Two Oregon Women for Agriculture members received national recognition during the American Agri-Women (AAW) National Convention, held November 6–9, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. Please join us in celebrating Helle Ruddenklau, recipient of the LEAVEN Award, and Arlene Kovash, honored with the Erickson-McCrum Outstanding Agricultural Mentor Award.
Helle Ruddenklau Receives the 2025 LEAVEN Award
The LEAVEN Award is the highest honor bestowed by American Agri-Women. The award recognizes individuals who act as “leaven”—influencing, uplifting, and inspiring those around them to advance agriculture.
This year, AAW presented the 2025 LEAVEN Award to Helle Ruddenklau of Amity, Oregon.
Helle’s passion for fostering agricultural understanding shines in everything she does. Whether she’s hosting school field trips, working with nonprofits, engaging on social media, or striking up conversations with strangers in airports, Helle embraces every opportunity to educate others about modern agriculture. She knows that the public trusts farmers—and she uses that trust to build stronger connections between producers and consumers.
Her decades of volunteer service include work with Oregon Aglink, Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom, OSU Extension, and Oregon State University alumni groups.
Helle’s dedication to outreach, her belief in the importance of telling agriculture’s story, and her commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural advocates exemplify the spirit of the LEAVEN Award.
Arlene Kovash Honored with the Erickson-McCrum Outstanding Agricultural Mentor Award
AAW also recognized Arlene Kovash with the Erickson-McCrum Outstanding Agricultural Mentor Award, an honor established to celebrate members who provide extraordinary mentorship in agriculture. Unlike leadership or advocacy awards, this recognition focuses solely on individuals who invest deeply in coaching, guiding, and elevating others.
Named in honor of past AAW presidents Yvonne Erickson and Sue McCrum, the award celebrates those who intentionally cultivate future leaders—people whose encouragement, wisdom, and support shape the strength of agricultural organizations and communities.
Arlene is known for her willingness to help others grow, her dedication to developing confident leaders, and her commitment to lifting up those around her. Her recognition reflects decades of behind-the-scenes influence that has enriched our organization and inspired countless members.
Oregon Women for Agriculture is proud to have Helle Ruddenklau and Arlene Kovash recognized on the national stage. Their passion, service, and commitment to uplifting others embody the very best of our organization and the Oregon agricultural community.
Please join us in congratulating both Helle and Arlene on these well-deserved honors!