COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2024: Kaitlyn Weldon

Kaitlyn Weldon

Professional Title: Founder, "The Active Historian" ; Former Social Media Manager, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Age: 27
Home: Jones, Oklahoma

Growing up in Oklahoma, Kaitlyn Weldon has been surrounded by cowboy culture her entire life and was raised to live the tenants of the “Cowboy Code.” From feeding cows when she was little to telling the stories of the American West today, Weldon has a passion for the Western way of life. She believes in the magic of the West and considers it her greatest privilege to inspire the next generation of cowgirls and cowboys through storytelling. 

Weldon travels and writes for her blog, “The Active Historian.” She initially founded this platform to share her master’s thesis research about women in the West, but it quickly grew to be so much more. She has been able to share her passion for Western history with people from around the world. 

Additionally, Weldon is the former social media manager for the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Some of her favorite moments at the NCWHM were when kids would run up to her in the galleries and ask, “Are you a real cowgirl?” with awe on their faces. She always assured them they could be a cowgirl or cowboy too – regardless of owning a cowboy hat.

Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: My vision for the future of women in the Western industry is to bring our communities together through storytelling. Women’s history is Western history, and my mission is to tell as many stories as possible. From rodeo stars to homesteaders, everyone has a story to tell. We are a summation of those great Westerners who came before us.

My hope is by telling the stories of bravery, hard work, and self-sacrifice someone will leave my blog or social media posts feeling inspired. I want the women in the Western industry to know they aren’t alone and can achieve great things through community – be that online or in-person.

I want the next generation of cowgirls (and cowboys) to know their story and history is important. I want them to know with discipline and determination they can land their dream job working with the best people in all the Western industries.

Wrangler‘s COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by Cavender’s the Official Retailer, Charlie 1 Horse Hats the Official Hat, and Durango Boots the Official Boot, for COWGIRL 30 Under 30, with Corral Boots, Montana Silversmiths, Old Gringo Boots, and Double D Ranch.

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