Congratulations to the Two Montana Women In Cowgirl’s 30 Under 30

Two Montana women have been honored in COWGIRL Magazine's '30 Under 30' Class of 2024. Sponsored in part by Wrangler, the 5th annual accolade puts Elyssa Leininger of Billings and Sierra Jepsen of Livingston in the industry spotlight with nationwide exposure.

 Elyssa Leininger

Billings Western and Wildlife artist Elyssa Leininger decided to submit her application for the prestigious recognition on a whim, she told us today. One of the requirements to be considered is that all entrants must earn a living in the Western industry. As an artist, she wasn't convinced that she would qualify. At the urging of friends, she figured, why not?

Elyssa submitted her resume, bio, letters of recommendation, a video, and links to her socials, as required. She was shocked this morning when she saw the Instagram post from COWGIRL Magazine with her picture among the selections for 2024. Leininger turns 30 next year. She told us never in a million years did she think at age 20 anything like this would have been possible.

Sierra Jepsen - Livingston, MT

According to her short bio on COWGIRL's list, Sierra Jepson is the Owner, Meat Scientist, and Lead Butcher, at Butcher Solutions, LLC. Being nosy, we had to find out what that's all about. It's essentially a traveling butcher school. We love it.

An opportunity to connect with other Western women making waves.

For those unfamiliar with COWGIRL Magazine, it's essentially the Vogue of the Western world. Leininger said making its '30 Under 30 Class of 2024' will present an opportunity to connect with other powerful young women in the industry at a gala in Texas. Most of the previous 30 Under 30 are now working for some of the biggest names in the field, be it ag, rodeo, fashion, food, arts, lifestyle, etc.

Congrats to the two Montanas who made the list. Most of the honorees this year hail from California and Texas. One each from Wyoming and South Dakota and a few are from Colorado. From over 160 applicants, it's great to see the Treasure State take two of the spots. See the complete list HERE.