Arkansas FFA Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Cook earmarked ComGroup’s donation to honor the late Leslie Morelock Roye – a pioneer for girls in the Arkansas FFA Association – by commemorating her corduroy jacket in the Blue Jacket Society, which honors alumni members by showcasing their FFA jackets at Camp Couchdale.
“There are some people that make such a profound impact on this world that they're not ever really going to be forgotten,” Jennifer said. “I think that's going to be a neat way to remember her.”
Leslie was involved with the Fayetteville FFA chapter, Junior Angus Board and livestock shows throughout high school. Leslie developed a strong beef proficiency award application by her senior year and became Star Farmer. In 1987, Leslie became the first female Star Farmer in Arkansas.
“Leslie set the standard that women can absolutely win the top awards given, in what at that time was a predominantly male-dominated organization,” Jennifer said.
Since 1987, women’s influence in the FFA and the ag industry have evolved. Most leadership roles in FFA are young women who share a similar drive as Leslie. “The ag industry is full of women who are great leaders because of their work ethic and their ability to communicate,” Jennifer remarked. “I think so many of those women got their start in FFA.”
Leslie received a master’s degree in animal reproduction physiology and was a science teacher at Fayetteville High School. She credited FFA as the foundation of her success.
Whenever Jennifer remembers Leslie, she remembers confidence, resilience and selflessness. “She saw things that could be improved, and she took the initiative and made things better,” she said. “I think that's a lesson for all of us.”
Jennifer encourages others to donate to the Blue Jacket Society or the FFA Corduroy Club, but she also urges people to support breast cancer research to help women like Leslie.
Read more about Jennifer and other women like her and Leslie here: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry
Know a professional woman who deserves recognition? We want to know about her! Nominate her today at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/525XB2M