the House Committee on Agriculture (minority office). Throughout her internship, Harlea hopes she can learn how policies are accomplished and how they are implemented on a local level. She is very excited about the opportunity and cannot wait to expand her knowledge of agriculture on a national scale.
Shelby Lepley
Office of Congressman Kevin Brady
Shelby Lepley is a second-generation Fighting Texas Aggie, Class of 2021, with a strong passion for civic engagement, agricultural pursuits, and Texas A&M University. Her life-long goal is to serve her community, state, and nation as an influential public leader and promote values that benefit the common good. In order to achieve her many goals, Shelby is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics. After receiving this degree, she hopes to continue her education to become an attorney and own her own law firm. From this goal, she hopes to be further involved with the community and work towards other interests. She, along with her public service, plans to begin her own cattle operation and continue her family’s legacy in the agricultural community. Shelby will be interning with for the Office of Congressman Kevin Brady who represents Texas’ 8th Congressional District.
Molly Luhrs
National Association of Wheat Growers
Molly Luhrs is a senior at Texas A&M University from Imperial, Nebraska. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, and she was recently accepted into the Master of Real Estate 4+1 program in the Mays Business School. Molly’s passion for agriculture started at a young age, stemming from her involvement in her family’s farm. Her work with her family farm also influenced her interest in agriculture policy and advocating for the agriculture industry, which has been strengthened through her time at Texas A&M. Molly currently works as a student assistant for Dr. Edward Rister in the Agricultural Economics Department. With this position, she works with many alumni to prepare biographies for the department’s Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry nominees. She also assists with various projects for the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program. Molly is currently a member of the Aggie R.E.P.S., an organization that allows her to represent the Agricultural Economics Department and serve as a liaison between students and faculty. She is also a member of the University Honors Program, the Agricultural Economics Departmental Honors Program, the Agricultural Economics Quiz Bowl Team, and Kappa Alpha Theta. In May of 2018, Molly had the opportunity to study abroad in Ghana to learn about Ghana’s agriculture and government industries. Molly looks forward to her internship with National Association of Wheat Growers. Coming from a family of wheat producers, she is excited to use her hands-on experience in the industry combined with her education in economics and policy to further her knowledge and experience during this internship.
Hannah Neighbors
Office of Congressman Randy Weber
Hannah Neighbors, from League City, Texas, is a part of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2022, earning a degree in university studies with a leadership concentration and a Business minor. After graduation she is hoping to attend law school. She believes policy is a great way to help people on a large scale, and she is looking forward to this internship as an opportunity to refine her policy interests. The elective class “Cultural Pluralism in Agriculture” piqued her interest in agricultural policy, and she is excited to learn more about the policy making process. Hannah currently serves as a Texas A&M National Scholar Ambassador and promotes the university to prospective students and their families. She is a member of the Maroon and White Leadership Program, and she is also looking forward to serving as a Sophomore Advisor in the University Honors program next year. Hannah is excited to intern with Congressman Randy Weber’s office during summer 2020 and is grateful for the opportunity to explore public policy.
John Ryan Rodriguez
Office of Congressman Filemon Vela
John Ryan Rodriguez is a senior from Mission, Texas, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Development and a minor in International Development in Agriculture. As a seventh-generation Texan and native of the Rio Grande Valley, John Ryan developed a passion for his community and an appreciation for the world around him at a young age. The passion he has for his community has been a motivating factor for his involvement in scholastic and civic organizations over the years. In addition to his academic and extracurricular endeavors, John Ryan has worked as a student worker for the Association of Former Students for the past two years. Recently, John Ryan was hired as an undergraduate research assistant within the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications. This role has allowed him to become published in the latest North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture peer-reviewed journal. Upon graduating from Texas A&M University, John Ryan plans to earn a Master’s of Public Administration and Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. His intent is to return to the Rio Grande Valley, and address the socioeconomic issues that his community faces. John Ryan is beyond grateful for the opportunity to intern in the Office of Congressman Filemon Vela. His hope is to acquire as much knowledge and experience possible to apply to his future career goals.
