Welcoming our new YPARD Steering Committee member Hazell Flores!

The global network of YPARD continues to grow its leadership with the addition of Hazell Flores to the Steering Committee, bringing strong regional experience and a clear commitment to advancing youth leadership, equity, and systems transformation in agrifood systems.

With a professional and academic background shaped by her work across Latin America and the Caribbean, Hazell contributes a dynamic perspective grounded in policy engagement, knowledge management, and youth-driven innovation. Her appointment reflects YPARD’s ongoing commitment to strengthening inclusive leadership that connects regional action to global impact.

Hazell is currently completing a Master’s degree in International Development at the University of Pittsburgh, where her studies focus on social policy, sustainability, and equity. She is also a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow, further strengthening her expertise in agriculture, rural development, and climate-smart approaches. Her academic journey complements her professional experience working at the intersection of research, policy, and practice, with a strong emphasis on inclusive development and sustainable food systems.

Regional Engagement Through Youth Advocacy and Partnerships

Hazell’s engagement with YPARD began through YPARD Latin America and the Caribbean (YPARD LAC), where she supported regional communications and advocacy initiatives designed to amplify youth voices in agriculture. Through this work, she contributed to collaborative initiatives implemented alongside key international and regional partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, International Fund for Agricultural Development, International Land Coalition, and RELASER. A notable achievement in her regional work includes leading a youth agribusiness incubator, which created practical opportunities for rural young people across Latin America and the Caribbean to develop entrepreneurial skills and strengthen market engagement.

Experience in Knowledge Management and Strategic Communications

Professionally, Hazell has contributed to knowledge management, policy advocacy, and strategic communications with organizations such as FONTAGRO and Brooke. Her work has focused on strengthening the link between evidence-based research and real-world agricultural solutions, ensuring that youth perspectives remain central to development processes. Her experience aligns closely with YPARD’s mission to support young professionals in agriculture through capacity development, networking, and global advocacy.

A Vision for a Connected and Youth-Driven Global Movement

As a member of the YPARD Steering Committee, Hazell brings a strong vision of the network as a bold, connected, and values-driven global movement. She is particularly motivated to help amplify youth voices, bridge regional and generational knowledge gaps, and support collaborative approaches that advance just, inclusive, and resilient food systems.Her leadership reflects a commitment to strengthening YPARD as a platform that not only connects young professionals globally but also transforms shared ideas into lasting systems change. Hazell looks forward to contributing to YPARD’s continued growth as a courageous, youth-led network that empowers young people to actively shape the future of agriculture and sustainable development worldwide.

YPARD warmly welcomes Hazell to the Steering Committee and celebrates the valuable experience and passion she brings for advancing youth leadership, equity, and sustainable food systems across regions.