Honey Ambassador Program

Each year a young person is selected to become a spokesperson for the New Jersey Beekeepers Association. Before 2025, this youngster was the "Honey Queen" but the organization has since become more inclusive and we now have a "Honey Ambassador." The Honey Ambassador travels throughout the state speaking at schools, fairs, festivals, beekeeping meetings, etc. They participate in media interviews and are always ready to promote the beekeeping and honey industries. The central focus of the Honey Ambassador program is education; feel free to invite them to give a presentation at your event.

If you would like to have the NJ Honey Ambassador come to your event, please fill out an Outreach Request, indicate “Honey Ambassador” in the Additional Info field and describe the nature of your event and how they might contribute to its success. We’ll forward your request to the NJBA Honey Ambassador Chair.  The farther in advance you are able to let them know about your event, the more likely the Honey Ambassador will be available to attend.

The 2025 NJ Honey Ambassador, Katherine Reilly

Beekeeping has been a lifelong passion for Katherine Reilly, rooted in her family’s history. Her ancestors began keeping bees in Italy and continued the tradition in Argentina, where they cultivated unique honey from eucalyptus trees. Today, Katherine carries that legacy forward—not only as a beekeeper, but as an educator, researcher and advocate.

With a background in environmental policy and human ecology, she has focused much of her work on the vital role pollinators play in both ecosystem and human health. She has organized educational events, and presented seminars on the importance of the pollinators and the beneficial impact of honeybees on human health. She believes that hands-on education is one of the most powerful tools for inspiring environmental stewardship and a deeper connection with nature.

Katherine is also passionate about alternative medicine and is currently researching the potential of bee venom therapy for Lyme disease and neurological conditions. She believes that beekeeping supports not only the environment, but also human wellness—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

While honey is a sweet bonus, Katherine believes that beekeeping is about connection: to the environment, to our health, and to one another. As the New Jersey Honey Ambassador, she is honored to share the many environmental, health, and educational benefits of beekeeping, and to help others discover the beauty, complexity, and healing power of the hive.