Meet Ava Woods
Ava Woods is a junior at Tri-County High School in Wolcott, Ind., and is currently serving as her chapter’s vice president.
Woods attended the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) in the summer of 2024. Her chapter typically sponsors four Tri-County students to attend, and there was one spot left open. After hearing countless positive things about the event, she knew she had to go.
Before attending WLC, she was eager to learn how to become a better leader and contribute more to her community. Upon arriving in Washington, D.C., and experiencing WLC firsthand, she was, “not let down at all.” One of the highlights was making so many new friends from all over the nation.
Serving With Heart in the Nation’s Capital
Woods has always had a heart for service, and WLC allowed her to deepen her passion for being a servant leader. During her time at the conference, she had the opportunity to engage with attendees from other chapters and schools, learning about their experiences and the specific ideas they had implemented within their communities. Through these conversations, Woods took some of the ideas she heard and brought them back to her own community to make a positive impact.
One of the most memorable moments of the experience was when her group, known as the community group, shared personal stories. She listened as fellow FFA members opened up about their struggles, celebrated moments of joy and bonded over unique experiences, like the fun of state-specific competitions, such as potato judging in Idaho.
“Overall, I learned how to be a better leader myself,” Woods says. She appreciated how the conference encouraged personal growth and leadership development.
Believing in the Future of Agriculture
WLC also broadened Woods’ perspective on leadership and its importance in shaping the future of agriculture. She learned effective leadership is not only critical for running a country, but also for guiding and inspiring people in every community. Woods says strong leadership is particularly essential in agriculture, where the industry faces unique challenges and opportunities.
Woods is passionate about agriculture and sees the crucial need for good leadership in the future of the industry. According to her, “1–2% of individuals are feeding the other 100%. People need to understand what agriculture is doing.”
Since returning from WLC, Woods has applied what she learned to her work at the chapter level, continuously growing in her leadership role. She is also thinking about how her new skills will apply to her future career in agriculture.
From Tri-County to D.C.
Woods recalls one valuable lesson from WLC: “Not everyone has to agree, but civilly discussing counterpoints is essential.”
Since returning to her chapter, she has focused on implementing these lessons. “We work well as an officer team,” she says. As vice president, she strives to ensure everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions.
She wants everyone to know their perspectives are valuable; even those who are more reserved feel they have a voice in shaping the future of their chapter. “We can share ideas and make decisions as a team,” she adds.
Leading by Listening
Woods also discovered the importance of active listening and empathy in servant leadership. During small group discussions, she noticed even the quietest voices often carried the most insightful ideas, highlighting the value of listening attentively and offering a welcoming environment.
“It was really cool to see how their ideas were so thoughtful, even if they didn’t speak up much,” she says. These moments helped her realize the value of every perspective and inspired her to lead with empathy. Now, she strives to create a space where everyone feels genuinely heard and respected.
Advice From Washington, D.C.
Reflecting on her time in Washington, D.C., Woods says, “It was super cool in general!” Being able to learn about the country’s history while networking with individuals from across the nation is something she will always treasure. Although she had a hard time picking a favorite part of the experience, she loved the close-knit bond she formed within her community group.
Woods recommends all FFA members attend the WLC if they have the opportunity. “It’s incredibly beneficial and can help you develop leadership skills while gaining new ideas to implement in your chapter,” she adds. “It’s a great experience for personal growth as both a human and a leader.”
Woods encourages future attendees to make the most of the networking opportunities at WLC. She remembers the lasting friendships she formed, especially with her roommates from Michigan. “I get to see them again at national convention, and we still keep in touch,” she adds.
On to the Next Adventure
Woods’ experience at WLC has left a lasting impression on her journey as a leader and advocate for agriculture. With a renewed sense of purpose, she continues to apply the lessons she learned to her chapter, her community and her future.
As she looks ahead to her senior year and beyond, Woods remains committed to serving others around her. Her passion and ability to lead with empathy will continue to guide her into a bright future ahead.
