Delaware FFA members as they prepare for the Vision Leadership Conference experience.
Annually, the Delaware FFA Association hosts the Vision Leadership Conference, which focuses on developing the ability of FFA members in grades 9-11 to work in team settings. The conference also provides members extra support to take the next step in their FFA journey, whether running for chapter office or serving as a committee chair. However, the students who gain the most unique experience during this event are those serving as county representatives.
During the Delaware FFA State Convention, students in grades 10-11 are selected to represent Delaware’s three counties alongside the state officer team. The Vision Leadership Conference is the county representatives’ first appearance on the state level, allowing them to connect with members across Delaware while leading workshops and gaining valuable experience.
Pictured above are members elected as the 2023-24 Delaware FFA County Representatives. From left to right are members Kailyn Pippin, Kayla Parks and Elias Morales Perez.
Elias Morales Perez of the Sussex Central FFA Chapter first attended Vision in ninth grade as a chapter member and again in 11th grade as the Sussex County Representative. Reflecting on his initial experience, Morales shared, “Prior to attending Vision as a member, I had a time where I did not believe I belonged within this organization.” Despite his uncertainty, Morales chose to attend — a decision that ultimately changed his perspective.
“Vision deepened my connections to the FFA values of service, agriculture and community,” Morales explained. “Through activities that pushed me outside of my comfort zone, I felt like this organization was the place for me.”
Two years later, Morales returned to the conference as a county representative. He worked with fellow representatives and the state officer team to host workshops for FFA members across Delaware. He saw this role as an opportunity to leave a lasting impact, particularly on members of Hispanic heritage who might not have considered leadership positions before. Inspired by his experience, Morales began taking a more active role in his local community and the state, promoting awareness of agriculture and FFA.
Delaware FFA members during a workshop hosted by Morales and two state officers during the 2024 Delaware FFA Vision Conference.
Similarly, Kayla Parks of the Christiana FFA Chapter served as the New Castle County Representative during the 2023-24 school year. After working hard to rebuild her chapter’s membership and standings post-COVID-19, Parks attended Vision for the first time as a member. The conference solidified her belief that mutual support is key to her chapter’s success.
A year later, Parks returned to Vision as a county representative, where she led a three-point workshop on effective communication with two state officers. “I assumed hosting this workshop would be easy, but I was quickly proven wrong when things didn’t go as planned,” she shared. Adapting to the challenges that arose, Parks successfully led her workshop and received compliments from members across the state for her work. “Vision was the first time I felt like I could truly impact members,” Parks reflected. “I realized that when I am confident, I become the best version of myself.”
Through the Delaware FFA Association, the Vision Leadership Conference provides FFA members an opportunity to envision their future within the National FFA Organization.
