Texas Team Ag Ed Staff Spotlight

TEXAS TEAM AG ED STAFF SPOTLIGHT STAFF SPOTLIGHT STAFF SPOTLIGHT

JOB TENURE: 2 YEARS JOB TITLE: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR EMPLOYER: TEXAS FFA ASSOCIATION

ANGELICA ALDANA

WHAT ARE YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES?

My role involves leading the state officer team through their year of service and planning and executing leadership development experiences for all Texas FFA members.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I firmly believe that leadership is a disposition of every student. Watching students realize this and grow into their potential through our leadership experiences is my favorite part of this role!

WHY DO YOU THINK AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT?

I'm a product of agricultural education. It completely changed the course of my life for the better and made me realize that there is a greater responsibility to serve others and solve problems no matter where I go in this life. It creates a home for every student.

WHEN TALKING DIRECTLY TO OUR ADVISORS, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO THEM?

I will never claim to know firsthand the challenges that you've faced this past year. But I do know that you matter. Your work matters. The lessons and experiences that students carry into their adult life start in the classroom with their ag advisors. Hold on to this. We couldn't do this without you and we are so grateful for your tireless work in advancing our mission and making a difference in these students' lives.

TORI ROSSER

WHAT ARE YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES?

I coordinate the association’s New Teacher Mentor Program, manage the association’s awards process, and beginning this year, I will coordinate the conference workshop selection and scheduling process in collaboration with AM Planning. I also coordinate and manage the ATAT conference and FFA convention exhibit halls.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I love that, through my work on the mentor program, I get to make a positive impact on both new ag teachers and their students.

WHY DO YOU THINK AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT?

Ag ed provides important opportunities for students to learn real-world skills and begin applying them. While students may enroll in an ag ed class to learn about the stereotypical "cows, plows, and sows," skills like budgeting, public speaking, interviewing, and even running meetings according to parliamentary procedures are invaluable as they enter the workforce.

JOB TENURE: 3 YEARS JOB TITLE: SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR EMPLOYER: AGRICULTURE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

JOB TENURE: 11 YEARS JOB TITLE: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT / SCHOLARSHIP ADMINISTRATOR EMPLOYER: TEXAS FFA FOUNDATION

JOANNE SHELTON

WHAT ARE YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES?

My primary responsibilities are to support the executive director and the board of directors, manage donor and sponsor relations, disburse academic and award scholarships and act as the foundation’s finance coordinator.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I’m lucky to have a position that changes based on what time of the year it is. When I’m processing scholarship disbursements it’s inspiring to read all the letters from the scholars and hear how they have excelled along with how grateful they are for the donor support. During the convention, it’s powerful to meet so many Texas FFA students and get the chance to see them in action as Foundation Ambassadors. I’m always amazed and leave with a feeling that the world will be in good hands. I’m fortunate to have a job that I get to be surrounded by so many positive people.

WHY DO YOU THINK AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT?

When I began over 10 years ago I didn’t have a reference to FFA or think at all about ag ed. I am disappointed that my children were not in agricultural education and if I had to do it again that would change. I see firsthand from scholarship recipients and ambassadors that are equipped with life skills, responsibility, and passion that prepare them to succeed in whatever career they choose. It’s so much more than just agriculture education.

WHEN TALKING DIRECTLY TO OUR ADVISORS, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO THEM?

Thank You! There wouldn’t be FFA or agricultural education without them. I have been fortunate to get to know many who have participated in the Foundation’s LEAD Experience and during conventions. Seeing how dedicated they are to their profession and especially their students is always inspiring. We can never have too many people that love our kids this way.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT RETIREMENT

ROSARIO RODRIGUEZ IS RETIRING

Rosario Rodriguez who has served the VATAT Credit Union as President and CEO for the past 20 years is retiring as of April 30, 2021.

We would like to thank her for hard work and dedication to all the members of the credit union. The VATAT Credit Union is financially sound with almost seven million dollars in assets and loans. Rosario has a wealth of knowledge and experience that has helped the credit union provide loans and personalized services to our members.

Thank you Rosario for all that you have done for the members of the credit union.

If you would like to participate, we are gathering cards, notes, or other sentiments of appreciation from members, past and present, to surprise her with on her last day.

Please send your correspondence to VATAT Credit Union, 614 E. 12th Street Austin, TX 78701, include “Attention Meredith Hartmann” to help with keeping this a surprise for Rosario.

If you have any questions email meredith@vatatcu.org.

JOB TENURE: 20 YEARS JOB TITLE: PRESIDENT AND CEO EMPLOYER: VATAT CREDIT UNION