WHO IS BLAKE VAN DER KAMP? Blake Van Der Kamp is a passionate communicator, current Orr Fellow, and Junior Program Manager at Liberty Fund, driven to transform how brands educate their target audiences and revolutionize how organizations amplify their missions. By combining data-driven insights with the power of storytelling, Blake seeks to create meaningful connections and impactful messaging through strategic communication.
Van Der Kamp is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Strategic Communication at Butler University, furthering his expertise while contributing to the work of Liberty Fund, an Indiana-based think tank. His academic journey began at Iowa State University as an undergraduate, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with triple majors in Agriculture and Life Sciences Education, International Agriculture, and Public Relations, along with a Certificate in Leadership Studies. With a proven track record of national and global advocacy, Blake has represented non-profits and EdTech organizations across diverse industries. His passion for education and strategic communication was sparked during his tenure as State Reporter for the Iowa FFA Association, where he championed marketing campaigns and high-profile events highlighting agriculture's vital role in society. |
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In 2020, Blake was honored as a Presidential Scholar for Career & Technical Education by the United States Department of Education, recognizing his outstanding contributions. These include launching a high school recycling program that diverted over 26,400 pounds of materials for recycling, organizing a supply drive that delivered $5,000 worth of school supplies to underserved rural youth, and advancing agricultural education across Iowa.
Blake's leadership also extends to the global stage. He served as one of five North American delegates at the Bayer Youth Ag Summit and as a panelist and advisory council member for the United States Farmers and Ranchers in Action's (U.S.F.R.A.) Honor the Harvest Forum. Engaging with influential leaders, including the Vice President of the American Farm Bureau, Blake emphasized the importance of elevating youth-driven solutions and fostering sustainable agricultural innovation.
Professionally, Blake has lent his expertise to organizations such as the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (I.A.L.F.) and the World Food Prize Foundation. Notably, he helped plan the celebration of the state of Iowa's inaugural George Washington Carver Day, where state leaders, including Governor Reynolds, celebrated the legacy of the trailblazing scientist and educator. In addition, he independently led an rebrand of the I.A.L.F. organization.
Following his current studies, he plans to further his education with a Master's Degree in Digital Media Design from Harvard University while advancing his career in marketing and strategic communication.
Through his local, national, and international efforts, Blake remains steadfast in his aspirations to promote non-profit organizations' missions and elevate their profiles to reach publics. His dedication to these causes reflects his lifelong commitment to empowering communities and shaping a brighter future.
Blake's leadership also extends to the global stage. He served as one of five North American delegates at the Bayer Youth Ag Summit and as a panelist and advisory council member for the United States Farmers and Ranchers in Action's (U.S.F.R.A.) Honor the Harvest Forum. Engaging with influential leaders, including the Vice President of the American Farm Bureau, Blake emphasized the importance of elevating youth-driven solutions and fostering sustainable agricultural innovation.
Professionally, Blake has lent his expertise to organizations such as the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (I.A.L.F.) and the World Food Prize Foundation. Notably, he helped plan the celebration of the state of Iowa's inaugural George Washington Carver Day, where state leaders, including Governor Reynolds, celebrated the legacy of the trailblazing scientist and educator. In addition, he independently led an rebrand of the I.A.L.F. organization.
Following his current studies, he plans to further his education with a Master's Degree in Digital Media Design from Harvard University while advancing his career in marketing and strategic communication.
Through his local, national, and international efforts, Blake remains steadfast in his aspirations to promote non-profit organizations' missions and elevate their profiles to reach publics. His dedication to these causes reflects his lifelong commitment to empowering communities and shaping a brighter future.
Photo Courtesy of the International Acacia Fraternity
Photo Courtesy of the United States Farmer & Ranchers in Action (USFRA)
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HIGHLIGHTED LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES - Selected as an Orr Fellow for the Class of 2024
- Directed discussion as a Key Leaders & NextGen Farmers Panelist for the 2022 U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action Honor The Harvest Forum - Served as Vice President of Ceremonies for the Iowa State University's most prestigious honor society, Cardinal Key - Liaised as Director of Sustainability on the ISU Student Government & on the President-appointed University Sustainability Committee - Global Bayer Youth Ag Summit Attendee & 2021 Delegate - Elected as the 2020-2021 Iowa FFA State Reporter |
HIGHLIGHTED AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS- Recipient of the 2024 Iowa Soybean Association Rising Star Award
- Inducted into ISU's most prestigious honor society, Cardinal Key, in 2022 - Accepted as a member in 2022 for the Order of Omega Honor Society - ISU Office of Multicultural Student Affairs 2022 Rising Star Award Recipient - 2021 Honorary Diamond Trail Chapter FFA Degree Recipient - 2020 U.S. Department of Education Presidential Scholar Awardee in C.T.E - Prairie City Monroe High School Valedictorian for the Class of 2020 |
Photo Courtesy of TPCreations
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CERTIFICATIONS & DEGREES
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