45. Chris Devers - CEO of Rancho Cielo, empowerment, community, and mentorship
I’m excited to share the 45th episode of This is Ag! featuring Chris Devers, CEO of Rancho Cielo, who is no stranger to transforming lives and communities. Rancho Cielo, a nonprofit in Salinas, California, provides at-risk youth with education, mentorship, and hands-on training in agriculture, culinary arts, automotive, and construction, giving them the tools to build practical skills and sustainable careers. Under Chris’s leadership, the school has launched groundbreaking initiatives, including the first Future Farmers of America chapter at a charter school, dual enrollment with Hartnell College, and innovative projects like mobile refrigeration units for local organic farmers. Chris’s approach puts students first, ensuring their foundational needs are met while connecting them to opportunities that empower them to thrive. Through stories of alumni like Ashley Soto, who went from a work crew member to running her own construction company, and Samuel, who became a hotel engineer and entrepreneur, Chris demonstrates how mentorship, opportunity, and community investment create lasting impact. This conversation highlights why investing in people with empathy, opportunity, and purpose isn’t just good for individuals but also strengthens entire communities.
This is Ag! · Kirti Mutatkar, Chris Devers, Rhianna Macias, Dave Visaya, Dave Podcast Engineers
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Show Notes
I’m excited to share the 45th episode of This is Ag! featuring Chris Devers, CEO of Rancho Cielo, who is no stranger to transforming lives and communities. Rancho Cielo, a nonprofit in Salinas, California, provides at-risk youth with education, mentorship, and hands-on training in agriculture, culinary arts, automotive, and construction, giving them the tools to build practical skills and sustainable careers. Under Chris’s leadership, the school has launched groundbreaking initiatives, including the first Future Farmers of America chapter at a charter school, dual enrollment with Hartnell College, and innovative projects like mobile refrigeration units for local organic farmers. Chris’s approach puts students first, ensuring their foundational needs are met while connecting them to opportunities that empower them to thrive. Through stories of alumni like Ashley Soto, who went from a work crew member to running her own construction company, and Samuel, who became a hotel engineer and entrepreneur, Chris demonstrates how mentorship, opportunity, and community investment create lasting impact. This conversation highlights why investing in people with empathy, opportunity, and purpose isn’t just good for individuals but also strengthens entire communities.
Rancho Cielo: https://www.ranchocieloyc.org/
Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg.
Reach me at [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org
UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/
Episode Contributors - Chris Devers, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias
The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com
Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com
Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com
Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/
SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/
MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us