Alexis Sanchez, Where Ag Meets Advocacy
July 28, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
RALEIGH, NC— Amidst the hustle and bustle of the NC State Farmers Market, University of Mount Olive (UMO) student Alexis Sanchez is not just soaking in the atmosphere, he is helping shape it. As a social media and communications intern with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Sanchez is spending his summer bridging gaps between consumers, farmers, and policy through creativity, communication, and community outreach.
A junior agribusiness major, Sanchez is originally from Benson, NC, and a proud graduate of South Johnston High School. But his journey into agriculture began much earlier, rooted in childhood experiences, family heritage, and a deep desire to influence the policies that shape how food reaches the table.
“I moved to North Carolina from Naples, Florida when I was six,” Sanchez recalled. “My mom introduced me to gardening, and I found it both fun and empowering to grow our own food. Over time, I realized I wanted to be involved in agriculture, not just the farming side, but also in the politics that influence food systems and pricing.”
That realization eventually led Sanchez to UMO, where he found a supportive environment and a strong agricultural curriculum that built on his early interests. “UMO was the best fit for me because it provided a place where I could grow academically and personally,” he said.
This summer, Sanchez’s internship role at the State Farmers Market includes creating promotional flyers, managing social media posts, mapping vendor locations, and fostering relationships with market vendors. It’s an experience that has given him a first-hand look at the inner workings of one of North Carolina’s most vibrant agricultural hubs.
“My mission is to earn the trust and respect of the vendors,” he said. “I walk the market daily, greet them, offer help, and try to remember their names and what they do. It’s about building relationships.”
Courses like agricultural economics, environmental and natural resource economics, and even an introductory graphic design course at UMO have helped him thrive in the role. “The field experience and leadership skills I gained through clubs and class projects gave me the confidence to collaborate effectively and work on time-sensitive projects,” he noted.
Sanchez also credits several UMO departments, especially agriculture, marketing, and the Learning Commons, for helping him prepare for the professional world. “They’ve helped me refine my resume, get comfortable presenting myself professionally, and build communication skills.”
His internship supervisor, Monica Wood, Market Manager at the State Farmers Market, praised Sanchez’s contributions and dedication. “Alexis has been an absolute pleasure to work with,” she said. “He’s come in ready to dive in headfirst with any project we’ve put in front of him. He has worked on social media, designed flyers and banners, and even collaborated with our art department to complete a project from design concept to printing. He’s eager and excited about agriculture. He is such a joy to have on our team, and we’ve been so impressed, that we are extending his internship until he returns to school.”
Beyond day-to-day operations, the internship has expanded Sanchez’s understanding of the broader ag industry. “It’s been eye-opening to see how much time and planning goes into every aspect of the market, from vendor setups to operations at the on-site restaurants and garden shop,” he said. “And meeting professionals in downtown Raleigh has given me a clearer picture of what a career in ag policy might look like.”
Sanchez is particularly passionate about addressing issues like food accessibility and farmer support. “Too often, healthy food is priced higher than unhealthy options,” he said. “My goal is to create programs that support farmers while reducing costs for consumers, especially in rural areas.”
His vision extends to future roles in government, whether that’s through the USDA or a state-level position. “Ideally, I’d love to stay at the State Farmers Market or work in a department that helps farmers through collaboration and program development,” he said.
Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Sanchez is a dedicated vlogger. He documents UMO trips, ag-related activities, and his own experiences as someone who didn’t grow up on a farm. “My videos help others, like me, see that you don’t need a farm background to thrive in ag,” he explained. “I want to make agriculture relatable and exciting for everyone.”
Sanchez is already influencing others through his videos, time management skills, and willingness to learn and lead. He draws inspiration from his mother, Maria Dolores Sanchez Santiago, who once farmed in her native country.
“She’s my biggest motivation,” Sanchez said. “She taught me that agriculture isn’t just about farming, it is about family, community, and the opportunity to make a difference.”
As he continues to build his future one connection at a time, Alexis Sanchez is proving that agriculture needs not just farmers, but also communicators, advocates, and visionary leaders. With a heart for service and a head for policy, this UMO student is nurturing a career and a calling that reaches beyond the fields.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
