Get to know Chloe Rowland, 4-H alum and current student at Montana State University. Chloe shares her 4-H experience and how the organization has shaped her today.
Tell us your journey and how your interest in 4-H developed.
My 4-H journey started when I was 6 years old as a Cloverbud. 4-H is basically in my DNA. My mom and dad grew up heavily involved in 4-H, and so my passion for 4-H grew quickly. I have loved developing my knowledge and skills and growing to become the young adult I am today. My journey through 4-H has defined me as an individual and enabled me to branch out — like attending Montana State University. I have developed a sense of self-confidence because of 4-H, and 4-H has given me many incredible opportunities. I will be graduating this May, and I am very excited about what my future holds!
Describe your past involvement with 4-H and the National 4-H Conference.
4-H grew my passion for developing knowledge and skills. Whether it was cake decorating, sports fishing, market beef or leadership, I have tried it all! Throughout my years in 4-H, I became involved in leadership opportunities in Idaho County, Idaho. I was an Idaho County 4-H Ambassador, 4-H club officer and the 2022 Idaho County Fair Royalty Queen. I had the opportunity to become highly involved in Idaho State 4-H. I served two years on the Idaho State Teen Association Convention Steering Committee (STAC), and I then served one year as the Idaho STAC Northern District Representative. My senior year of high school, I had the honor to be elected to serve as the Idaho 4-H State Teen Association President. Then just this last year, I was chosen to serve as one of two lead collegiate facilitators for the 2025 National 4-H Conference.
How has 4-H and attending National 4-H Conference shaped you professionally?
4-H and the National 4-H Conference have played a crucial role in shaping my professional development. Through 4-H, I learned to lead with confidence, communicate effectively and work collaboratively—skills that I now use every day as a student at Montana State University. Being a club officer, a county ambassador and eventually the Idaho State Teen Association President gave me firsthand experience in leadership, project planning and public speaking. Serving as a collegiate facilitator for the National 4-H Conference pushed me even further by giving me the chance to work at a national level, represent my state and facilitate conversations on real-world issues. These experiences have helped solidify my career goals and taught me how to show up professionally in every setting.
What are some lessons 4-H has taught you?
One of the biggest lessons 4-H has taught me is the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it was trying a new project like sports fishing, speaking in front of hundreds of people or running for a state office, 4-H encouraged me to take on challenges I never thought I could handle. Another lesson is the value of community—how leadership isn’t just about standing in front but listening, supporting and serving others. At the National 4-H Conference, I learned how to collaborate with other 4-H'ers across the nation and turn ideas into action, all while representing youth voices on a national platform. These lessons continue to guide me in both my personal and professional life.
What advice would you have for 4-H'ers who might be interested in attending the National 4-H Conference?
My biggest piece of advice is--go for it. If the National 4-H Conference is even remotely on your radar, apply! It’s a life-changing experience that will challenge you, grow you and connect you with people from across the country who share your passion for leadership and service. Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold you back—your story, ideas and voice matter. Be open to learning, make the most of every opportunity, and know that you’ll come out of it a stronger leader with a clearer vision of who you are and where you’re headed.