In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Marylu Ramirez, a remarkable HR manager at Good Farms whose story is deeply rooted in resilience, compassion, and advocacy. Her journey began with a powerful influence—her mother, one of the first women in her area to rise into a leadership role in ag in the 90s. That example of professionalism and quiet strength laid the foundation for Marylu’s own leadership approach today. Our conversation was a rich reflection on what it means to lead with empathy in an industry often driven by compliance and regulations. Marylu opened up about the joy she finds in training and empowering her teams, how she navigates the fine balance between policy and humanity, and how field visits give her direct insight into employee challenges. She shared the emotional weight of HR work: listening to workers’ personal stories, addressing their fears around immigration, and helping them navigate mental health stressors, especially in the aftermath of COVID. What really stood out to me was her emphasis on connection. Marylu believes in treating employees not just as workers, but as people with unique experiences. She finds fulfillment in seeing them grow and succeed, and she brings that same care into her leadership with her own team. She also spoke about her transformation through the Women Ag Leadership Academy, how it helped her find her voice, overcome self-doubt, and step confidently into visible leadership. Her closing message, especially for our Spanish-speaking audience, was a beautiful reminder: don’t be afraid to ask for help, use the resources available, and most importantly, don’t forget about yourself while you’re taking care of everyone else. Marylu is exactly the kind of leader our industry needs: grounded, authentic, and deeply committed to both people and progress. I’m proud to serve alongside her on the United Ag board and to continue building this movement for empathetic, inclusive leadership together.