The American Floral Endowment (AFE) bolsters leadership team with two new hires

Gracie Alvarez.

Since its inception in 1961, the American Floral Endowment (AFE) has steadily grown in its abilities to support the floriculture and horticulture industries. With over 30 annual scholarships, three internship programmes, and increases in both educational grants and scientific research, the AFE Team works provides resources and relevant programmes needed for a strong and sustainable industry. More recently, AFE has welcomed two new colleagues to its leadership team.

It has been been a busy year for AFE, which celebrated its diamond jubilee one year ago. In addition to funding important research, grants, and programmess to support the next generation, AFE has launched new initiatives further supporting the industry, including a new Floriculture Sustainability Project, monthly Grow Pro Webinar Series, and the expansion of the AFE Career Center – the industry’s one-stop-shop for floral-specific careers, recruitment resources, and more.

Miranda Hosseini.

To better serve its community and implement the organisation’s 3-year strategic plan, AFE has welcomed two new colleagues to its team.

Gracie Alvarez, formerly AFE’s Social Media intern, joined the AFE team as communications coordinator. A native of Little Rock, AR., and University of Missouri alumni, Gracie has already brought many innovative ideas and strategies to the organisation’s social media. She brings with her some industry experience through her time at Tiger Garden, the University of Missouri’s student-operated, full-service floral shop.

Miranda Hosseini, an experienced business development and fundraising professional with extensive expertise in donor relations and programme development, will lead AFE’s fundraising efforts as manager of development and donor engagement. Miranda has a true passion for developing strategies and partnerships with donors and industry leaders that create sustainable impacts for the next generation. Miranda will focus on expanding AFE’s efforts by promoting awareness of AFE’s  programmes and the impact AFE’s programmes provide.