[SNEAK PEEK] Leading Women of Horticulture: Delilah Onofrey and Krystal Snyder

Editor's note: March is Women’s History Month in the U.S., and March 8 is International Women’s Day.

That’s why for the second year in a row, we’re focusing our March magazine on the excellent women doing great work in our industry through the GIE Media Horticulture Group's Leading Women of Horticulture article and video series.

We’ve been interviewing women at all levels of the nursery and greenhouse business about their work and experiences in the green industry. Their stories are amazing and inspiring. Enjoy these sneak peeks before you read the full articles later this month. 

Delilah Onofrey of Suntory Flowers and Krystal Snyder of the Penn State Flower Trials

Patrick Alan Coleman: In your time in horticulture, how has the industry changed for women?

Delilah Onofrey: A lot of the growers and retailers are mom and pops, so you see mom, too. It’s not just pops. At industry events, you’ll see couples more than just the guys. And I think, more and more, the next generation, you do see more daughters stepping up.

Krystal Snyder: I remember when I very first started in the industry, I would show up to a meeting and not only be the youngest, but I would be one of the few women there. But I think in the greenhouse floriculture part of horticulture, it’s definitely more equitable, I would say.

PAC: What would you say to young women who are looking at a career in horticulture?

DO: I would say it’s a great industry in general, whether you get your hands dirty or not. So many things wrap around the industry. Yeah, there’s the actual plants and products, but then there’s the marketing; there’s the shows. Whether you’re an actual grower or not, there are ways you can be part of the industry and advance it.

KS: I always say, and I think Seed Your Future used to say this all the time, too: Plant people are the best people — because they really are the best people.