Oklahoma Farm Bureau has added two employees to the organization’s economic development division to bolster the organization’s rural business development efforts.
Sidany Hilburn and Sadie Heap will serve as community information and engagement specialists working with OKFB’s Oklahoma Grassroots Rural and Ag Business Accelerators program. The program connects rural Oklahoma innovators with opportunities and resources to spur economic development in rural communities.
Hilburn joined OKFB in early May, and she will work with rural innovators across the eastern part of Oklahoma. A native of Quapaw, she grew up on a cow/calf operation. Hilburn most recently served as a graduate research assistant at Oklahoma State University in the agricultural economics department. She earned her master’s degree in agricultural economics from OSU and also holds a bachelor’s degree from OSU and an associate degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami.
“When I was young, I realized I was not going to ‘make a hand,’” Hilburn said. “Nevertheless, I have always felt strongly committed to the agricultural industry. I feel so blessed that my position at Oklahoma Farm Bureau will allow me the opportunity to honor that commitment and support farmers, ranchers, and the rural communities that sustain them.”
Heap started her career with OKFB in mid-May, and she will focus on OKFB’s rural development efforts in the western part of the state. She grew up on a family farm and ranch near the southwestern Oklahoma town of Frederick and is a recent graduate of OSU where she earned her bachelor’s degree in ag business in addition to her associate degree from Redlands Community College in El Reno. While at OSU, Heap worked as a student tech at the university’s fire service training in the hazardous materials and rescue program.
“The most exciting part about my position is working with and learning from entrepreneurs in the state of Oklahoma,” Heap said. “The work that Oklahoma Farm Bureau does with these leaders is very important not only for the advancement of our state, but also for our country as a whole. I am extremely excited to be involved in this work and look forward to meeting new people across Oklahoma.”
Hilburn and Heap will each provide technical assistance, coaching and networking for rural Oklahoma innovators. The two will also work to connect entrepreneurs with Oklahoma-based business resources while also promoting the accelerators program throughout the state.
