Representing Texas 4-H at the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

In March 2026, I had the opportunity to volunteer at one of the largest events in the state of Texas — the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. With roughly 2.5 million attendees each year and more than 100,000 visitors on a single day, HLSR is not just a rodeo. It is one of the most significant celebrations of Texas agriculture, ranching heritage, and rural community life in the country.

A New Role: Secretary of Harris County 4-H

I volunteered at HLSR in my role as Secretary of the Harris County 4-H Council — a position I was selected for by application in late 2025. Harris County 4-H is one of the largest 4-H county programs in the entire state of Texas, serving thousands of young people across the Houston metropolitan area.

As Council Secretary, I am responsible for supporting the county council's operations, helping organize events and leadership initiatives, and representing 4-H values in the community. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was exactly the kind of public-facing opportunity that role was made for.

What We Did

Over two days at NRG Park, I worked alongside fellow 4-H members to represent Texas 4-H to the public. That meant talking with visitors of all ages about what 4-H is, what young people do in the program, and how to get involved. It also meant helping recruit new members to Texas 4-H — meeting families, answering questions, and making the case that 4-H is one of the best leadership development programs available to young Texans.

The energy at HLSR is unlike anything else. People come from every corner of Texas and beyond, united by a shared appreciation for agriculture, livestock, and the traditions that have shaped this state. Being part of that, in an official capacity, felt meaningful.

Why This Connects to TIHSA

TIHSA's mission has always been about agriculture and community — specifically, about reconnecting Texans with sustainable, heritage-rooted approaches to growing food. 4-H shares that spirit. Both organizations believe that young people are not just the future of agriculture; they are active participants in it right now.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo draws people who care deeply about land, animals, food, and Texas heritage. That is exactly the audience TIHSA wants to reach. Conversations I had at HLSR about sustainable farming, indigenous seed varieties, and food security were natural — because the people there already understand, in their bones, why the land matters.

What's Next for 4-H

Earlier in 2026, I competed in the Harris County 4-H Round Up public speaking competition — and earned first place with a speech titled "Why Indigenous Knowledge Is a Necessary Partner to Modern Science in Solving the Climate Crisis." That victory means I will be advancing to the state level competition, likely in June.

Between the Council Secretary role, the public speaking competition, and events like HLSR, 4-H has become one of the most active and rewarding parts of my work. I joined because I wanted to find new partners for TIHSA's sustainable agriculture mission. I stayed because 4-H, at its best, is exactly what I was looking for.