FBLA Club Highlight

Photo Credit: Sophia Chen

FBLA, or the Future Business Leaders of America club, teaches students about business and leadership through many events and activities. From competing in local, state, and national tournaments to participating in leadership conferences, this group of students is expanding on skills necessary for the workforce by studying these key tools for events and learning from experienced speakers. 

Their leadership team includes their President Emily Jin (senior), Vice President of Service Kaylee Zhao (junior), Vice President of Education Kelly Chen (junior), and Vice President of Progress Abigail Wang (junior). All of them continue to pour their hard work into the club to empower other members and help organize projects for the team. 

Kaylee Zhao explained her role as Vice President of Service allows her to “involve [herself] in not only the club but also the community” and “develop projects that help promote financial literacy.” This year, she is working with a group of members to develop more service initiatives to spread financial literacy, a skill that many students are not familiar with. FBLA pushes students to be leaders, but specifically leaders with impact.

Additionally, Abigail Wang expressed her gratitude for being “surrounded with like-minded people” and added that she loves “learning more about business in general.” FBLA has allowed its members to meet others who are involved in business -- but also students who are interested in service and guidance in general. For example, the JLDC allowed FBLA to combine with other clubs, such as HOSA and TSA, to expand on a common goal: leadership.

Vice President of Education Kelly Chen found FBLA to encourage and push her to expand on her current skill set. Like many students, current FBLA students walked into the club unaware of financial skills. FBLA pushes all students to learn more about a skill set most feel uncomfortable with, pushing its members to go above and beyond.  

Recently, the club, along with HOSA, attended the Junior Leadership Development Conference at the BJCC. Clubs from across the state gathered in an amphitheater to celebrate their recent successes, such as community service. They heard from rapper Dee-1, who instilled drive in these students by describing the importance and impact of service-led leadership. Later, students broke off into leadership development workshops where they heard from many more key speakers who emphasized the importance of hard work and discipline.

Later in the year, the club will continue on to compete at the state conference in a variety of events. Some will compete in marketing events, where they take on initiatives to better share their ideas through websites and social media. Others will dive into the complex world of economics and finance to study the necessities of these key subjects in business. Additionally, others will look forward to more leadership development workshops at the state conference. 

FBLA is looking forward to a great second semester of competitions and service!