The mission of SEEDS is to “diversify and advance the profession of ecology by promoting opportunities that stimulate and nurture the interest of underrepresented students” through activities such as mentoring, field trips, leadership development, annual meeting travel awards, and research fellowships. To date, almost 600 students have participated in core SEEDS components.  This session will include SEEDS alum from the first year of the program (1996) and also some alum from most recent years. They will share the impact of the SEEDS program and their journey to their current career.