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Almond Leadership Program: Mentor Spotlight – Q&A with Donny Hicks

3/14/2024

Donny Hicks, Grower Relations at RPAC, Almond Grower and three-year ALP Mentor.

Q. How are you involved in the almond industry? 
A. I am a Grower Relations Manager at RPAC, LLC, Grower, and serve on the Grower Committee for The Almond Alliance.

Q. How did you get involved with the Almond Leadership Program and how many years have you been a mentor? 
A. I was asked if I would be interested in being a mentor for the program and I gladly accepted. This is my 3rd year as a mentor.

Q. What is your favorite part of being a mentor in the Almond Leadership Program? 
A. Getting to build great relationships with not only my mentee, but all the mentees and mentors and everyone involved in the program.

Q. What is your favorite memory during your time as a mentor? 
A. Getting to spend the day with my mentee from last year’s class, Lincoln Denlinger. We toured not only his workplace at Salida Ag Chem, but also Flory Industries where his father works.

Q. What advice do you have for young almond leaders?   
A. To be passionate about your role in the industry and to serve as you are able.

Q. How do you like to eat almonds?  
A. In my opinion, you can’t beat an Almond Joy candy bar!