LC Students Earn National Honors at FBLA National Leadership Conference

GODFREY - Students from Lewis and Clark Community College won top prizes at the Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.'s (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC) earlier this month.

The event, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from June 6-8, attracted college students, educators, and volunteers from across the country. The NLC provides education, competition, and networking opportunities centered on business.

More than 1,300 attendees from nearly 200 colleges and universities in 29 U.S. states and territories competed in 42 business-related events for scholarships and cash prizes totaling nearly $60,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in 60 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 20 colleges, universities, and employers, including Alzheimer's Association, BusinessU, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), FICO, Funds2Orgs, Kendra Scott, Men's Wearhouse, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard.

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

Lewis and Clark Community College was well represented at this year's NLC, with three students earning national finishes in their competitive events. Xander Braundmeir placed third in Foundations of Accounting, Julia Janus placed sixth in Future Business Educator, and Matthew Maag placed ninth in International Business.

In addition to her national placement, Julia Janus earned the Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification, a credential that validates mastery of the essential communication and soft skills highly valued by employers. The certification recognizes a member's ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and think critically across real-world professional contexts - helping students stand out in today's competitive job market.

"I am incredibly proud of all eight students who qualified to compete at this year's National Leadership Conference," said Christina Wickenhauser, FBLA Faculty Advisor at Lewis and Clark Community College.

"Earning a spot at Nationals is an accomplishment in itself, and placing among the top finishers is even harder - our students were competing against hundreds of the most talented business students in the country. What makes this especially meaningful is that, as a community college, we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with students from large universities and four-year institutions and more than held our own. Xander, Julia, and Matthew earned national recognition, and every one of our competitors represented Lewis and Clark with professionalism and heart. This is proof that a world-class education starts right here at a community college."

The chapter extends its sincere gratitude to the ECHO Academy and Lewis and Clark Community College, whose generous support and funding made it possible for these students to attend and compete on the national stage.

"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.

The Lewis and Clark Community College FBLA chapter welcomes community involvement. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the chapter financially, serving as a guest speaker, or becoming a student mentor are invited to learn more at https://www.lc.edu/current-students/campus-life/fbla.html.