Laila Down did not set out to have such a decorated FFA career. As a matter of fact, she was placed in an agriculture class by accident. Agricultural Education was not her top choices for electives her freshman year of high school. Thanks to her great ag teachers and a desire to take advantage of once in a lifetime opportunities, Laila served as the 2006 - 2007 Oklahoma FFA State Secretary and 2008 - 2009 National FFA Vice President. Highlights of her experience include earning second at the National Extemporaneous Speech Contest and third at the National Prepared Public Speaking Contest. Speaking, showing livestock and attending conferences marked her career. Those experiences and others allowed her to speak to well over 150,000 people in over 45 states and across the globe. Laila worked for Syngenta after graduating from Texas Tech University with an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Education. She earned a Master’s in Ag Ed from Iowa State. She sold advertising at Successful Farming Magazine in Des Moines and taught high school agriculture for a year at Des Moines Central Campus High School. About nine years ago, she launched Point One Development - a speaking and consulting firm - with a connection from FFA. Laila is continually in awe of what God has done with her life, much of which stems from her accidental placement in Agricultural Education and FFA. While an Oklahoma native, Laila and her family recently moved back to her husband’s hometown of Odebolt, Iowa - hometown of Superbowl Champion Cooper DeJean. Kevin and Laila have three girls Audrie, Ella, and Gentrie and one boy Jackson - all ages 8 and under as well as two dogs - Wrigley and Willow. The 8 of them are grateful to have settled on an acreage in rural Iowa and are excited to see what is next has for them in this season.

Caleb Horne is the Director of Sales for True North Learners, a former Oklahoma FFA State President, and a National Champion Public Speaker. While attending Oklahoma State University from 2022-2026, he has delivered leadership development and career-readiness messages to thousands of students across the state and nation, challenging young people to define their purpose, recognize their passions, and translate values into action. Drawing on experience across ministry, education, CareerTech organizations, and statewide leadership, Caleb works closely with students, educators, and administrators to develop and implement leadership training and outreach initiatives. Through True North Learners, he partners with schools to equip students with practical leadership skills, healthy daily habits, and strong character - preparing them to lead with confidence throughout their lives.

Emily Jett received her Master of Education from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University. After college, Emily worked at Oklahoma’s three largest universities in various student development roles. Since 2016, Emily has been a full-time mom to two wonderful kids.

Currently, Emily serves as a college and career consultant to high school students in need of support. She and her husband are active members of Woodward First Methodist Church, and Emily has served as President of the Woodward Education Foundation and the Highland Park Elementary Parent Teacher Organization. Emily is passionate about working with young adults and helping them achieve their goals in college and beyond.

Jarrod Johnson is an education leader, problem-solver, and lifelong advocate for students and communities. With more than 17 years of experience in K–12 leadership, higher education, and career and technical education, he’s served as a Superintendent, Principal, and Director—and still remembers what it’s like to sit on both sides of the desk.

Holding a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership, Jarrod has led district-wide improvements, passed multiple bond initiatives, secured state and federal funding, and helped schools rethink how education connects to the real world. He’s especially passionate about career and technical education and is proud to have built a middle school CTE program from the ground up to better align learning with workforce needs.

Jarrod also brings an entrepreneurial mindset to education. He has founded and scaled businesses in education services and government contracting, giving him a practical understanding of operations, finance, and strategic growth.

When he’s not working, Jarrod is busy being a husband to his beautiful wife, Megann, and a dad to three amazing kids—his most important leadership role and his daily reminder of why this work matters.