Gabbi Litchford
Arkansas FFA State Reporter 2022-2023
Hometown: Horatio AR
Briefly describe your role:
The team and I represent the state of Arkansas, advocating for the future of agriculture and impacting and growing the FFA members to be great leaders. Our impact ripples to the next generation of young growers and leaders.
Q: What is your favorite part of your position?
A: My favorite part is the members! Going into my year of service, I thought it was going to be focused on the impact I would make in our association, but the members have left a huge impact on me and changed my perspective.
Q: What motivates you to achieve success?
A: This industry motivates me because of its constant growth and inclusivity. There is a place for everyone in the agricultural industry. Diversity has helped us grow and keep reaching new heights.
Q: Describe a challenge you've overcome in this role.
A: The challenge of being a woman in this industry is a struggle because of the stereotypes. The agriculture education field was dominated by men, but I had the opportunity to facilitate a pre-service session with one of my teammates lately and most of the room was women. Today, we are doing a great job of breaking that stereotype!
Q: What led you to take on this role?
A: I am a third-generation agriculturalist, and my family, especially my mom, has done a great job in showing me what it is like to be a strong independent woman in ag!
Q: What’s been your secret to success?
A: My “secret to success” is not really a secret because anyone who knows me, knows I owe everything to my incredibly loving support system of family, friends, and mentors. It would’ve taken a miracle to be where I am today without the advice and encouragement from the people I surround myself with. My family is always supportive of me and does anything and everything to assist me and always pushes me to do my best. They hold me accountable and always have high standards for me, but not higher than the ones I have for myself. My friends are the first to go along with my ideas, but will also bluntly tell me their opinions. They help me weigh out certain decisions and always have my best interest in mind, much like my family. My mentors provide constructive criticism and consistently try to help me see my potential. They provide opportunities for me and encourage me to get out of my comfort zone constantly. It’s hard to be successful without a good mindset or good people, so I am so blessed to have such a compassionate and knowledgeable group of people in my life and I am forever grateful for all the support they have given me throughout the years.
