Yavapai College Students Win at FBLA National Leadership Conference

Photo: From left, Yavapai College FBLA co-adviser Brenda Lee, student Campbell Augustinovich, FBLA adviser Deanna Baker and student Luke Smith attend the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas.

Yavapai College students earned national recognition at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference, held June 6-8 in Las Vegas.

Yavapai College student Campbell Augustinovich earned second place nationally in customer service, competing against peers from colleges and universities across the country. Fellow student Luke Smith received the national Who’s Who in FBLA recognition for Arizona.

Yavapai College’s FBLA chapter also received national recognition for leadership, service, and competitive excellence. The chapter earned the Outstanding Chapter Award and the prestigious Gold Seal Chapter Award, which recognize exceptional chapter performance and member engagement throughout the year.

Deanna Baker, Yavapai College FBLA advisor and Arizona direct collegiate adviser, was named outstanding Adviser for Arizona. “We’re incredibly proud of our students and the recognition they earned on the national stage,” Baker said. “These accomplishments reflect the dedication, leadership and professional skills our members have developed through FBLA.”

The National Leadership Conference attracted more than 1,300 college students, educators and volunteers from nearly 200 colleges and universities in 29 U.S. states and territories. Competitors participated in 42 business-related events for scholarships and cash prizes totaling nearly $60,000.

Students also attended 60 learning workshops and met with representatives from more than 20 colleges, universities and employers, including the Alzheimer’s Association, BusinessU, CLA, FICO, Funds2Orgs, Kendra Scott, Men’s Warehouse, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Student members also heard from Jared Ebersole, an FBLA high school alumnus and co-founder of Lectec, who shared his journey from FBLA member to “Shark Tank” entrepreneur and discussed what it takes to build, fail and lead.

“This year’s National Leadership Conference showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our student members,” said FBLA President & CEO Jennifer Woods. “From analytical thinking to dynamic communication, they demonstrated the skills that will shape tomorrow’s workforce. These college students leave Las Vegas not only with well-earned recognition, but also with new connections, confidence, and a clearer path toward their future careers.”

Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with more than 230,000 members in middle school, high school, and college worldwide. FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. The association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. For more information, visit fbla.org.