Each month, we highlight an Ohio 4-H alum who has an amazing story to share—from their personal experience in 4-H, to how they have given back to the program. This month, we feature Haley Loudin, a proud alumna of Lorain County 4-H who currently works at an industrial design firm where she develops soft goods.
Loudin joined 4-H at the age of nine after tagging along with her cousin to a Rochester Winning Workers 4-H Club meeting. “I loved that first meeting so much that I joined. Then, as I got older, I became more involved by taking on leadership 
roles as the treasurer and president of my club.”
She experimented with a variety of projects over the years and regularly showed rabbits at her county fair, but sewing projects were where Loudin truly found her passion.
“My favorite outfit to create was for the Dress-Up Outfit project,” said Loudin. “I made an evening dress and got to bring it to the State Fair. I was so proud to receive an Outstanding of the Day ribbon during the style review.”
Serving as a member of the Lorain County Food & Fashion Board was another highlight of Loudin’s 4-H experience. In the summer she had the opportunity to assist with sewing camps where she taught new 4-H’ers how to sew and helped them complete their first sewing projects.
“I loved being a part of the Food & Fashion Board,” said Loudin. “In addition to getting to help new 4-H members, I received such amazing support from the Board’s adult advisors. No matter what sewing project I wanted to complete, they were there to help and teach me. I still use so many of the things I learned from them today, whether it’s at my job or while volunteering.”
As a teen, Loudin also volunteered on the State Fashion Board. “I got to help with project judging and oversee the style review for clothing projects during the State Fair, which was such a fun experience. It also gave me the chance to get to know other 4-H members from across the state who were interested in sewing and learn about their experiences in 4-H.”
These experiences spearheaded her desire to 
study design in college and, after graduating high school, she attended Kent State University where she majored in fashion design.
Today, Loudin works as a senior soft goods developer with Priority Designs, an industrial design firm based in central Ohio. In this role she puts the skills she cultivated through 4-H to good use as she designs wearable tech for clients.
“I credit 4-H with teaching me more than just how to sew though. I gained leadership skills, learned how to effectively communicate with others, and figured out how to work with a team to solve problems,” said Loudin.
4-H also inspired Loudin’s passion for community service and showed her the importance of giving back to those around her. As a 4-H volunteer in Franklin County, Loudin keeps this spirit of community service alive by
supporting the next generation of youth on their 4-H journeys.
“I am a volunteer with the Clovers Forever 4-H Club and serve as an advisor for the Franklin County Fashion Board,” said Loudin. “I enjoy giving back to the community and love passing my knowledge for sewing on to current 4-H’ers.”
She always encourages her club members to try everything and go outside of their comfort zones. “Looking back on my 4-H career, there are a lot of projects I wish I would’ve taken. I tell current 4-H’ers that they’ll never have an opportunity like this again—where they get to try new things and really explore their interests—so they should take advantage of it, savor the experience, and just have fun.”