COWGIRL Empowered: Amanda Devan - Editor, Western Horseman

After graduating with an Agricultural Communications and Journalism degree from Texas A&M University, Amanda Devan began her career at RIDE TV, where she worked for over six years.   After giving birth to her first son, she decided to shift gears to a career that allowed her more flexibility.  In a “totally God-sent moment,” the opportunity to join Morris Communications as the Editor for the Cutting Horse Chatter arose.  “I grew up showing cutting horses and my family is still heavily involved in the industry, so it was a natural fit.  I couldn’t believe the way the opportunity fell into my lap right when I needed it.”

She continues, “After a few months, I had been looped in on some staff changes happening at Western Horseman, and eventually was brought on as Editor.  My first issue to work on start-to-finish was the October issue in 2022.  The magazine looks different now than it did when I first began, but the rich Western content hasn’t changed, and I am so proud to be a part of the team at Western Horseman.”

As a COWGIRL 30 Under 30 alumna, Amanda advises any applicant, “Just do it! Imposter syndrome is so real, and you will feel silly about 100 times throughout the application process, but discomfort doesn’t dictate or negate your worth.  When it comes to your letters of recommendation, think outside the box.  Don’t just lean on your superiors at work—think about cowgirls you admire.  Get to know them.  Learn from them.”

“I love my career and I owe so much of my identity to the Western industry and growing up around cowboys, cowgirls, and ranchers,” she praises.  “It’s a ton of work being a career mom, but it’s possible and it’s incredibly rewarding.  Someday, my kids are going to know that I worked hard and made sacrifices in order to have the things that were important to me.  That’s a lesson they can use in their own lives forever.”