World Food Prize Foundation Names Agricultural Technology Leader Grace Campidilli to Council of Advisors

The World Food Prize Foundation announced today the appointment of Grace Campidilli, an agriculture and technology professional, to its Council of Advisors, filling one of two seats reserved for early-career professionals.

Campidilli is a software engineer at John Deere, where she develops data infrastructure and AI tools that enable more informed decision-making for equipment dealers and farmers. Her work sits at the intersection of agriculture and technology, advancing innovation to meet the growing complexity of global food systems.

"Grace represents the next generation of leaders working at the cutting edge of agriculture and technology," said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. "Her interdisciplinary expertise and longstanding commitment to the Foundation's mission make her an exceptional addition to the Council of Advisors."

Campidilli's background spans plant genetics research, autonomous robotics engineering and consulting on projects supporting venture capital firms and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This breadth of experience reflects a career dedicated to building integrated solutions that strengthen food systems from production to policy.

"I'm honored to join the World Food Prize Foundation's Council of Advisors," said Campidilli. "Drawing on experience across agriculture, technology and global development, I'm excited to contribute a systems-oriented perspective in support of the Foundation's work advancing global food security. After seven years of engagement with the World Food Prize Foundation, first through its youth programming and the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, and later as a volunteer and speaker, I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back as a member of the Council."

Campidilli has been engaged with the Foundation Youth Programs since 2019 and was selected as a Borlaug-Ruan Intern in 2021, conducting research with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. Her continued involvement as a volunteer and speaker underscores a sustained commitment to the Foundation's mission of elevating innovations and inspiring action to address global hunger.

She holds bachelor's degrees in Statistics and Plant Science from Cornell University, where she was recognized as a James Beard Foundation National Scholar.

A proud sixth-generation Iowan, Campidilli currently resides in Chicago.

The World Food Prize Foundation's Council of Advisors is composed of distinguished leaders from across sectors who provide strategic guidance and support the Foundation's efforts to elevate innovations and inspire action to sustainably increase the quality, quantity and availability of food for all.