Lead the Herd 2026: A Day of Vision, Leadership & Cowgirl Power

Yesterday, Saturday, January 17, Shelby and Kim had the opportunity to attend Lead the Herd 2026 — and it was a day filled with inspiration, leadership, and meaningful connection.

From the moment they arrived, the energy in the room was undeniable. Surrounded by driven, thoughtful, and purpose-filled women, the workshop quickly became a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, shared values, and bold leadership.

As proud alumni of a Texas A&M University System school, East Texas A&M University, and as leaders of Texas Equine, which works closely with universities to provide real-world internship opportunities through our Equine Industry Readiness Program™, this event carried special meaning. That connection made meeting keynote speaker Kelley Sullivan Georgiades an especially memorable moment — truly a cowgirl queen experience.

A Keynote That Set the Standard

Kelley Sullivan Georgiades is a woman who wears many hats with grace, grit, and purpose. A graduate of Texas A&M University and the TCU Ranch Management Program, Kelley’s journey spans ranching, corporate leadership, marketing, and public service.

She and her father co-owned Santa Rosa Ranch, once the largest registered breeder of Brangus and Ultrablack cattle in the country. Today, she continues to operate the ranch’s commercial division in Navasota while she and her husband, George Georgiades, own and operate GKG Land & Cattle near Millican.

Her career has included work in marketing and healthcare system sales with Johnson & Johnson, executive leadership with Sullivan Brothers Family of Companies, and service in numerous influential agricultural roles. Most recently, she became the 11th woman appointed to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents — a milestone that inspired many in the room.

Branding, Boldness & Purpose

The marketing and branding session was led by the dynamic Lorinda Van Newkirk — entrepreneur, CEO, coach, speaker, and woman of faith. As the founder of Lucky Chuck, Lorinda has built a nationally recognized brand rooted in resilience, discipline, and purpose.

She is also the creator of the From Fear to Focus™ framework, empowering entrepreneurs and leaders to stop living small and start taking intentional, focused action. Her message was clear, bold, and deeply resonant: stop living in fear, stop judging yourself, trust God, and fight for the life you were called to live.

Practical Guidance That Matters

Attendees also gained invaluable insight from Emily Landry, Certified Public Accountant and Partner at Whitley Penn. A returning favorite at Lead the Herd events, Emily guided participants through accounting and tax considerations with clarity, confidence, and approachability.

With more than a decade of experience in tax planning and consulting — and as Whitley Penn’s Tax Non-Profit Industry Leader — Emily fielded a wide range of questions and offered practical guidance that entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders truly value.

Strategy for Life, Leadership & Balance

The workshop concluded with a lively and relatable presentation from Thea Larsen — lifestyle strategist, creator, and host of Cowgirls Over Coffee. A former corporate CEO turned entrepreneur, Thea blends executive-level strategy with the realities of modern motherhood, homemaking, and personal identity.

Her message emphasized the importance of routine, discernment, and connection — modeling how women can lead full, demanding lives while staying grounded and true to themselves. She was deeply relatable to this wonderful group of cowgirls.

The Women Who Make It All Happen

From the moment attendees walked through the doors, Anna Morrison, President & Co-Founder of Boss Mares Inc, greeted everyone with her signature smile, warm hugs, and Boss Mares swag bags. Anna’s lifelong passion for horses and her impressive career — spanning academia and leadership roles with the American Quarter Horse Association and the National Reined Cow Horse Association — embody the spirit of giving others a “leg up.”

Joining her was the gracious Ellen Bell, board member and lifelong supporter of the Western way of life. Ellen welcomed attendees, led the prayer before lunch, and shared a story of faith, loss, and healing through horses. Through Amy Bell Charities, the Bell family continues Amy’s legacy by supporting both global humanitarian and equine-focused initiatives.

The engaging interview with Lorinda Van Newkirk was led by the dynamic Patti Colbert, Treasurer & Co-Founder. [PHOTO ABOVE] Patti’s remarkable career spans leadership roles with the Texas Quarter Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Foundation, and the creation of the Extreme Mustang Makeover, which placed thousands of mustangs into private care. Her passion for connecting people with horses remains at the heart of everything she does.

Behind the scenes — and often behind the camera — was Kate Bradley Byars, Secretary & Co-Founder. A gifted writer, photographer, and storyteller, Kate’s dedication to documenting these moments ensures the stories and impact of Lead the Herd continue long after the event ends.

A Perfect Home for a Powerful Event

Lead the Herd 2026 was hosted at the iconic National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, where history meets horsepower. Located in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, the museum honors the grit, grace, and guts of women who shaped the American West — and those continuing to break boundaries today.

We were also honored to hear from Patricia W. Riley, Executive Director of The Cowgirl, who shared the museum’s inspiring vision and mission. With more than 4,000 artifacts and the stories of over 750 remarkable women, The Cowgirl continues to ignite passion, instill pride, and empower future generations through courage, resilience, and authenticity.

A Day to Remember

Texas Equine truly marvels at the teamwork, dedication, and heart behind Lead the Herd 2026 by Boss Mare Inc. It was a wonderful Saturday filled with learning, laughter, and meaningful connection, and we are deeply grateful to The Cowgirl for opening their doors for such an incredible event.

This workshop reminded us why we do what we do — to lead with purpose, lift others as we rise, and honor the powerful legacy of women in leadership, agriculture, and the Western way of life.