Amaya Aguirre-Landa made a bold career pivot in October 2024, transitioning from 14 years in marketing services to become executive director of the Idaho Grain Producers Association. The move represents her most significant professional accomplishment of the past year.
“I am by nature an advocate,” Aguirre-Landa said. “I am passionate about people and causes I support and advocating on their behalf comes naturally to me.”
Based in Boise, she now leads an organization that has represented approximately 6,000 Idaho grain growers since 1957. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in business management with a marketing minor from Lewis-Clark State College, plus certification as a Digital Marketing Professional and participation in Leadership Idaho Agriculture’s Class 41.
Aguirre-Landa acknowledges the challenge of entering an industry without traditional credentials, but she’s committed to learning. Her primary goal for the coming year is deepening her understanding of the grain industry, producer needs and relevant policy at county, state and federal levels.
“If you don’t feel like a fraud — at least sometimes — are you even trying?” she said, reflecting on overcoming self-doubt in her new role.


