The 2024-25 Indiana FFA State Officer Team.
Meet Cale Williams
Cale Williams, the 2024-25 Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President, has had an impactful journey with the National FFA Organization. Throughout his five years with the Terre Haute South FFA Chapter, he has competed in numerous contests, attended multiple conferences and formed lasting connections with peers and mentors.
In the summer of 2023, Williams attended the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) — a pivotal experience where he met FFA members from across the country. These connections shaped his leadership approach and helped him polish his commitment to servant leadership.
Fulfilling the American Duty
Williams attended WLC because he felt a strong sense of responsibility not only as an FFA member, but also as an American. After hearing from past attendees, he was inspired by the conference’s reflective nature and lasting impact.
WLC focuses on becoming a servant leader, advocate and continuing to shape the future of agriculture. During his week there, Williams not only toured national monuments alongside FFA members from across the country, but also spent time in reflection, thinking about “all the people who came before me.” While reflecting on these leaders, he evaluated his own leadership and drew inspiration from their dedication and service.
Cale Williams with his community group at WLC.
Building National Connections as a State Officer
As a state officer, Williams has used the lessons learned at WLC to continue making an impact within the National FFA Organization. At WLC, he enhanced his leadership skills while connecting with others in a meaningful way. Throughout the week, he met FFA members and legislators from across the nation, forming relationships that went far beyond simple networking. Some of these individuals that Williams worked with during the conference later became state officers in Idaho, Michigan and Montana.
In his role as a state officer, William had the privilege of reconnecting with these individuals in their leadership positions across different states. Through continued collaboration and shared experiences, he has strengthened those relationships and grown as a servant leader by supporting his peers and working together for the betterment of FFA on a national scale.
A big part of that growth happened in the small community groups at WLC. There, participants were encouraged to reflect, share experiences and learn from one another. This setting allowed Williams to hear firsthand about how different states approach leadership and FFA initiatives. “I was able to hear about their experiences and learn about the opportunities that other states offer,” he adds.
WLC also gave Williams a fresh perspective on leadership. Although his role in Indiana FFA allowed him to lead and serve within his state, WLC offered an opportunity to connect with peers and state officers from across the country and to see the broader impact of FFA leadership at the national level.
Serving With Faith and Heart
A key component of the WLC is the development of a Living to Serve (LTS) plan. This plan encourages FFA members to assess the needs of their community and create actionable strategies to address those needs through service. The LTS plan empowers members not only to identify areas of impact, but also take meaningful steps toward making a difference.
In Williams’ community, there has been a rise in mental health struggles and increasing suicide rates. Wanting to make a meaningful impact, he created an Instagram page named Safe Space With Saints, which aims to foster mental health awareness while spreading God’s love and support. Williams’ mission is to reflect the love and grace of Christ in all aspects of this project, offering a space where individuals can find healing, hope and assurance they are never alone in their struggles.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
More than just a trip to the nation’s capital, WLC offers a deep dive into leadership, patriotism and personal growth. Williams emphasizes not only the importance of fulfilling this patriotic duty, but also the unique opportunity WLC offers to celebrate leadership in the heart of the nation.
In Washington, D.C., members are encouraged to reflect on their personal leadership styles, identify areas for growth and engage in a learning experience like no other. Participants celebrate their roles as citizens by standing where many of our nation’s greatest decisions have been made. The very spaces filled by WLC participants each week are the same places where individuals led movements and shaped the country in a positive direction. That work continues today; important decisions are made every day, and FFA members have the opportunity to cross paths with and learn from those guiding these decision-making processes.
Williams reflects on Theodore Roosevelt as a key leadership role model, admiring his boldness, courage and standpoint as a naturalist. Inspired by Roosevelt’s ability to lead with strength while staying grounded in American values, Williams sees every person and experience as a chance to learn. At WLC, he deepened his appreciation for leadership rooted in purpose by exploring places and artifacts tied to Roosevelt’s legacy.
Reflecting on Leadership and Legacy
When FFA members leave Washington, D.C., they return home not just with memories, but with a mindset focused on reflection and action. From discovering who we are as individuals to understanding what we can accomplish together, the WLC experience is carefully designed to build step by step.
As Williams says, the goal is to “be reflective, come home with a plan of action and be able to do something with it.” Visiting sites like the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial inspires members to think deeply about leadership, service and the individuals who paved the way before us. The Vietnam War Memorial, with the names of all the soldiers who died, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for our country, encouraging reflection on “all the people who came before you,” Williams says.
Through group sessions and meaningful conversations, this reflection expands to a broader perspective: the “us” and the “we.” The curriculum ties it all together, leaving members inspired, motivated, empowered and “ready to go.” More importantly, they leave with concrete, actionable ideas they are eager to take back and implement in their schools, chapters and hometowns.
A New Path to Service
After WLC, Williams felt inspired and ready to make a change. Following his year of service, he plans to attend Purdue University to study pharmacy, while also pursuing a master’s degree in business administration.
Throughout his time in Washington, D.C., and his year of service to Indiana FFA, Williams had the opportunity to meet influential legislators such as Todd Young and the staff of Mike Braun. He’s beginning to feel more drawn to the law and policy side of public service.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the federal government,” Williams says. What interests him most about D.C. is its ability to represent everyone. “Everyone has a voice,” he adds. “Be an advocate, stand up for what you believe in and be passionate about it.”
Williams believes that no matter the field, the federal government plays a role, and every individual has a duty to advocate and make their points heard.
Advocate for Change
Williams has continued to use his passion for advocacy throughout his year of service, leaving a lasting impact on Indiana FFA. As he heads into the next chapter of his life, he’s committed to leaving his mark on his community and beyond.
