Virginia State University students excel at FBLA National Leadership Conference
Virginia State University students won top prizes at Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.'s National Leadership Conference. The event May 31-June 2 in Dallas drew over 1,000 college students, educators and volunteers.
At the NLC, the VSU Chapter of FBLA showcased exceptional talent. The chapter, according to a news release, was consistently visible on the leaderboard and maintained a high level of networking and participation throughout the conference. VSU's Sakara Calhoun-Bey was the top-performing attendee. She exhibited her strong networking ability, and received the top position on the leaderboard for the FBLA application.
Other top performers were Jenayah Loveless, Amiyah Ponton, King Maxwell, Elijah Adams, Renee Ogoh, Jasmine Fallen and Tania Outland. The VSU students represent what it means to be committed to the core values of FBLA: To collaborate, to compete and to lead.
The NLC provides education, competition and networking opportunities centered on business. Through determination, hard work and efficient teamwork, VSU students placed in the top 10 of their competitive events.
Remarkable achievement VSU excels at Future Business Leaders of America competition. What's next for students?
Nayima Green and Nylan Taylor — 1st place in Management Case
Elijah Adams, Nylan Taylor and Camron Cooper — 1st place in Marketing Case
Abigail Rancy — 3rd place in Parliamentary Procedure
Shane Roach, King Maxwell and Elijah Adams — 5th in Emerging Business Issues
Makayla Robinson and Sakara Calhoun-Bey — 6th place in Hospitality Management Case
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More than 890 students from nearly 150 schools in 27 U.S. states and territories competed in 38 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $45,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in 60 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 25 colleges, universities and employers.
Additionally, student members heard from Astad Dhunjisha, vice president of human resources and talent acquisition at AT&T, who shared his insights on change and innovation in the business world as well as what students can do now to prepare for a rapidly shifting job market.
In response to the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business's victory involving over 1,000 student participants from nearly 150 institutions, Dr. Emmanuel Omojokun, professor of Computer Information Systems and dean of the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business, shared a reflection on the significance of the achievement and what it means for VSU.
'To win a national competition against nearly 150 schools that, between them, fielded over 1,000 student contestants is not just an affirmation of the caliber of undergraduates at the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business but also proof in the pudding that at Virginia State University, Greater Happens Here. If anyone needed any additional quantifiable evidence of what is being achieved at this Historically Black College and University, they need not look any further,' Omojokun said.
'This year's National Leadership Conference showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our student members,' Jennifer Woods, FBLA President and CEO, said. 'From analytical thinking to dynamic communication, they demonstrated the skills that will shape tomorrow's workforce. These college students leave Dallas not only with well-earned recognition but also with new connections, confidence and a clearer path toward their future careers.'
FBLA, a nonprofit education association, has over 200,000 middle school, high school and college members worldwide.
Dr. Aurelia Donald, Computer Information Systems Professor and FBLA Chapter Advisor, stated, "VSU couldn't be prouder of bringing home the big win!"
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Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly, an award-winning columnist, is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index voted the 2022 Tri-Cities Best of the Best Social Media Personality. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on X and@socialbutterflykristi on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: VSU students celebrate, excel at FBLA National Leadership Conference
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