Meet Emily Alvarez, AFIA's Fall Communications Intern!

Written by: Lacie Dotterweich   |   August 31, 2023

This week, Emily Alvarez, a senior at the University of Florida, joined the American Feed Industry Association’s communications team as our fall intern. She loves nature, is pursuing a degree in agricultural communications with a minor in innovation and can tell you the ins and outs of pigeon racing. Get to know a little bit more about her below.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Alvarez: I’m originally from Tampa, Fla., where I grew up loving the outdoors, especially the beaches. When it was time to choose a college, I decided to stay in state and go to the University of Florida (UF), where I’m currently majoring in agricultural education and communications, with a minor in innovation.

Q: Are you new to the agriculture industry?

Alvarez: I grew up on a family farm, so I’ve been around animals all my life. I’d say the reason I chose my career path is because of the experiences I had as a kid. Agriculture is something I’ve always known and felt most passionate about. I had the responsibility of taking care of animals such as goats, chickens and pigeons, which taught me what it meant to be accountable for another being and respecting nature.

Q: Can you tell us more about your extracurricular activities and how you are hoping to have an impact at UF?

Alvarez: Other than playing soccer with UF’s intramural team, I am also a part of the UF Green Greek club. This club focuses on keeping our campus eco-friendly and plays a large role in our community involvement. I hope to also be a double gator, as I prepare to apply to UF’s master's program in agribusiness by the end of the year.

Q: What is one project you worked on in college that you are particularly proud of?

Alvarez: I am particularly proud of my accomplishment in producing UF/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences research videos. These videos that I created in my video production course were presented at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Having my work published in a museum with my name was such a rewarding feeling.

Q: What are you hoping to get out of your internship?

Alvarez: This internship offers me the opportunity to use the skills I’ve gained in college. I hope not only to express these skills but also learn new ones throughout the fall. At the end of this internship, I hope to have learned what it feels like to work in an environment that resembles my desired career path, while also making connections that can lead me in the right direction.

Q: What do you do outside of school?

Alvarez: Outside of school I enjoy teaching yoga classes at my local yoga studio in Gainesville. I also love going on nature walks with my family and friends.

Q: What’s something someone may not know about you?

Alvarez: My family owns a pigeon racing farm in Tampa. It started as a hobby for my great grandfather and has since worked its way down the family tree, turning into a family business. Pigeon racing is incredibly unique and has paved the way for many opportunities in my life.