Agricultural Business Student Spolight: Tatyn Silva

Recent #FresnoStateGrad Tatyn Silva has excelled in her undergraduate years through various internships, clubs and involvement in Kappa Alpha Theta. 

Following her grandpa’s footsteps, she chose Fresno State due to its exceptional agriculture program, inviting community and proximity to her hometown of Oakdale. 

Even with a six-generation family history of ranching in California, her passion was truly sparked with her California FFA experiences. Since then, she has served in many leadership positions and used a summer study abroad trip to Spain to increase her knowledge and create new opportunities. 

The agricultural business graduate will continue her professional journey with the E&J Gallo Winery’s Marketing Leadership Rotational Program, combining two of her passions.

Learn more about her background in this recent interview.

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State, and how did you pick your major?

“I chose Fresno State due to its outstanding agricultural program, since I was pursuing a degree in agricultural business, as well as the incredible community and fun school spirit! In addition to that, with both my hometown, Oakdale, and Fresno State being located in the Central Valley, I was looking to establish new friendships and make connections that would be beneficial for my future career.” 

 

Q: Did you have any other family members graduate or attend Fresno State?

“I have a few family members that attended Fresno State, starting out with my grandpa, Gary Baird, who got his B.S. in Marketing as well as my second-cousin, Mary Beth Miller-Shores, who got her B.A. and M.A. in Communication Disorders and Deaf Studies (SLP).” 

 

Q: Which classes and faculty members have had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State and why?

“I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing Agricultural Business Department faculty and staff that I have had the chance to have and work alongside with, including Dr. Todd Lone, Dr. Annette Levi, Dr. Patrick Berends, Dr. Serhat Asci, Dr. Srini Konduru, Dr. Pei Xu, Dr. Lynn Williams, Dr. Dennis Nef, Neil Tung, and Steve Nasse. I have been able to learn so much from all of these individuals who have significantly contributed to my professional and personal growth during my time at Fresno State.”

“Other classes that I have thoroughly enjoyed include ASCI 21-Beef Cattle Production with Ryan Person, AGBS 136-Farm & Ranch Appraisal with Allan Barros, ENOL 45-Wine Evaluation with Kelli Williamson, MEAG 01-Intro to Ag. Mechanics with Chris McKenna, and PLANT 41-Floral Design with Jennifer Tweedy.” 

 

Q: What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State ?

“My agricultural background includes my family’s 1,600-acre homestead, which was established in 1882, located in Paicines, CA and consists of six generations of cattle ranchers as well as my family’s small walnut operation. Prior to high school, I was knowledgeable of agriculture, because I grew up going to family brandings on the ranch and would help trim trees in the orchard, but I wasn’t involved in the daily tasks with either of the operations.”

“High school is what sparked my passion for agriculture, as I became heavily involved in all aspects of FFA, including serving in leadership positions, raising/showing livestock, and participating in career development events. I served as an Oakdale Chapter Officer for 3 years, Stanislaus/Tuolumne Section Treasurer, and Central Region Secretary where I was able to serve over 26,000 FFA members.”

“Additionally, I raised sheep for 3 years, a dairy heifer 1 year, and pigs for 2 years to show at the Stanislaus County Fair. My high school Ag Department quickly became a second home, as I was intrigued to learn more about the agriculture industry.” 

 

Q: Describe any internships you've done at Fresno State, and how they have prepared you for your career path?

“During my time at Fresno State, I’ve had the privilege of working for Yosemite Farm Credit as a lending intern during Summer 2022 while also working for the Fresno State Creamery as the social media marketer intern during the 2023-2024 academic year.”

“As an intern at Yosemite Farm Credit, I assisted in the underwriting process of loan applications, including various commodities and dairies, while also analyzing financial data and spreading financial statements.”

“In my Fresno State Creamery internship, I was responsible for media content creation and marketing on various social media platforms, as well as informing students and the community about the creamery’s products and processes. This internship taught me so much as I was able to see the entire process behind each product and, most importantly, it encouraged me to pursue a career in marketing. I am incredibly grateful for both of these internships as they helped me grow professionally and provided me with the opportunity to interact with agriculture industry leaders.”

 

Q: What clubs and organizations at Fresno State have you been a part of?

“Beyond academics, my involvement in Kappa Alpha Theta has been instrumental in my collegiate career. I held various officer positions, which included serving as the 2021 Academic Development Director, 2022 Member Development Committee - Sophomore Class Representative, and 2022 and 2023 New Member Director. In addition to that, I have served on countless committees to ensure that our events ran smoothly and tried to serve as a source of support and guidance for my agricultural business peers.”

“I’ve also enjoyed participating in the International Fresh Produce Association Career Pathways Program and contributing to the Ag Business Club and NAMA Chapter. During 2023-2024, I served as the Secretary for the Ag Business Club/NAMA Chapter and was an emcee at the past two department banquets.” 

 

Q: Have you received any scholarships related to campus, the Jordan College or Ag One?  

“Yes, I am a grateful recipient of many campus scholarships, including the Ag One - Jack Woolf Scholarship, Ag One S & J Ranch Scholarship, 2x Ag One - Nick W. and Els Blom Family Scholarship, 2x Rodger and Margaret Jensen Scholarship, 2x Fresno State Alumni Association - Lehla Slocum Beatty Memorial Scholarship, Fresno State Alumni Association - Mary B. and John C. Memorial Scholarship, 2x M.P. Dennison Memorial Scholarship, Jordan College of Ag. - Study Abroad Grant, Department of Agriculture Business - Study Abroad Grant, Fresno Alumnae Panhellenic Association Scholarship, Beverly Daniels Memorial Scholarship, Genevieve Greelis Scholarship, and California Women for Agriculture - Central Valley Scholarship.”

“A huge thank you goes out to all of those who believed in me and my ambitions throughout my time at Fresno State, it wouldn’t have been possible without your generous support.” 

 

Q: Are there any other interesting notes about yourself that you would like to include?

“I participated in the Wine and Food Exploration Study Abroad Program in Spain during summer 2023. This program allowed my peers and I to embrace Spanish culture and consult with wineries about a marketing challenge they were facing. An additional component of the study-abroad program was the Blending and Branding Challenge, where my group created a wine blend, selected a target market, and developed a brief marketing strategy. We presented our product to a panel of judges composed of industry professionals and were recognized as the best branded wine. This international wine program sparked my interest in the wine industry and added to my knowledge of Spain’s wine and food industries.”

“While traveling abroad, I also visited Lisbon, Portugal, Iserlohn & Northern Germany, and London, United Kingdom. Overall, this was an incredible experience and I’m so grateful that I participated in this study-abroad program!”

 

Q: What’s your potential next career step?

“I am thrilled to embark on a new chapter with Gallo Winery’s Marketing Leadership Rotational Program. Within this program, I will be able to gain experience in all aspects of their Marketing Department, including brand marketing, marketing insights, consumer interactions, and business analytics. This opportunity promises to combine my passion for agriculture with my desire for global engagement, offering a dynamic platform for personal and professional growth.”