With the goal to present to cowgirl entrepreneurs and business owners where they are already meeting, Boss Mares, Inc. will host the third “Lead the Herd” Workshop on Saturday, January 17, 2026, during the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR) at the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The one-day workshop will bring business and marketing expertise to attendees free of charge, all with the mission to give cowgirl entrepreneurs a leg up.
“Giving cowgirl entrepreneurs an amazing educational opportunity with the ‘Lead the Herd Workshop’ aligns perfectly with our mission of providing educational opportunities for the nation’s emerging livestock industry leaders,” said FWSSR Executive Vice President Lauren Lovelace Murray. “We’re honored to partner with Boss Mares, Inc. to host what will be an amazing group of women fully dedicated to the Western way of life for this dynamic program during the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.”
Boss Mares, Inc. is excited to announce that Kelley Sullivan Georgiades will be the keynote speaker, kicking off the workshop. A graduate of Texas A&M University and the TCU Ranch Management Program, she and her father co-owned Santa Rosa Ranch — the largest registered breeder of Brangus and Ultrablack cattle in the country. Over the years, Sullivan Georgiades has served as chair of the marketing committee for the Texas Beef Council, commissioner for the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority and as chair of membership development on the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Most recently, she became the 11th woman, and 219th regent, in 150 years to be appointed to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. Her lengthy experience in the agriculture industry and business acumen will set a positive and exciting tone for the event.
Three presentations will set attendees on the course toward success. Lorinda Van Newkirk, consultant and Lucky Chuck brand founder, will speak on marketing; Thea Larson, executive-level strategist and founder/host of Cowgirls Over Coffee, will discuss business planning and strategy; and Emily Landry, a certified public accountant with Whitley-Penn, will once again speak on finance. Held again at the inspiring, and soon to be expanding, National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Museum, the workshop will include museum and Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo admission, and a catered lunch from Fort Worth’s own Gigi Howell.
“The Cowgirl is proud to come alongside Boss Mares to champion women who are ready to grow, lead, and make a difference,” said Julie Bryant, associate executive director, marketing and communications.
Aspiring attendees can register for one of the only 100 seats at bossmaresinc.org, free of charge thanks to underwriting from the Delaplaine Family Foundation and Mindy’s Hope Foundation. Registration will be required for the event to attend. Registration opens December 15.
“Boss Mares, Inc. provides the workshops to celebrate the women who create Western lifestyle businesses and engage in entrepreneurial opportunities to provide a positive atmosphere for women to learn, connect, mentor, support and create a path to follow their business dreams,” said Kate Byars, Boss Mares, Inc. secretary and co-founder. “Last year’s event sold out, and made the decision to host it again at the Cowgirl and partner with them and the Fort Worth Stock Show an easy decision.”
Launched early in 2023, Boss Mares, Inc., a 501(c)(3), is offering entrepreneur empowerment “Lead the Herd” workshops and awarding business and education grants. Grant applications will open in January with the award date of June 2025, following a selection process that is detailed on bossmaresinc.com. Co-founded by Anna Morrison, PhD, Patti Colbert and Kate Bradley Byars, all owners of businesses, Boss Mares, Inc. will support female business owners and entrepreneurs by providing access to resources in key areas, including accounting and finance support, continuing education, leadership and career coaching, legal counsel and marketing expertise. The leadership role in a herd of horses is held by a mare, known as the “boss mare.”
For more information the workshop, to register, and to find out how you can Back the Boss Mares, visit bossmaresinc.org.
Media Contact:
Kate Byars
kate@bossmaresinc.org