Ellen Andres, a 2015 graduate of Delaware Area Career Center’s Agriculture Science program (in partnership with Big Walnut and Buckeye Valley High Schools), has built a rewarding career that blends her love of agriculture with her passion for supporting people.
After completing the BV DACC Agriscience program, Ellen pursued a degree in Agriscience Education at The Ohio State University. While in college, she gained hands-on experience as a Conservation Education Intern with Delaware Soil and Water, where she discovered a passion for informal education. Her career path led her into private industry, first as an HR Coordinator/Recruiter for an agricultural cooperative.
In 2021, Ellen joined Select Sires, Inc. in Plain City, OH as an HR and Safety Specialist—a role she describes as “the perfect mix of agriculture and teaching.” Since then, she has advanced to Manager of Human Resources and Compliance, where she enjoys serving both employees and the agricultural industry daily.
Beyond her career, Ellen stays deeply connected to her roots. She is an active member of the Buckeye Valley FFA Alumni, a Delaware County 4-H advisor, and serves on the Delaware County Farm Bureau Board of Trustees.
Reflecting on her time at DACC, Ellen shares, “I credit my passion for agriculture education to my experience with the BV DACC Agriscience Education program. My involvement with Career Development Events, such as job interviews and public speaking, served as a foundation starting out in my career. The networking opportunities that were made available continue to assist me in my career of finding local talent to join our organization.”
Her advice to current students is both encouraging and insightful: “You are so very fortunate to have the opportunity to experience career technical education. Even if you do not go into something directly related to your lab after graduation, you will find that your lab experience provided skills that were likely unavailable elsewhere.”
Ellen’s story is a powerful reminder of how DACC equips students with skills and confidence that serve them in diverse career paths.
Alumni, we’d love to hear your story too! Share it here: https://forms.gle/whV6i3eKrEy3KAGm6