A Series of Webinars on Topics Related to
Leadership, Education, Agriculture, Advocacy, and Development.

Gratitude Builds Pride!

Dr. Arquimides Reyes shares his inspiring journey from a small farm in El Salvador to becoming an associate professor of animal science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His story exemplifies how agricultural education, mentorship, and the FFA can transform lives and create leaders who give back to their communities.
• Grateful for family, God, teaching opportunities, and the FFA which instilled purpose and passion for agriculture • Grew up on a small dairy and beef farm in El Salvador before coming to the United States at age 11 • Initially viewed agriculture as "the job of the poor" until FFA showed him the true potential of agricultural careers • Nearly dropped out of high school to work full-time and support his family • The FFA jacket became a symbol of opportunity that "levels the playing field" for all students • Graduated as valedictorian and pursued higher education at Texas A&M and Colorado State University • Identifies adaptability, communication skills, and integrity as keys to success in agriculture • Currently serves as an associate professor and volunteer firefighter, committed to giving back to his community • Believes "when your values are clear, your choices are easy" Go out and do something great for somebody – encourage them, equip them, empower them. Plant great seeds and grow an incredible future. Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
What Does Success Look Like?

George Couros, author of "The Innovator's Mindset," shares his journey from reluctant teacher to educational innovator and how exceptional leadership transformed his perspective on education. He explores how creating environments where both adults and students can thrive leads to better educational outcomes while preparing communities to navigate an uncertain future.
• Originally from a small Canadian town where community shaped his educational philosophy • Found his passion for education through an exceptional principal who gave teachers ownership • Focuses on developing all learners in an organization, not just students • COVID provided opportunity to rethink priorities and approaches to education • Teaches his children skills he never learned, preparing them for challenges he can't predict • Believes in the importance of modeling lifelong learning for students • Emphasizes engagement comes from seeing purpose, not just making learning "fun" • Identifies three competitive edges: the "sponge factor" (willingness to learn), taking action on feedback, and personal connection • Strives to make every interaction the best part of someone's day Make it your goal to be the kind of person who brings out the best in others. When you focus on being present, continuously learning, and building genuine connections, you create opportunities for yourself and those around you. Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
Values Drive Behavior

Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD, shares how mentorship and innovative educational approaches are transforming students' futures through entrepreneurial mindsets and real-world experiences.
• Mentorship as a foundation for leadership development - having both internal and external mentors provides guidance and diverse perspectives • The Opportunity Central (OC) - a 350,000 sq. ft. facility that's student-run, multifunctional, and serves as both educational space and community event center • Creating a culture of innovation through consistent messaging and values like "people first" and "inspiring innovation" • Helping students develop their competitive edge by identifying their strengths and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset • Competing for students' minds requires the same intensity as competing in athletics • The future of education will require engaging not just students but entire families • Leadership requires embracing change, maintaining an open mind to possibilities, and always treating others with kindness Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
We Just Need a Chance

Winston Chandler's 27 years as a dorm parent at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch transformed countless lives through his wisdom, faith, and commitment to helping troubled youth find their path. His simple yet profound wisdom—"you're never going to learn anything unless something depends on you"—became the foundation for developing responsibility, work ethic, and character in the boys under his care.
• Boys Ranch provided structure, responsibility, and purpose for troubled youth • Winston's philosophy centered on hard work, faith, and caring for something beyond yourself • Accountability in agriculture teaches valuable life lessons—"if we don't do our job, something dies" • Giving young people meaningful work helps them discover their abilities and purpose • Successful mentorship requires maintaining high expectations while showing genuine care • A strong work ethic, competitive spirit, and faith create foundation for personal growth • Winston's humility in acknowledging his own mistakes taught the importance of accountability • The impact of good mentorship extends across generations through those who were mentored Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
There Is No One Like You

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Dr. Coach Nate Hearne, an esteemed coach, educator, and mentor. They discuss the power of mentorship, leadership, perseverance, and faith in shaping young lives. From his humble beginnings to coaching state championship teams, Coach Hearn shares powerful lessons on building a culture of excellence and standing firm in leadership.
Show Notes: • Growing up in poverty in Andrews, Texas wearing hand-me-downs and often unsure of his next meal • Transformation in 7th grade when a science teacher and football coach took him under their wings • Building a championship culture at Permian High School with an 88.9% winning percentage over 35 years • Creating the "Mojo" phenomenon that unified an entire community around student excellence • The importance of knowing yourself and loving what you do, not just being good at it • Breaking an arrow and throwing it away to protect a good student, demonstrating values-based leadership • Three essential leadership tips: "Listen, listen, listen" • The power of creating environments where others can experience personal transformation Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
Ignite the Future ... With Heart

On this episode, James McLamb joins us to discuss the impact of encouragement — both as a simple word and as a transformative action. James shares his journey from agriculture education to youth leadership development, emphasizing the power of mentorship, servant leadership, and personal growth.
From his early experiences in the FFA to founding Generation Youth, James highlights the role of mentorship, life skills, and leadership development in shaping young minds. Whether in the classroom, in mission work, or coaching the next generation of leaders, he believes in empowering others to unlock their full potential. Story Notes: • Exploring the importance of gratitude in leadership • James McLamb shares his background in agriculture and education • Discussing the role of Generation Youth in youth empowerment • Importance of hands-on skills and community service for competitive edge • Emphasizing leadership roles for personal and professional growth • The urgent need for mentorship within today’s youth Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
Do Amazing Work. Work with Amazing People.

On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we speak with Steve Durman, an expert in marketing, storytelling, and technology. Steve shares his journey in helping companies share their stories and marketing. Through his journey he shares the importance of taking risk and having faith when determining next steps in life. Steve was a key developer in the creation of the MYTEXASFFA website and promotional videos associated with the project. It was a great interview to hear how he became familiar with the Texas FFA and is now proud to help us tell our incredible story in an incredible way.
Story Notes: 🎙️ Meet Steve Durman: A passionate advocate for leadership development in agriculture and a mentor to many. 🎙️ The Importance of Leadership in Agriculture: Insights on how strong leadership can drive growth and innovation in the industry. 🎙️ Teamwork and Communication: The role of teamwork and clear communication in building successful agricultural ventures. 🎙️ Mentorship and Growth: Steve’s perspective on how mentorship helps young people build the confidence to lead in agriculture. 🎙️ Youth in Agriculture: How the younger generation can lead the way toward a more sustainable and innovative agricultural future. 🎙️ Sustainability in Agriculture: The importance of making agriculture practices more sustainable for future generations. Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
Get a Ph.D. in Life

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Host Aaron Alejandro introduced Dr. Lyda G. Garcia, Associate Professor, Meat Science and Extension Meat Specialist at College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University. Dr. Garcia discussed her educational journey and her experiences as a professor at the Ohio State University. Born and raised in Hebbronville, Texas, Dr. Garcia was surrounded by a strong Hispanic culture that instilled the values of hard work, education, and giving back. Her parents, with their respective third grade and master's education, were her first role models in perseverance and determination.
Dr. Garcia's educational journey began with her enrollment in her first agriculture class in high school. From there she earned a full ride scholarship to Clarendon College to judge livestock, and continued her education at Texas Tech University. She eventually earned a Master's degree at West Texas A&M University, where she coached the meat judging team and collected beef carcass data for the Food and Drug Administration, ranchers, and other companies. It was at the Southwestern Contest that Dr. David Griffin from Texas A&M University encouraged Dr. Garcia to pursue a PhD. She followed his advice, and eventually found herself at the Ohio State University. She now teaches and guides students in their academic journey, sharing her own experiences with them and encouraging them to reach their dreams. Story Notes: 🎙️ Planting the Right Seeds 🎙️ Encouragement 🎙️ Life Lessons 🎙️ Future Brighter 🎙️ Ph.D. Opportunity 🎙️ Sharing Experience and Expertise Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
Live the Motto

This episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast features Justin Bradley Reyes, the Manager of Member Services & Engagement for the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA).
Justin shares his story of how his FFA journey started and how it has contributed to his professional success. He also talks about his experience of working in the public policy field, which led him to his current role. He emphasizes the importance of being resourceful and utilizing contacts and connections within the agriculture world to achieve success. Story Notes: 🎙️ FFA journey 🎙️ Gratitude for Life, Family, Friends, Colleagues, and Having a Voice as a Young Professional 🎙️ Foundation of Success Built From Experience Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org