You will learn:

Join us October 2, 2024, for a webinar designed for students, faculty and mentors interested in issues and careers in agricultural and food law. This webinar features USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, who has a very unique background ranging from serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represented the fifth largest Congressional district in the nation, to USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development, and USDA Deputy Secretary. Deputy Secretary Torres Small will discuss her background, path to and through law school, how her being an attorney factors into the various unique positions she has held and offer career and professional advice. There will be an opportunity for Q&A.

This program is part of the NALC Bridges Initiative, a student-focused, public-private partnership that offers professional development, networking, and increased legal knowledge to pre-college, undergraduate, and law students interested in agricultural and food law issues and/or careers. The overall goal of the Bridges Initiative is to help provide a legal-focused pipeline of talent into the agricultural and food industries while furthering the NALC’s national mission of serving as the nation’s leading source of agricultural and food law research and information. The Bridges Initiative includes a specific focus on minority students and others traditionally underrepresented in the agricultural and food law fields.

You will hear:

The Honorable Xochitl Torres Small, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Xochitl Torres Small was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture on July 11, 2023. She is the first Latina to hold this position.

Prior to her confirmation as Deputy Secretary, Torres Small served as Under Secretary for Rural Development. In this role, she oversaw loans and grants to provide infrastructure improvements; business development; affordable housing; community facilities; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal, and high-poverty areas.

Before joining USDA, Torres Small was a United States Representative for the fifth largest district in the country. She is the first woman and first person of color to represent New Mexico’s second congressional district.