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Lauren Funk,
Secretary
laurenf@supportvaffa.org
SAE
My Supervised Agricultural Experience combines my interest in livestock showmanship with my passion for agricultural education. Due to my suburban background, I was unable to participate in large animal showmanship, leaving me discouraged as an avid FFA member who wanted to experience every aspect of agriculture. However, through tenacity and curiosity, I discovered rabbit showmanship. I realized these small animals provide urban and suburban students with a deep passion for agriculture the opportunity to participate in livestock showmanship. After finding success in the show ring, I decided to teach rabbit showmanship to K–12 students in order to sow seeds of interest in agriculture. My SAE inspired me to use the knowledge I had gained to invest in my community. Every classroom I entered strengthened my communication and adaptability skills. These educational experiences will serve me well during my year of service as a state officer as I advocate for Virginia FFA in both rural and urban communities, inside and outside the classroom.
Favorite CDE/LDE
The competition that left the greatest impact on me was the Prepared Public Speaking LDE. Through it, I developed many tangible skills, including resourcefulness, clarity, and the ability to be epigrammatic. While these skills have proven beneficial, the competition taught me an even more important lesson: how to respond to failure. When hours of practice did not produce the results I had hoped for, I had to confront feelings of inadequacy. It taught me that my progress should not be measured against the progress of others. That lesson will continue to serve me well throughout my year of service as a Virginia FFA State Officer.
Favorite FFA Memory
In the summer of 2025, I had the opportunity to attend the National Institute on Cooperative Education in Georgia. The week was an adventure unlike any of my previous FFA experiences. The unfamiliar environment challenged my ability to adapt while also exposing me to a different Southern culture and prompting me to view communication from an entirely new perspective.
I built lasting connections with fellow attendees and staff while participating in leadership-focused activities. The National Institute on Cooperative Education strengthened my professional skills and broadened my understanding of others. By approaching conversations with curiosity, I was able to introduce many of my peers—who were unfamiliar with the National FFA Organization—to FFA. As they shared their passions, careers, and backgrounds, I found opportunities to connect their experiences to agriculture and the National FFA Organization. My experience at the National Institute on Cooperative Education deepened my appreciation for the Virginia FFA Association and continues to shape my service as a state officer.
Future Plans
After my year of service, I will pursue a degree in business with a minor in life sciences. Following the completion of my bachelor's degree, I plan to earn a Master of Business Administration. I hope to build a career in the food industry, creating meaningful change in public health and food safety. Throughout my career, I will advocate for sustainable agriculture because I believe it is essential to the future of our communities, our country, and our world.
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