Mary Wood joined the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) at 9 years old, getting involved at the state level in North Carolina before jumping headfirst into national opportunities. Her dedication to The Business Breed led her to serve as Miss American Angus in 2021-2022 before running for the National Junior Angus Board (NJAB) in 2023. 

“I know it sounds cliché,” she says, “but [the NJAA] really has shaped me into the person I am today. So many of the experiences I’ve had over the last 11 years with the NJAA have helped me become a better leader, a better friend, a better teammate.”

Looking back, Wood says 10 years ago, she would’ve never seen herself in the position she is today — leading not only 4,000 junior members, but also her fellow “green coats.” 

But that’s why she shares this advice with current members: don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

“It’s kind of mind-blowing,” Wood says. “You never know if that one step you took out of your comfort zone could completely change the trajectory of your life.” 

Oregon native Jonwyn Ayres decided to run for the NJAB two years ago to show her peers from home that national opportunities within the NJAA are attainable for them, too. 

“I just really wanted to encourage Western kids that it is possible,” she says.

Ayres says the NJAA has given her an incredible support system, something she encourages junior members not to take for granted. That mentorship and support is what she hopes junior members will try to be for each other. 

“I want you to find a junior member that you’ve never really spoken to before, and in your own way, be a mentor to them,” she urges current NJAA members. “Just pick up a junior and show them the ropes.”

The NJAA has taught Ayres a lot. As she moves into the next phase of her life, Ayres says it’s amazing to look back and see all the full-circle moments. 
“From the first show heifer to all the different conferences, everything was so crucial to the trajectory of my life,” she says. 

“Never underestimate the power of showing up.” 

That’s the message Kyli Kraft wants to leave with the NJAA membership. 

“Whether it’s in the show ring, at a leadership conference, or simply for a friend who needs encouragement; consistency and kindness will take you further than talent alone ever could,” she says.

A fifth-generation cattlewoman from Colorado, Kraft is grateful for the two “extra” years she gained in the NJAA by serving on the NJAB. 

The NJAA has shaped much of Kraft’s past and present, always reminding her to show up, be kind and stay curious. She shares one of her favorite moments from her time on the board: when a young junior member gave her a friendship bracelet just before the 2024 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) closing ceremonies. 

She remembers, “In that split second, she reminded me exactly what being a green coat is all about and left me with a powerful lesson: you never know the kind of impact a small gesture can have on someone else … From that day on, I carried that bracelet in the pocket of my green jacket.”

Alli Perry offers similar advice to the junior membership.

“Step out of your comfort zone and take each and every opportunity,” she says. “There is something for everyone.”

Perry calls Tennessee home, but the NJAA has introduced her to people across the country, sparking lifelong friendships with people she wouldn’t have met otherwise.

“This organization is so much more than the cattle, it’s the people within it,” she shares. “The relationships built through this organization are second to none.”

As two years of service to the NJAA came to a close, Perry says the final moments with her fellow officers at the 2025 NJAS brought some conflicting emotions.

“Standing amongst each other and reflecting on the impact we left and the friendships we made was something truly special,” she says. “It’s a bittersweet moment … but one I will always cherish.” 

As she takes off the green coat for the final time, Perry knows that this isn’t just the end of a chapter, but the start of a new one.

Sawyer Styles wants to leave a simple message with the current and future NJAA members: “Don’t ever underestimate the power of your presence.”

She says both in and out of the show ring, someone is always watching, looking up to you. That’s not a responsibility this South Dakota girl takes lightly. 

“Carry yourself with pride,” Styles encourages. “Show up with kindness. Speak with confidence. Always, always lead with purpose. You don’t have to be the loudest voice to make an impact. You just have to show up.”

Serving on the NJAB for the last two years, Styles learned to embody this message. She says serving on the board pushed her to grow in new ways, teaching her the importance of clear communication and handling challenges efficiently. As she prepares to enter the next phase of her life, she will carry with her an appreciation for the NJAA and The Business Breed.

“The Angus breed isn’t just a part of our lives, it’s the foundation of them,” Styles says. “Behind the banners and buckles is … a shared passion for the breed that ties us all together.” 

Suter Clark has been a member of the NJAA for 14 years, which he says has taught him two main things: how to be a leader and how to get out of his comfort zone. 

Watching his brother serve on the NJAB before him, Clark knew the weight of responsibility that came with a green coat. Now, as he prepares to end his time with the board, he says he’s grateful for the person the organization has helped him become. 

“I have learned to be a better advocate for agriculture, specifically the beef industry,” Clark explains.

Speaking to current members, he encourages juniors to take advantage of all opportunities, even if they seem uncomfortable. 

“You never know what you will be great at, or enjoy doing, if you never try,” he says. 

The Virginia native says memories of the last two years will stick with him long after they’re over. 

Clark notes the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference each year is his favorite event, allowing juniors a chance to connect on a different level — no cows, no parents ­­— just people with a passion for Angus cattle.