Ayla Blatt Joins Staff to Help Develop Dairy Education Programs
The Center for Dairy Excellence has named Ayla Blatt, a senior at the Pennsylvania State University, as education and communications intern. Blatt joins a team of employees who are committed to strengthening Pennsylvania dairy farms with resources and support and providing dairy education programming to the next generation of dairy.
Blatt is studying animal science with a business management focus and is pursuing an agribusiness minor. A native of Kutztown, Pa. in Berks County, Blatt grew up on a small dairy operation and has firsthand experience with dairy herd management.
“Ayla is hard-working, energetic, and enthusiastic about her future in dairy,” said Jayne Sebright, Executive Director for the Center. “Her involvement in both dairy youth programs and collegiate-level activities makes her an ideal candidate to serve as our education and communications intern, giving her a firsthand perspective on how to tailor our Foundation programs to meet the needs and interests of dairy’s next generation.”
As an undergraduate student, Blatt is active on campus and participates in several dairy clubs and activities. She is a member of the Dairy Science Club, Treasurer of the Agronomy Club, and serves as a mentor for the Agricultural Sciences Change of Campus Mentorship Program. Through the internship at the Center, Blatt hopes to use her passion for dairy and mentorship experience to communicate with consumers and develop programming for students and educators.
“I am eager to learn more about how we can further develop programs to educate and inform consumers about the dairy industry,” Blatt said. “I have always had a passion for agriculture and education, and I believe this internship will be extremely beneficial to any of my future directions.”
In addition to Blatt, eight other individuals serve the Center and the Center Foundation. Staff members include Sebright; Melissa Anderson, dairy programs and operations manager; Emily Barge, communications and marketing manager; Zach Myers, risk management program manager; Karen Purnell, accounting manager; Brittany Snyder, dairy education program manager; Katie Waite, fund development coordinator; and Heidi Zimmerman, events and programs coordinator. In addition to the staff, Dr. Charlie Gardner serves as a contractor for the organization, supporting dairy transition and transformation teams coordinated through the Center.