Each month, we spotlight an Ohio 4-H alum whose journey reflects the lasting impact of the program. This month, we’re proud to feature Karah Katenkamp, a Marion County alumna who now works as a professional model with several well-known women’s clothing brands.
Karah’s 4-H journey began with inspiration from her father, a former 4-H’er and county 4-H Fair King. She joined the Marion County Sharpshooters and focused on shooting sports projects, primarily pistol, eventually serving as club president. Expanding beyond her father’s path, Karah also took on livestock projects—including poultry and dairy feeders—as well as photography, woodworking, and leadership.
Karah’s interest in poultry began with an unexpected visitor—a chicken named Henrietta, who had fallen off a truck in a nearby town and was given to her family. Caring for Henrietta sparked a deeper interest, eventually leading her family to raise more chickens and inspiring Karah’s passion for poultry projects.
As Karah grew in 4-H, she embraced leadership roles, serving as a county camp counselor and on the Marion County Junior Fair Board. 4-H Camp became a cherished family tradition, with her mom serving as the camp nurse and her younger brother joining in the fun. Alongside her dad, she discovered a love for teaching—especially when helping others learn to rappel down the camp wall. Karah especially loved working with the youngest girls’ cabin, introducing them to the magic of camp.
While Karah made a lasting impact on campers, her own 4-H advisors made a lasting impact on her. Roger and Jenny Baldinger, who served as club advisors and camp volunteers, were mentors Karah deeply admired. Their guidance helped her develop new skills and embrace the many opportunities 4-H offers young people. She also credits Mary Longo, her county extension agent, who kept the wheels turning and made many opportunities available for her.
Over her 10 years in 4-H, Karah gained a wide range of skills—but most importantly, she learned how to communicate with diverse audiences. This skill proved especially valuable during her time as Marion County Fair Queen. Her animal projects also taught her the importance of follow-through and how responsibility leads to meaningful results.
Today, Karah works as a model for major brands including Calvin Klein, Aerie, Kohl’s, and Victoria’s Secret. Her modeling journey began when she was first scouted as a child during a business trip to New York City with her father. Years later, after college, she was discovered again at a coffee shop in Cincinnati. Karah specializes in plus-size and curvy modeling, and her career has included both commercial and runway work. She has become an advocate for body positivity, using her platform to celebrate confidence, self-acceptance, and the beauty of diversity in fashion.
Karah continues to stay connected to 4-H by collaborating with professionals on county Food and Fashion boards. This year, she became an official 4-H volunteer and is enthusiastic about working with the next generation of 4-H’ers. To this day, she can recite the 4-H pledge by heart—and its values continue to guide how she shows up in the world.
Karah encourages current 4-H’ers to try a special interest project and explore leadership opportunities. She draws a connection between her time in the showmanship ring and her experience on set as a model—both requiring confidence, preparation, and presence. To learn more about Karah and her journey, you can follow along on Instagram, @karahkatenkamp.