(Ames) — Ciara Hoegh was recognized with the prestigious Winds of Change Up and Comer Award at this year’s Women in Agriculture Conference, celebrating her leadership and rising impact in Iowa’s ag community.
A native of rural Atlantic, Hoegh grew up on a farm north of town and quickly stood out for her achievements in both academics and athletics. She also emerged as a strong role model among her peers. Her early interest in rural life and community development led her to begin writing for the local newspaper, where she explored topics related to quality of life and building stronger connections across rural Iowa.
Hoegh went on to attend Grinnell College and later spent a year teaching English in China. Upon returning to the U.S., she pursued her Master of Business Administration at Northwestern University in Chicago.
From the farm to the global stage and back to her Iowa roots, Hoegh has continued to advocate for vibrant rural communities and meaningful collaboration across the agricultural landscape.
Ciara’s career in agriculture and food security spans local, regional, and national efforts, and she’s made a lasting mark in every corner of the state. From corporate leadership to grassroots initiatives, her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring all Iowans have access to fresh, nutritious food.
Ciara began her professional journey at Nationwide Insurance, where she steadily rose through the ranks from a farmowners pricing analyst to personal lines senior product analyst. She later served as a commercial agribusiness senior product consultant and manager, gaining high-level experience in agricultural markets and risk management.
Early in her career, Ciara interned with the Women, Food and Agriculture Network, a position that deepened her connection to local food systems and advocacy. That passion soon inspired her to co-found Corn for a Cause, a nonprofit that grows and shares premium sweet corn with Iowans facing food insecurity. She continues to grow and sell sweet corn and popcorn, donating proceeds to the initiative.
As manager of Produce in the Park, Ciara oversaw a weekly farmers’ market in Cass County from June through September, along with additional holiday markets. She coordinated efforts to give local producers space to sell beef, pork, lamb, chicken, eggs, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The market also featured weekly guest chefs, fresh produce, snacks, and educational take-home materials. Under her leadership, the market earned 501(c)(3) nonprofit certification and became authorized to accept SNAP/EBT and Double Up Food Bucks.
In her role as Cass County Wellness Coordinator, Ciara co-founded the Grow Another Row program, encouraging home gardeners to donate their surplus produce through a countywide network. She established donation stands in every town in the county and secured a grant to fund a community sharing garden in an Atlantic City park.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Ciara responded by designing and launching the Cass County COVID-19 Mobile Food for All program. The 35-week initiative delivered food and essential resources to 75 individuals and families, many of whom were homebound.
Ciara’s leadership continues in Des Moines, where she serves as Assistant Market Manager for Lutheran Services in Iowa’s Global Greens Farmers Market. There, she helps former refugees sell premium, locally grown produce and supports their participation in Iowa’s local food purchasing assistance program.
Throughout her many roles, Ciara has consistently focused on removing barriers—whether logistical, educational, or economic—that prevent families from accessing nutritious food. Her work is grounded in compassion, strategy, and a realistic understanding of community needs. She continues to be a driving force in building resilient, inclusive food systems across Iowa.
(Photo: Left-to-right: Past President Deb Schuler, Atlantic Executive Chamber Director Bailey Smith, Allison Berryhill (Mother), Ciara Hoegh, and Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Program Director, Kelsey Beschorner)
