SpectrumNEXT

For when the next step is leadership.

SpectrumNEXT is leadership development built with your identity in mind. The starting premise is that leading as an out LGBTQ+ person in this industry takes something a generic program doesn't teach, and that's worth building with other people who are figuring out the same thing. SpectrumNEXT is for LGBTQ+ people in food and agriculture who are ready to lead.

Who It's For

Roughly seven to ten years of full-time professional experience, or fewer if you're already managing people or have led something in food and agriculture. There is no title requirement.

What You Get

An in-person seminar. A full day before the Annual Conference begins, with your cohort.

One-on-one coaching. Virtual sessions built around where you're actually trying to go, not a standard curriculum.

A peer circle. The same small group of people, meeting across the length of the program - about four to five months, leading up to the Annual Conference.

An alumni network afterward. The cohort doesn't end at graduation. SpectrumNEXT alumni stay connected through the year.

Outcomes

People finish this program better at leading, clearer about how they want to work, and connected to a set of peers at the same stage. Some carry that straight into a bigger role where they already are. Some use it to decide what's next.

Apply

Applications open in early 2027 and participants are selected by June 1st. The program fee is $350 for people who are selected.

Apply for the 2027 cohort →

Questions

What is SpectrumNEXT?

SpectrumNEXT is Open Fields Alliance's leadership development program for LGBTQ+ professionals in food and agriculture, delivered in partnership with Syngenta. It combines a full-day in-person seminar before the Annual Conference, one-on-one virtual coaching, and a peer mentoring circle that runs across the program, followed by an ongoing alumni network.

Who qualifies for SpectrumNEXT?

LGBTQ+ professionals working in food, agriculture, or natural resources with roughly seven to ten years of full-time experience, or fewer if you've already held a leadership role or managed people. There is no title requirement and no minimum company size, and selection is by application.

How much does SpectrumNEXT cost and when do applications open?

The program fee is $350 for applicants who are selected. Applications open in early 2027 and participants are selected by June 1st. If you find this page outside that window, you can sign up to be emailed when applications reopen.