Lelan Dixon is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Currently, she is a Program Specialist with NIFA in Washington, DC. She has been with in federal service for over six years and five of those with NIFA. During her career, Dixon has gained experience serving as a Commercial Horticulture Extension agent for the University of Florida, Soil Conservationist with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Training Specialist for the University of Hawaii, and Nutrient Management Specialist with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

She attended Southern University A&M College and Florida A&M University earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agricultural and plant sciences respectively. Throughout her career she has maintained a passion for agriculturally based outreach, farm safety, sustainability, and global food security.