Kira Szulinski is the 25-year-old daughter of Milt and Laura Szulinski. She was introduced to the equine world at the age of eight through horseback riding lessons, which later led her to 4-H. During nearly a decade in the program, she competed in multiple disciplines, including showmanship, english, jumping, western, and gymkhana events, while simultaneously exhibiting small animals such as cavy, poultry, and rabbits.

 While participating in 4-H across multiple disciplines and species, Kira was also a dedicated athlete and former all-star softball player, competing across the nation for nearly a decade. Today, she shares her story to show that rodeo is more than just a sport—it is a community built on courage, kindness, and connection. She is excited to share her legacy project, a personally curated rodeo educational coloring book, which she will hand out with nearly every autograph sheet throughout her year and make available for purchase on Amazon. Proceeds from sales will benefit both the Michigan 4-H Foundation and the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, helping support youth education and rodeo contestants in need while providing a fun and engaging way for people of all ages to learn about the sport of rodeo and those involved in it.

 Although she did not grow up in the western or rodeo industries, Kira discovered her passion for rodeo at nineteen when she was introduced to her local royalty pageant. Through mentorship, she found a community that shared its passion, knowledge, and heart—an experience that changed her life. She strongly believes in the power of mentorship, which inspired her platform, Pass the Reins, focused on education, encouragement, and helping others gain the confidence to step into new opportunities.

 Proud to represent the Great Lakes State, Kira is grateful for her friends, family, mentors, and sponsors who have welcomed her with open arms and supported her journey.