A Historic Candidacy
Dr. Deidra Willis is making history as the first woman to run for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. Her candidacy represents a powerful shift toward inclusion, innovation, and community-centered leadership in one of Alabama’s most vital industries. With deep roots in education, farming, and public service, Dr. Willis brings a fresh, visionary voice to a role traditionally underrepresented by women and minorities—paving the way for a more equitable and thriving agricultural future for all Alabamians.
Dr. Deidra Willis: A Timeline of Leadership & Impact
2000 – 2020
Educator & Administrator
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Served over two decades in education as a teacher, program director, and advocate for youth development
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Led federally funded initiatives like the Health Careers Opportunity Program at Alabama A&M University
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Mentored hundreds of young women through educational and leadership programs
2005 – Present
Grant Writer & Community Builder
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Raised over $29 million in grants to support small businesses, workforce programs, and educational equity
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Developed training, housing, health, and entrepreneurship programs in underserved communities
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Founded DJW Enterprise Inc. to empower nonprofits and entrepreneurs
2010 – Present
Entrepreneur & Founder
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Launched multiple ventures including:
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The Bougie Farmer – agritourism and farming brand focused on cattle, vegetables, and agribusiness coaching
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Phillips University International – low-tuition Christian university offering business and ministry degrees
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Therapeutic Animals R Us – mobile petting zoo for mental wellness and education
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The Bougie Vineyard – bookstore and teacher resource center
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MDD Holdings Inc. – real estate investment company focused on housing transformation
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2020 – Present
Agricultural Innovator & Advocate
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Built and expanded working farms in Coy and Harvest, Alabama featuring Charolais and Black Angus cows, vegetables and agriscience education
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Creating the Bougie Bot, an autonomous farm robot for soil and livestock monitoring
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Developed The Bougie Farmer’s Curriculum for PreK–5th grade
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Hosts Innovative Agribusiness Day events connecting youth with agricultural careers and technology
2023-2024
Published Author
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Wrote Ava and Berkleigh’s Journey Through Creation to introduce children to God, science, and farming
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Launched book series and literacy initiative to increase representation in agricultural education
Recognized Leader in Politics & Business
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Featured in Atlanta Voyage Magazine and Glamour Magazine’s Black Women in Politics issue
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Announced candidacy for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
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Began statewide campaign focused on equity, innovation, and economic empowerment in farming
Meet Dr.Deidra
"The Bougie Farmer"
Farmer. Educator. Advocate. Innovator.
Dr. Deidra Willis—known to many as The Bougie Farmer—is a proud mother, grandmother, retired educator, community leader, and lifelong advocate for equity, innovation, and growth in Alabama’s agricultural industry.
Raised in a family rooted in faith and service, Deidra’s journey is one of grit and grace. She earned her doctorate in organizational leadership and spent over two decades transforming lives through education, health policy, economic empowerment, and youth mentorship. With over $29 million secured in grant funding for community programs and small businesses, she has helped build opportunities where others saw obstacles.
Today, she operates a thriving farm in Harvest, Alabama, raising Black Angus cattle, muscadine grapes, and vegetables, while also leading agritourism initiatives, creating youth curriculum around agriculture, and launching innovative projects like The Bougie Bot—a smart farming robot for livestock and soil health monitoring.
Her passion for farming is matched only by her love for people. As founder of several businesses, including DJW Enterprise Inc., The Bougie Farmer brand, and Phillips University International, Dr. Willis has devoted her life to building up rural communities, coaching minority farmers, and inspiring young minds through literacy and agriculture.
Qualifications:
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Doctorate in Organizational Leadership
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Retired Educator (20+ years)
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Founder, DJW Enterprise Inc. & Phillips University International
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Creator of multiple agribusiness ventures
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Nationally recognized author & grant writer
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Featured in Atlanta Voyage Magazine and Glamour Magazine: Black Women in Politics
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$29M+ raised in successful grant funding for underserved communities
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Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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Champion for Black farmers, single mothers, and youth entrepreneurship
My Mission
As Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, my mission is to:
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Empower all farmers—especially small, veteran, and beginning farmers—to thrive through education, access, and innovation.
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Modernize Alabama agriculture by supporting agritech, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in rural communities.
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Educate the next generation by integrating agriculture into every classroom from Pre-K to college and launching youth-centered ag careers.
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Ensure food security by expanding local markets, increasing access to fresh food, and strengthening our food systems.
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Promote equity and opportunity in every corner of Alabama.
Vision & Platform
Rooted in Faith. Fueled by Innovation. Focused on Farmers.
Dr. Deidra Willis is running for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries with a bold, inclusive vision: to build a future where Alabama’s farms thrive, its youth lead in innovation, and every community shares in the prosperity of agriculture.
Her platform centers on five pillars:
1. Empowering Farmers & Agribusinesses
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Expand funding, technical assistance, and access to land for small, veteran, and women farmers
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Build regional farmer cooperatives to strengthen supply chains and reduce individual costs
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Offer business training and scale-up support for local growers, ranchers, and agripreneurs
2. Advancing Innovation & Technology
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Launch the Bougie Bot Initiative to integrate robotics and precision agriculture in Alabama farms
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Invest in agritech workforce training and high-speed rural internet access
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Partner with universities and HBCUs to promote smart farming, automation, and research
3. Expanding Agricultural Education & Youth Involvement
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Introduce agriculture into every classroom from Pre-K to college
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Establish Innovative Agribusiness Day in Alabama schools to expose students to ag careers
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Support school gardens, 4-H, and FFA programs across all 67 counties
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Provide funding and mentorship for youth-run farms and ag-based businesses
4. Strengthening Food Access & Sustainability
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Promote local food systems by supporting farmers markets, mobile markets, and food box programs
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Expand support for urban and backyard farming in food-insecure areas
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Encourage sustainable practices through conservation grants and soil health initiatives
5. Economic Development & Industry Growth
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Support rural entrepreneurship and ag-based small business creation
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Attract new markets and expand Alabama-grown exports
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Advocate for stronger infrastructure, processing facilities, and job creation in agriculture and industry sectors
Our Future Grows Here
Dr. Deidra’s platform puts people first—from the farmers who feed us to the children who will one day lead us. As Commissioner, she will ensure Alabama’s agriculture works for everyone, creating opportunity, innovation, and equity across every acre.
Provides fresh, affordable produce
Builds a sense of community
Gets people active & improves physical health
Educates about gardening, nature & cooking