Deja Hatchett is a senior 4-Her from Jefferson County, District 3. She is dedicated to nurturing her leadership skills and is ready to instill those in younger 4-Hers she meets throughout her year as a State Officer. As she reflects on her decision to run for state office Deja states, “This has been a journey. This journey began with a leap of faith, a challenge to myself, a “great perhaps.” Once I believed that I had what it took to lead fearlessly, I knew that it would be my calling forever.”
Take a moment to meet your new 4-H State Vice President – Deja Hatchett . . .
Q: Why did you want to be a Kentucky 4-H State Officer? Did someone inspire or help you make that decision?
Deja: I wanted to become a state officer because I wanted to give the gift of mentorship to youth across the Commonwealth. I could think of no greater way to serve my favorite organization than to step into the role of a state officer.
“In my time working with Deja she has displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition.” – Jarrod Coomer, Chick-fil-A Glenmary
Deja Hatchett and Morelia Falcon attending STC’s Valentine’s Day Dance.
Q: How many years have you been in 4-H? What has been your primary focus in 4-H?
Deja: My 4-H career began five years ago with FCS related programs. I developed a passion for sewing, wardrobe planning and upcycling. After serving on the fashion leadership board and state teen council, I began to broaden my horizons. Communication and leadership is where my focus lies currently.
Q: What has been your favorite part of 4-H thus far?
Deja: My favorite part of 4-H thus far has been all of the people that I have meet. I was not always outgoing and confident. I grew to be that way by stepping out of my comfort zone and making an effort to create real connections. I love this part of 4-H so much because I would not be who I am without it.
Q: What are your goals as a State Officer in your position? What do you want to accomplish?
Deja: One of my many goals as a state officers it to strengthen youth-adult partnerships. Specifically between state/district 4-H staff and state/district youth leaders. I believe that by providing clear lines of communication we could fortify the organization as a whole.
Q: Who do you want to meet and learn from while you are in office?
Deja: I definitely look forward to meeting with Kentucky 4-H’s generous sponsors and partners such as Kentucky Farm Bureau and the members of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. I want to show how appreciative I am of every dollar they put toward the future of Kentucky 4-H.
Q: How do you define “leadership”? “Success”?
Deja: I personally define leadership as being able to guide a team into individual and corporate satisfaction. I would define success as not only getting the job done, but also making sure that each voice is equally heard in the process of achieving the desired end.
“In the hands of proper sowers, confident leaders can spread like wildflowers.” – Deja
Q: What advice would you give a younger 4-Her?
Deja: My advice to a younger 4-Her would be this – step outside of your box. That thing that you think you are too shy, too soft-spoken, too young to accomplish, GO FOR IT and take yourself and the world by surprise.
Q: If you were to speak with a potential donor, what would you say to them? How would you persuade them to give to 4-H?
Deja: An investment into Kentucky 4-H is an investment into greatness. Your dollar may go to helping the future veterinarian get involved in a county horse club. Your donation may allow a future president to master public speaking at a communications contest. Every dollar allows someone, somewhere to step into potential.
GET TO KNOW DEJA OUTSIDE OF 4-H . . .
Deja played “Trix the Aviatrix” in the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” for Theatreworks for Southern Indiana.
Q: Where do you want to go to school and what will you major in? What are your future plans/career?
Deja: I am currently enrolled at Jefferson Community and Technical College to obtain my associates degree. After which I plan to attend the University of Kentucky to study textile engineering. I would like to use my studies to pursue a career in fashion and textile design with the ultimate goal being featured in fashion weeks across the globe.
Q: What are your hobbies? Outside of 4-H.
Deja: My hobbies include writing spoken word poems, sewing, singing opera, and trying every coffee shop in Louisville.
Q: What is your favorite meal?
Deja: My favorite meal would have to be my mom’s black beans and rice with avocado, cilantro and tons of hot sauce.
Q: How would your friends describe you?
Deja: My friends would describe me as funny, nurturing, encouraging and driven.
