Author: Texas FFA

Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this Growing Our Future Podcast episode, Aaron Alejandro introduces Cleophus (Cleo) Franklin Jr., Cleo is an author, keynote speaker, educator, and entrepreneur. Business advisor, executive coach, strategy consultant, and brand builder. He is the CEO and Founder of Franklin Strategic Solutions (FSS) and the Franklin Leadership Foundation. He brings over 30 years of expertise in designing, developing, and delivering game-changing and award-winning business growth strategies for start-ups, non-profits, and multi-million dollar businesses across many sectors and global markets. Cleo believes in maintaining a positive mindset, creating partnerships with a purpose, and always striving for significant outcomes. Watch Full…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country. In this Growing Our Future Podcast episode, Aaron Alejandro introduces Steve Mosley, President of the Past State Officers Organization (PSOs) and Barbie Mosley, Vice President of the Past State Officers Organization (PSOs). Steve and Barbie shared their experiences as past state officers and about the organization. They also share their amazing story of serving people and giving back. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/28UctEwEL_o Story Notes: Passion for…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country. On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Jennifer Jackson, Executive Director at Texas FFA Association. The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/m-V6H-dy1W4 Story Notes: Jennifer Jackson…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Les Hudson, Statewide CTE Coordinator at Texas Education Agency. The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/lpKAxNLZrFc Story Notes: Empower MindsCareer Technical Education (CTE)Career “AND” College ReadyOperate with Transparency Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

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Ray Pieniazek, Executive Director of the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas, Interviewed by Aaron Alejandro On New Episode of Growing Our Future Podcast Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country. On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Ray Pieniazek, Executive Director of the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas, an organization devoted to supporting teachers through professional development opportunities, mentorship, and legal…

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Host Aaron Alejandro and John Hawley agree that agricultural communication creates opportunity Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country. On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces John Hawley, Director of Communications for Montana State University Extension. Born and raised in Texas, Hawley’s experience as a county Extension agent and a farm to school specialist in Utah, Indiana, and Montana gives him…

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Host Aaron Alejandro and Lora Conzalez Eckerle discuss where public speaking skills and passion for growing food can lead Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country. On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Lora Gonzalez Eckerle, Business Development Manager for Central Market. From the Rio Grande Valley to New York City and beyond, Eckerle has built a varied and dynamic career…

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Host Aaron Alejandro and Dr. Gordon Davis share core FFA values like teamwork and mentorship. The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country. On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Dr. Gordon Davis, Chairman of CEV Multimedia and longtime agricultural educator. After decades as an FFA member, coach, and professor, Davis saw a need–to bring technology into the agricultural sciences classroom–and founded what would become a multi-million-dollar company. His story…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Benita Hodge, Survey Administrator at the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), a part of the  United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and first female African American to earn the prestigious American FFA Degree.  Her continued work with FFA helps students and teachers understand the wide range of careers in agriculture, and inspires future leaders to go after what they love. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/x4jN1lQ5w8Y Story Notes: “A Place For Everyone” Making History A Message for Future Leaders Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

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Host Aaron Alejandro and Adam Torres discuss embracing a changing world The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country. On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Adam Torres, co-founder of Mission Matters, a media company and podcast platform focused on championing mission-driven leaders across the world. Torres has produced over 40,000 pieces of content in the last five years, estimating he has spoken to over a thousand CEOs. His work…

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Host Aaron Alejandro and Madeline Barber share an extraordinary story of generosity. Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country. On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Madeline Barber, an FFA officer from Boerne, Texas. A well-rounded student and successful member of her school’s chapter, Barber shares her story of donating money to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Firm Foundations High school…

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Host Aaron Alejandro and Ray Urrutia discuss hunger and the need for innovative solutions. Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country. On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Ray Urrutia, Founder and CEO of Terra Firma Foods–a company that uses sophisticated technology to grow better food faster in controlled environments. Urrutia’s experience combining agriculture and technology has uniquely prepared him to…

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