Kate Lambert was recognized during the 2021 Missouri State FFA Convention for her ongoing support of agricultural education and FFA. Photos courtesy of Kate Lambert/FCS Financial.
Kate Lambert works as senior vice president of marketing for FCS Financial, a farm credit cooperative in Missouri. We chatted with Lambert about her FFA experiences and how she achieved success in her career.
Q: What is your favorite FFA memory?
A: FFA was literally life-changing for me. I competed in several different career and leadership development events throughout the years, and I’ll never forget my first state convention and the energy it gave me. I also remember national conventions filled with the excitement of traveling with friends, speakers and concerts.
My best memories, however, are sitting on the old couch in my advisor’s office in the shop. That was a home for me in high school — a safe place for me to start figuring out who I was. My advisor pushed me a lot in the conversations we shared. Of all the places I was able to travel and things I was able to do with FFA, when I think about it, that old couch is where I go.
Q: What was your career path after high school?
A: I attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo. I studied agricultural business Throughout her career with FCS Financial, Kate Lambert has held roles that fit her growing interests and skill set. with an early plan of attending law school. The summer going into senior year, I interned with FCS Financial and took the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). I had a job offer at the end of the summer with FCS Financial, so I opted for a career there and haven’t looked back.
Q: Why did you choose your career?
A: I fell in love with people who farm and ranch for a living, and I wanted to serve them. I also wanted to work at a place where people cared about others, strived for excellence and had fun. I’ve had the blessing of being able to grow into roles at FCS Financial that fit who I am and what I can contribute.
Q: How do you serve your community and agriculture in your current role?
A: FCS Financial is driven by our member-owners, who are the farmers and the ranchers we serve, so every decision prioritizes their wellbeing. Our cooperative’s commitment to community is also paramount. FCS Financial actively invests in giving back through dedicated programs, volunteer opportunities and strong support for 4-H, FFA and Agriculture Future of America.
Q: What is your advice for FFA members interested in agriculture-focused careers?
A: You don’t have to be the best at FFA for it to change your world. At the end of high school, it’s the experiences you had, the skills you developed and the relationships you made that matter most. Experiencing a variety of things can serve you better than trying to be the best in one area. I wasn’t the best at anything ever in my life, but I seek out ways to challenge myself, work hard and say “yes,” which has served me well.
Paving the Way
Lambert experienced the impacts of FFA membership firsthand. Read more about her years in the blue jacket.
