FCCS News & Insights

Village Voices: The Strengths of Women in Leadership

How Women Are Leading with Purpose, Perspective, and Courage

Across the Farm Credit System and beyond, women leaders are making bold contributions that may not always make the headlines but are undeniably impactful. Their leadership is characterized by resilience, collaboration, and an ability to navigate complex challenges with both strength and empathy. At FCCS and through The Village, we’re proud to elevate the voices of women who are not only achieving results but are redefining what it means to lead effectively.

What makes women leaders stand out? Their capacity to lead through listening, their courage to ask tough questions—and sit with honest answers—and their instinct to lift others as they rise. Whether in finance, operations, strategy, or client service, women across our network embrace authentic leadership that fosters trust, empowers teams, and builds cultures of belonging.

We asked several inspiring women leaders in The Village:

What strengths do you bring to leadership—and how have they shaped your impact?

Here’s what they shared:

For Jenny Kreisher, Director of Strategic Communications at Horizon Farm Credit and Village Council member, leading with purpose means always keeping her “why” at the forefront of her actions—whether in decision-making, emails, or meetings. She strives to be helpful, supportive, and positive in every interaction, believing that this approach leads to intentional leadership. Jenny has also learned the importance of courage in leadership, particularly when it comes to sharing differing opinions constructively. Speaking up, even when uncomfortable, can uncover the best solutions.

As a woman leader, Jenny believes empathy is one of her greatest strengths, allowing her to understand others’ perspectives, make inclusive decisions, and foster a compassionate, collaborative environment. She credits the support of mentoring women throughout her career as essential in shaping her leadership journey, and advises emerging women leaders to connect with supportive colleagues who help them find their voice and remind them that they are just getting started.

For Kate Lambert, Senior Vice President, Marketing for FCS Financial and Village Council member, leading with purpose means showing up every day to bring value to the farm and ranch families they serve, while also supporting her team. She believes one of the hardest yet most courageous aspects of leadership is saying “no,” a lesson she learned as a mother and now applies in her professional life. Delivering a “no” from a broader perspective can be tough, but it’s often the most responsible choice.

Kate also embraces the “seasonality” of life, understanding that work doesn’t always take precedence and modeling for her team the importance of balancing family priorities. She credits the support of mentors and her husband for sustaining her leadership journey, with her husband’s unwavering support helping her stay grounded. Her advice for emerging women leaders is simple: take care of yourself first—through exercise, sleep, and family time—because only when you’re at your best can you lead effectively.

Both Jenny and Kate emphasize the significance of leading with purpose, whether through empathy, making tough decisions, or balancing personal and professional priorities. Their insights exemplify the diverse ways women in leadership shape their environments with intention and courage.

As we reflect on their words, it becomes clear that these leadership qualities are shared by many women who are driving change within and beyond the Farm Credit System.

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Here are a few additional perspectives on what leadership with purpose looks like, as shared by other influential women leaders:

“All women in leadership today stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us. I believe that today’s leaders have a responsibility to do our part to pave a smoother path for those who come behind us. Reach out a hand and pull someone else up. Open a door for others to walk through. Be a difference maker in the career of another. In the end, I think that’s what it’s all about.”

– Rachel Angress, General Counsel & Interim Chief Risk Officer, American AgCredit, and Village Council member

“As a leader, I strive to create clarity and connection. When people feel seen and heard, they bring their best selves to the table, and that’s when we accomplish great things together. I’ve learned that emotional intelligence isn’t soft—it’s strategic. It helps me navigate conflict, coach others, and stay grounded, striking a balance between empathy and directness to drive better outcomes. My strength is perspective; I ask the questions others won’t and listen deeply to what’s not being said, which allows me to see the bigger picture and make more informed decisions.”

– Stephanie Barton, FCCS, SVP, Marketing and Communications, and Village Council member

“For me, leading with purpose means making choices that reflect the impact I want to have—not just the task at hand. Courage has shown up in moments of uncertainty, when I’ve had to trust my instincts and speak up, even when it was hard. As a woman, I lead with empathy, clarity, and a strong belief in collaboration—always intentionally making space for every voice, especially those that are quieter. The connection and support of other women has been vital. To those finding your voice: stay rooted in your purpose, lead with conviction, and know that your perspective is your power.”

– Jean Cantey Segal, FCCS, Chief Learning Officer/EVP, and Village Council member

These women’s stories highlight the unique strengths women bring to leadership—strength, empathy, perspective, and the courage to lead with intention. Their voices inspire and remind us that leadership isn’t about one person shining in the spotlight, but about lifting others up and driving change together. At The Village, we’re proud to share these insights and celebrate the ongoing contributions of women in leadership.

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