What started in 2020 as a list of 30 deserving young women leading the way among the varied and uniquely rural American industries surrounding the Western way of life, has evolved five years later into 150 of the most promising and gifted female leaders in the Western industry. From marketing executives to animal nutritionists, rodeo competitors to entrepreneurs, and veterinarians, the COWGIRL 30 Under 30 honors represent the broad spectrum that makes up this unique industry and is the flagship program curated by the editors and executives at COWGIRL.
Through a grading process administered by COWGIRL and a committee of female executives from within the Western industry, 30 young women rose to the top ranks from a group of more than 165 applicants to be recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to the Western industry in the COWGIRL 30 Under 30 Class of 2024.
The 30 honorees will be feted and recognized during a ceremony and celebration on March 8, 2024, at Tannahill’s Music Hall in Fort Worth, Texas. Guests of the gala will include previous class alumna and representatives of the brands that support the event including Wrangler, Durango Boots, Cavender’s, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, Montana Silversmiths, Corral Boots, Double D Ranch, and Old Gringo Boots.
The Wrangler COWGIRL 30 Under 30 Empowered Gala will take place amidst the rustic-eclectic pomp of celebrity Chef Tim Love’s Tannahill’s Music Hall, a premier entertainment venue, known for its lavish event capabilities and world-class concert presentations, centered amid the immaculately restored Mule Alley entertainment district in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.
Recording artist and songwriter, Stephanie Quayle will serve as master of ceremonies and host of the staged production which will feature its honoree presentation and a digital retrospective celebrating the program’s fifth anniversary.
The event will also serve as a reunion of prior recipients as well as the inaugural bestowal of its COWGIRL 30 Under 30 Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring retiring Montana Silversmith marketing executive, Judy Wagner, and presented by Wrangler Sr. Brand Marketing Manager, Robin Rich.
The mission of COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is to seek out and publicly recognize young women who distinguish themselves as leaders within the Western industry. Whether they be corporate executives, professional athletes, media professionals, or working cowgirls, the aim of COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is to shine a light on this vital and talented workforce while creating a network of individuals who can serve as role models and mentors for future female leaders.
For the complete online list of honorees visit: https://www.cowgirlmagazine.com/introducing-the-cowgirl-30-under-30-class-of-2024
COWGIRL 30 UNDER 30 CLASS OF 2024
(Sorted by First Name)
Alexa Wilcox, Head Women’s Rodeo Coach, New Mexico Jr. College | Lovington, New Mexico
Andrea Thorp, Marketing Director, Hippie Cowgirl Couture | Bridgeport, Texas
Ashley Starrett, Owner, Equine Dentist, Denim Dentistry | Amarillo, Texas
Bret Leigh Nance, Agricultural Law Attorney/Asst. Attorney General, South Dakota Office of the Attorney General | Pierre, South Dakota
Callie Masar, Sponsorship Manager, Colorado State Fair and Rodeo | Florence, Colorado
Caroline Lukens, Rodeo Operations Coordinator, National Western Stock Show | Kiowa, Colorado
Catherine Dowling, Senior Technical Services Veterinarian, Zoetis | Montague, California
Courtney Greener, Marketing Manager, Double D Ranch | Yoakum, Texas
Courtny Conkle, General Manager, Wyoming State Fair & Rodeo | Douglas, Wyoming
Diane Hayes, Operations & Research Analyst, Cobalt Cattle Company | Orchard, Colorado
Elyssa Leininger, Western and Wildlife Artist | Billings, Montana
Hannah Crandall, Marketing & Media Manager, North Texas Fair & Rodeo | Pilot Point, Texas
Kaitlyn Weldon, Social Media Manager, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum | Jones, Oklahoma
Katie Clinebell, Director of Client Services and Operations, Equine Network, LLC | Loveland, Colorado
Kelley Ranly, Extension Program Specialist, Texas 4-H Youth Livestock and Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service | Bryan, Texas
Kendall Whatley, Regional Sales Manager, Vytelle | Stephenville, Texas
Lexi Hoagland, National Sales and Marketing Specialist, Lane Boots | Fort Worth, Texas
Madison Brooks, Business and Corporate Development Manager, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo | Katy, Texas
Mallory Bush, Global Product Manager – Western Footwear & Business Development, Ariat International, Inc. | Hollister, California
Marissa Fisher, Beef Operations Manager, University of California, Davis | Walnut Grove, California
Megan Silveira, Associate Editor, Angus Journal | St. Joseph, Missouri
Megan Ray, Social Media Coordinator, Professional Bull Riders | Ellensburg, Washington
Michaela Brazil-Gillies, Director of Operations/Owner, Go West Enterprises | Fountain Valley, California
Rizpah Bellard, Entrepreneur and Cattle Rancher, Nova Farming | Fresno, California
Sarah Schobert, Equine Lecturer and Horse Judging Coach, Texas A&M University | Navasota, Texas
Sarah Falen, Agriculture Advocate, Wild West Advocacy | Cheyenne, Wyoming
Shelby Rasmussen, Coordinator-Operations, Sponsorships & Events, LEARFIELD College Rodeo | Cave Creek, Arizona
Sidney Abbott, Head of Research and Cattle Management, OT Feedyard and Research Center | Wildorado, Texas
Sierra Jepsen, Owner, Meat Scientist, and Lead Butcher of Butcher Solutions, LLC, Butcher Solutions, LLC | Livingston, Montana
Tyler Schuster, Manager, Leadership Development, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association | Fort Worth, Texas
Contact: Ken Amorosano – ken@cowgirlmagazine.com
Images available on request