This April, I had the privilege of representing Ohio 4-H and The Ohio State University as a collegiate facilitator at the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. For the second consecutive year, I served in this important role—this time co-facilitating Roundtable #21: 4-H and the United States House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, alongside a fellow student from Oklahoma State University.
Together, we supported a team of 16 students from 15 land-grant universities as they 
developed and delivered a 45-minute briefing to the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture. Their presentation highlighted the personal and national impact of the 4-H program from the minds of the delegates and provided insight into how youth engagement in agriculture and civic leadership is shaping communities across the country.
As a collegiate facilitator, I acted as both a mentor and a resource, helping participants translate their individual 4-H experiences into a strong message that will leave an impact on our federal government. It was inspiring to watch students grow in confidence and clarity throughout the week—and a reminder of the critical role that youth leadership programs like 4-H play in preparing future changemakers. Facilitators also have a strong role in providing an environment for delegates to develop personal connections with each other in a welcoming
environment.
While leading a roundtable of young adults is a core part of the facilitator role, collegiate facilitators also contribute in several other meaningful ways. Once we receive our roundtable assignments, we communicate directly with federal partners and serve as a bridge between these partners, roundtable liaisons, and the conference planning team. These responsibilities not only strengthen the connection between 4-H youth and national decision-makers but also provide us as facilitators with unique professional development opportunities.
Aside from leading teens and serving as a connecting bridge, we are also provided with unique opportunities. This year, facilitators had the chance to tour the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) headquarters and network with professionals at USDA–NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture). Along 
with delegates, we also got to see the beautiful sights of Washington D.C. through a night monument and memorial tour.
My journey with the National 4-H Conference began in 2023, when I was honored to be selected as an Ohio delegate. That year, my roundtable curated a briefing for the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, focused on rural mental health efforts. The experience left a lasting impression on me. It was so transformative that I knew I wanted to return in a leadership role once I entered college.
The following year, in 2024, I applied and was selected as a collegiate facilitator for the roundtable assigned to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), where our group explored the theme of youth connectedness. Each of these experiences has deepened my commitment to service, advocacy, and education through 4-H.
Being part of the National 4-H Conference has further affirmed my commitment to 4-H and solidified my goal of becoming a 4-H Extension Educator after I graduate from The Ohio State University with a degree in Community Leadership. I am incredibly grateful for the support of the Ohio 4-H program and the countless opportunities that 4-H has given me to lead, serve, and grow.
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