Josie Kelly
Arkansas FFA State President
Hometown: Mountain Home, AR
Briefly describe your role:
As the Arkansas FFA State President, I have many responsibilities pertaining to FFA members, supporters of our organization, our respective state association and Arkansas agriculture as a whole. There’s a multitude of opportunities to connect with FFA members across the state, build those relationships, teach them about leadership and agriculture, but most importantly, learn from them and understand their perspectives. It is also my responsibility to advocate for Arkansas agriculture alongside my teammates and share our industry’s story to surrounding states and absorb their knowledge as well to grow our agricultural literacy as well as the people in Arkansas
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: I have dreamed of being an FFA State Officer ever since I saw my sister, a past state officer and my biggest role model, on stage delivering her retiring address. The environment was unbelievably inspiring due to the fact that she had such an influence on a room full of some of the most interesting and kind people I have ever been around. Unfortunately, I could not get into the agricultural education program as early as I hoped, but in hindsight I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. My sophomore year was my first year in agricultural education and as an FFA member, and from that moment my life was completely altered and I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. I am so blessed to have had an amazing FFA journey, and I knew with every passing moment that I wanted to be someone future members could rely on for unforgettable experiences and have memorable experiences just like me. Each day that I serve as a state officer, I am thankful that my journey has not yet ended and that I am leaving an everlasting impact on Arkansas FFA. I could not imagine going through this year any differently, and I love every moment!
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: The greatest challenges women face in agriculture today would most likely be unequal consideration when it comes to land rights, productive resources, or in credibility. While some of these obstacles are more prominent internationally, it is important to recognize that women also face these challenges in the United States. Women are often overlooked when it comes to access and ownership of land and obtaining productive resources that would assist them in their operation. A woman’s credibility may also be downplayed in certain situations or industries that are predominantly male. On the other hand, women have many beneficial opportunities within agriculture as the industry continues to evolve and integrate the people who contribute to its success. Women hold many leadership positions in different fields and there are organizations, such as Women In Ag, that help support women as they further their careers. FFA also is paving the way for young women as it provides us with leadership skills and insight to different agricultural fields so we can go into the industry equipped with confidence and knowledge.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: My sister, Macie Kelly, has been my most influential role model throughout my life. The impact she leaves with everyone she encounters and her leadership qualities are so inspiring. She has always encouraged me to develop my own opinions and challenges me so I can grow. She is a confident, hardworking, and respectable leader and has accomplished so much. From FFA state officer, to National Officer Candidate, to now working in Washington D.C. on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, she is dedicated and passionate about agriculture and is always searching for a way to contribute in any way possible. I aspire to be just as impactful and influential as a leader and know I always have her as one of my biggest supporters.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: Figure out your passion, always have a goal, and relentlessly pursue both. It is important to know yourself and what you stand for. Don’t be afraid to be ambitious with the goals you formulate and always do the most you can to accomplish them. Be diligent in your work, but don’t get caught up in it to where you forget to appreciate the little moments along the way. Build relationships and make connections with people and genuinely invest in them. Most of all, be your absolute authentic self and always help people succeed when you can.
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.
