The National Junior Hereford Association’s (NJHA) annual Faces of Leadership Conference mission is to empower NJHA members with the skills they need to develop into the best leaders they can be. Through the Faces of Leadership Conference young leaders are exposed to opportunities in the industry and the conference cultivates communication skills, encourages working in team settings and focuses on individual development.
In the past few years, the event has traveled to Oklahoma City, California, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Innovation Campus, Michigan State University, South Dakota State University and the Texas Panhandle. From challenging participants to creating entrepreneurial opportunities, amazing ranch tours and up-close looks at the industry at Tyson Foods and Trans Ova Genetics, new doors are being opened and Faces of Leadership participants truly are experiencing leadership as they have never seen it before during this tremendous networking opportunity.
This conference is offered to junior members ages 14-21. Intermediate and senior members will benefit the most from Faces of Leadership.
Hereford junior members gathered this summer in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the 2021 Faces of Leadership Conference July 28-31. The annual four-day event, made possible by Rick and Bonnie Coley-Malir and the Hereford Youth Foundation of America, hosted 81 participants ages 14-21 from 22 states. During their time in Oklahoma City attendees listened to nationally-recognized speakers and participated in junior board workshops, which assist in the enhancement of each individual’s leadership talents, communication skills and encourage working in team settings. Visits to Oklahoma State University, Express Ranches and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum supplemented with visits from some of the top industry professionals, all focusing on the theme of Improve YOU.
“Faces of Leadership is unique because it’s something different than our typical cattle events,” Bailey Morrell, NJHA Communication Chair says. “It’s a great opportunity gathering with other youth members to learn and develop without the hustle and bustle of a livestock show surrounding us. I particularly enjoyed the theme of communication and marketing at this year’s conference. I furthered my knowledge on developing my own ideas while becoming a better leader and business professional in something that is so influential in our industry.”
