Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Marla Calico, President and CEO of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). Marla had worked as general manager of the Ozark Empire Fair before joining IAFE, first as Director of Education and then as COO. IAFE is a voluntary, not-for-profit corporation serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested…
Author: Texas FFA
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces John Sharp, Chancellor of Texas A&M University. John Sharp has served over a decade as the Chancellor of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. His journey began at Bloomington High School’s FFA (Future Farmers of America) Program that grounded him in foundational principles that gave him the confidence to lead today. High responsibility, beating a fear of public speaking and rebounding from failures are the factors Sharp deems critical for the next generation of agricultural science leaders and innovators. “The responsibility that I gained in participating…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Kent Hance, Founding Partner at Hance Scarborough, LLP & Chancellor at Texas Tech University. In December 2006, Hance became the third chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, which was comprised of Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the time. Under his leadership, the system set records in enrollment, research and degrees awarded, and doubled in size, growing from two universities to four with the addition of Angelo State University in 2007 and the creation of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this Growing Our Future Podcast episode, Aaron Alejandro introduces Mike Rowe,TV host, writer, narrator, producer, actor and spokesman. Mike’s performing career began in 1984, when he faked his way into the Baltimore Opera to get his union card and meet girls, both of which he accomplished during a performance of Rigoletto. His transition to television occurred in 1990 when to settle a bet ,he auditioned for the QVC Shopping Channel and was promptly hired after talking about a pencil for nearly eight minutes. There, he worked the graveyard shift for three years, until he was ultimately fired for…
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
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…
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…