Chosen as a 2025 WRANGLER “COWGIRL 30 UNDER 30”
Being chosen as a member of WRANGLER’S “The COWGIRL 30 UNDER 30 CLASS OF 2025” is a prestigious accomplishment. WRANGLER COWGIRL magazine seeks outstanding young women from around all America to feature as “trailblazers who open doors for others, share their enthusiasm, and embody the qualities that keep the Western industry thriving.”
In its sixth year, on November 18, 2024, COWGIRL announced the recipients they have chosen from various states who “continue the legacy of excellence, showcasing the determination and passion that define the next generation of Western leaders.” Linay Runnels Williams was one of those recipients.
Linay Williams, the daughter of Vance Runnels and LeeAnn McReynolds, has spent her entire life involved in the livestock industry. She grew up surrounded by the challenges and rewards of raising cattle, and as soon as she was old enough, she followed the family legacy of raising and showing cattle in livestock shows all over South Texas and beyond. Today, she lives in Quitaque, TX, with her husband Brazos, a ranch manager, and her two boys, Flint and Franklin Williams.
Linay serves with Texas Tech University Davis College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources as the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications. In that role, she has organized the first strategic marketing plan for Texas Tech’s Davis College. Alongside her myriad of responsibilities, she served as the marketing committee co-chair for a first-of-its-kind campaign focused on raising over $250 million for Davis College to improve the future of agriculture through student education and enhanced research facilities.
Before coming to Texas Tech’s Davis College, Linay states that her “dynamic ag experience”, along with her college experience with meat judging, livestock judging, horse judging, and her degree in agricultural communications qualified her to begin her own business. Thus, upon graduation from Texas Tech in 2016, Linay launched a marketing company to address the need for high quality marketing for small business owners within the rural and western niches. Her company ultimately expanded to work with major agricultural and equestrian brands including Purina and Cosequin Equine.
Another unique accomplishment Linay achieved was personally launching Unbridled Conference, an event created for women in agricultural or western businesses in which 32 women from six different states connected with eight industry-leading, highly accomplished women who led mentorship teams. The focus was on building confidence, driving ambition, and growing support systems.
Linay engaged in the planning committee for a retreat for L.E.A.P. – Women Engaging in Agricultural Progress – held in the Texas Panhandle in which she was a title speaker, leading a session on marketing small businesses.
Linay also served on the Board for PanTex Buyers Group. She and her team have raised over $120,000 for kids since 2022 through Pantex Buyers Group. This is a non-profit group whose mission is to serve 4-H and FFA members from 49 counties in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains.
As a new member of the “Cowgirl 30 under 30 Class of 2025,” Linay will participate in an Empowered Gala on Friday, April 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, in a 3-day series of events honoring present and past recipients. In addition to attending meetings and seminars to hear renowned speakers, the recipients will be showered with gifts and shopping sprees.
Linay states, “This award is a privilege to receive, and I certainly couldn’t have earned it alone. I’ve been blessed with many incredible mentors in my life who have empowered me to pursue my dreams.”