Mikaela Rojas, 1st VP

1st VICE PRESIDENT 2024-2025

I have three SAE projects that have pushed me to learn new things about different aspects of agriculture. The first is a Beef Entrepreneurship project where I raise, maintain and commercially market a small herd of registered Red Angus cattle to local consumers. I also have a Specialty Crop SAE in which I purchase and plant chrysanthemums, as well as network with small businesses to sell them. Last but certainly not least is my Placement SAE, where I work at a greenhouse that serves individuals with developmental disabilities. There, I help by sharing information on caring for plants, interacting with customers, and other daily living skills.

I have had my heart set on serving as a Missouri FFA State Officer since my freshman year because of the transformative impact that this organization has had on my life. Words cannot encapsulate how empowered I felt giving my first speech or making new friends in the organization. During my year of service, I hope to stand as an example to members of just how much of a change FFA can have in their lives if they are open to it.

Simply put, my biggest goal for this year as a Missouri FFA State Officer is to leave a legacy of selflessness. I could care less if members remembered my name or what I look like, but I want our interactions to leave them with a feeling of worthiness and fulfillment. In my eyes, the best leaders are also some of the best listeners. I am here to learn, listen and grow with Missouri FFA members this year.

After graduating from Moberly Area Community College with my Associate of Arts Degree, I will transfer to the University of Missouri to study agriculture with an emphasis in communications and marketing. I have a passion for writing and plan on utilizing it to support and advocate for the agricultural industry.  Eventually, I would like to settle down on a beef operation and continue to support Missouri FFA as a judge for an LDE event or coach a CDE team.

I am a big fan of the 2004 film Napoleon Dynamite and keep his picture in the pocket of my FFA jacket. Napoleon was actually an FFA member himself and reminds me to have a good time and stay light-hearted as I compete and travel in my FFA jacket.

My biggest advice to FFA members relates to our theme for the year, “Dance with Opportunity.” There are endless chances for growth and development in FFA, and I want to encourage members to try every single one of them. Try that contest team your advisor suggested and give that speech you’re afraid of but, most importantly, get out there and dance with the opportunities ahead of you.