There’s no question that California State University, Chico knew what kind of amazing person Breanna Holbert was. She is a true leader, and it’s fitting that she was elected by the National FFA Organization to serve as its next president.
“Breanna is a wonderful ambassador of agriculture, and her warmth and openness help her connect with students who come from all backgrounds,” David Daley, associate dean for the College of Agriculture, said in a statement from the school. “She cares deeply about people and relationships, she appreciates the people who have invested in her, and she is always looking for ways to invest in other people.”
Holbert is an agricultural education major at CSU, Chico and will be the first female African American to serve as president in the National FFA Organization’s 90-year history. She joins students from Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, and Oklahoma to serve on the National FFA Officer team.
“It was totally unexpected, but I feel like this journey feels right,” Holbert said. “I know my teammates and I have personalities, strengths, and actions that will make a positive difference in the lives of thousands just by being who we are.”
Each officer commits a year to the organization and travels more than 100,000 miles to interact with business and industry leaders, thousands of FFA members and teachers, corporate sponsors, government and education officials, state FFA leaders, the general public, and more.
Holbert recognizes that her ethnicity makes her election historic, and she said she hopes this breakthrough translates into additional opportunities for future national officers to stay true to their identities.
“Personally, I feel no different than anyone else, and I know there are so many other members that have done and experienced exceptional things just by being who they are,” she said. “I hope that my ethnicity can break barriers that may have been unintentionally placed on students but also inspire them to exceed the limitations of their own heart.”o see that they can, and they will.”
