International Leadership, Horsemanship & Education Experiences

Kendal Rae Jensen is a former Utah and National High School Rodeo Queen whose passion for the Western way of life has shaped both her personal and professional journey. While in college, she studied marketing and sales, paving the way for her career in media.

Kendal and her husband Zach reside in Farr West, Utah, where they are raising a bustling rodeo family of seven children. Weekends are spent on the road supporting their junior and high school rodeo athletes.

With deep roots in the Western world, Kendal has launched and published two Western lifestyle magazines and now channels her expertise into her work at Teton Ridge. She is an account executive in charge of brand partnerships for all of the Teton Ridge media properties including The Cowboy Channel and Cowboys & Indians Magazine, and secures sponsorships for Teton Ridge properties including The American Rodeo, PBR Ridge Riders, Pro Fantasy Rodeo, Rodeo Vegas and the National Finals Rodeo. She also regularly appears on The Cowboy Channel with her segment ‘Voices of the West’ with Cowboys & Indians.

Kendal is also deeply committed to her community. She serves as Vice Chair of United Way of Northern Utah and is a Board Member of the Utah Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum- honoring and preserving the legacy of those who’ve helped shape the state’s rich cowboy heritage.

In addition to her media career, Kendal runs Hustlin Honey Rodeo Queen Apparel & Coaching, born from her own rodeo queen experience. She specializes in custom dyeing of boots, belts, and jeans to perfectly match queen outfits and offers coaching to help young women look and perform their best on stage and in the arena.

Whether she’s in the arena, at a board meeting, or on the road with her family, Kendal Rae Jensen is all about elevating the Western lifestyle—with authenticity, heart, and hustle.

Jason Diaz is a respected professional horseman and cutting horse trainer based in Minden, Nevada, and Owner and Trainer of Painted D Ranch. With a career rooted in the western performance horse industry, Jason has dedicated his life to developing both horses and riders at every level of the sport.

Specializing in cutting horses while maintaining a deep understanding of overall western riding, Jason is known for his strong foundation-based training, attention to detail, and ability to bring out the best in both horse and rider. His program at Painted D Ranch is built on feel, timing, building confidence in the saddle, and the philosophy that Patience Drives Results.

Throughout his career, Jason has trained horses and riders from the beginning stages all the way to world champions. His experience spans across developing young prospects, refining competitive horses, and mentoring riders striving for excellence in the show pen.

Respected for his work ethic, integrity, and passion for the western industry, Jason brings both experience and perspective to the Miss Rodeo Universe Valentine’s Freestyle Reining & Heart Competition. His commitment to horsemanship and elevating the next generation makes him an incredible addition to our judging panel.

Alicia Erickson was born and raised in Trochu, AB, and now resides just west of Cochrane. After two years as Miss Rodeo Canada, Erickson started her media business, Socially Alicia. She works with individual athletes, events and businesses to effectively tell their story or communicate their message.

She also works as a commentator and the female voice for the PBR Canada Cup Series on TSN, the Ponoka Stampede, Calgary Stampede, and different western events throughout Canada.

If there is anything that her time as an industry professional has taught her, it’s that hard work, dedication and treating the sport with the respect it deserves has brought her success and overall helped elevate the game for everyone.