Session Four: Transforming Ag (April 5, 2025)
Hosted by the CA FFA State Vice President and State Secretary
Keynote Speakers: Abigale Jacobsen, National FFA Western Region Vice President and Heather Thomas, California Agricultural Teachers' Association President
Session four of the California FFA State Leadership Conference brought energy, inspiration, and a celebration of student excellence. With 6,982 members, guests, and advisors in attendance, the pre-session featured entertainment including folkloric dancers, talent show acts, and a crowd-pleasing dance cam. The state officer team performed the FFA opening ceremonies, followed by regional chants led by session chairs Camille Zavala (State President) and John Dein (State Vice President).
Centered on the theme Transforming Ag, keynote speaker Abigale Jacobsen, National FFA Western Region Vice President, spoke about the importance of staying rooted in your values—even when the right choice might come down to a coin flip. She closed with a simple yet powerful reminder: “Remember, you are more than enough.”
Heather Thomas, President of the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association, acknowledged the leadership potential in every FFA member. She encouraged students to use their voice and embrace their role in shaping the future: “Your voice matters, your efforts matter, and the future is bright in agriculture. You’re not just the leaders of tomorrow—you’re leading today.”
Awards were presented in a variety of SAE and agriculture career pathways, and committee chairs delivered reports on topics including awards, Cal Ag Plates, diversity and inclusion, social media, CA FFA’s 100th anniversary, and more. Members were also recognized for National Chapter achievements—and in true convention fashion, the session took a fun twist with a spontaneous pie-eating contest hosted by Dein.
The evening ended on a meaningful note with State Secretary Gianna Gonzalez’s retirement address. Known among her teammates as “the glue that holds things in place,” Gianna reflected on growth, vulnerability, and the sense of family she found through FFA. Her message encouraged members to take that first step outside their comfort zone: “You never know who you’ll meet or who you’ll become until you step beyond the bubble.”
The session ended with the FFA closing ceremonies.
With moments both lighthearted and heartfelt, Session Four captured what it means to grow, lead, and transform together.
