National FFA Officer Hopes to Inspire Others

Tim Hammerich

News Reporter

Okeechobee Florida native Artha Jonassaint, was recently elected to the highest levels of leadership in the National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America.

Jonassaint… “I am currently a student at Harvard College and I study government and global health and health policy there. Eventually I hope to pursue a career in which I contribute to more equitable food and health systems through public policy initiatives. I came to the realization that that's what I want to do with my life through the programs that I've been exposed to in the FFA.

Jonassaint and her teammates will take a year off from college to serve the youth leadership organization. She hopes to inspire other students to aim high and strive for their goals.

Jonassaint… “You know, I'm from rural America. And I never saw myself in the Ivy league landscape, but I'm doing it. You know, I'm a black woman and I never really saw a lot of representation in the highest levels of National FFA until recently. So no matter where you're from, what you believe, what you look like, the world is your oyster and just taking advantage of every single opportunity to finding success. And I hope that I can share a little bit of those kinds of stories throughout my entire year of service.”

Jonassaint was elected last month and will serve the one year term as the National FFA Southern Region Vice President.