Zoya Chowdhury, Reporter

You have seven seconds.

Seven seconds before you introduce yourself.
Seven seconds before you begin your presentation.
Seven seconds before a judge forms their first impression.

In those first few moments, before you say a single word, you’re already communicating confidence, preparation, and professionalism. And one of the biggest factors in that first impression? What you’re wearing.

Why It Matters
Research shows that people form impressions quickly, sometimes in just a few seconds. In FBLA, those seconds matter. Whether you’re competing, networking, or representing your chapter, your appearance sends a message before you ever speak. Dressing professionally shows respect for the opportunity and signals that you take your role seriously. It tells judges and industry professionals that you came prepared, not just with your content, but with your mindset.

Professional Dress in FBLA
Business professional and business casual attire aren’t just rules in a handbook. They reflect the real-world environments we’re preparing to enter. When you put on a blazer, dress shirt, blouse, slacks, skirt, or closed-toe shoes, you’re stepping into a more polished version of yourself.

Confidence Starts Before You Speak
There’s something powerful about walking into a competition room knowing you look put-together. When you’re not worried about adjusting your outfit or second-guessing your appearance, you can focus on what truly matters: delivering your presentation, answering questions, and performing at your best.

Beyond FBLA
The habits you build here extend far beyond conferences. College interviews, internships, leadership roles, and future careers will all require you to understand professional expectations. Learning the difference between casual, business casual, and business professional attire is a life skill that will serve you long after high school. Every conference is practice for the future you’re working toward. 

Because in FBLA, you don’t just get one chance to impress — you get seven seconds. Make them count!

— Zoya Chowdhury, Reporter

Srivanth Parsi, Parliamentarian

​Hey Illinois FBLA! My name is Sri Parsi, and I currently serve as your Illinois FBLA State Parliamentarian. Today, I am thrilled to provide tips on a skill vital in order to become a strong leader: the art of networking. While competitive events test our knowledge, our conferences are where we build the community that defines our organization. With SLC quickly approaching, mastering the ability to connect with others will be a great asset in Springfield and beyond.

Networking isn't just about exchanging social media handles, it’s about building a bridge between your current goals and your future career. Here are four strategic tips to help you grow as a communicator and make lasting impressions.

Leverage the campaign booths and workshops
The campaign area and workshops are strategic places for interaction. When visiting candidate booths, don’t just collect the flyers- ask the candidates about their vision for the state. In workshops, challenge yourself to sit next to someone from a different area and be as involved as possible. These calm environments provide a low-pressure starting point for friendships.

Master the Elevator Pitch
Before you arrive at a conference, have a 30-second introduction ready. Instead of just stating your name and school, include a brief mention of your competitive event or something you/your chapter is proud of. A short but sweet introduction serves as a great icebreaker to open a meaningful conversation.

Professionalism in body language
Your presence can make a bold representation of you before you even speak. Maintain a professional yet approachable posture, offer a firm handshake or a friendly wave, and keep active eye contact.

The power of following up
The connection shouldn't end when you leave the conference. If you met someone who inspired you or a candidate whose platform resonated with you, reach out via social media or a professional email after the event. Mention a specific detail from your conversation to show you were truly attentive. This is how a simple introduction turns into a long-term connection.

Networking is the foundation of professional growth, and there is no better place to practice than within the Illinois FBLA family. I am incredibly excited to see the connections you all will build this April. Thank you!

- Srivanth Parsi, Parliamentarian

Maddie Stang, Central Northern Area VP​

Standing at the Crossroads
High school is full of new experiences and major changes, with one of the most significant being the transition toward adulthood. One of the biggest questions students face during this time is what they want to do in the future. This question can bring a mix of emotions, and thinking about a career path can often feel overwhelming. However, smart planning and early exploration can help ease that stress. One helpful way to begin this process is by learning about career clusters.

Mapping the Bigger Picture
Career clusters are broad groupings of occupations and industries that share similar skills, interests, and knowledge. They serve as a foundation for career exploration by allowing students to examine entire fields rather than committing to one specific job too early. A valuable resource for learning more about career clusters is careertech.org, which provides in-depth information on each pathway. At a basic level, career clusters are organized into six main groups: Building & Moving, Caring for Communities, Connecting & Supporting Success, Creating & Experiencing, Cultivating Resources, and Investing in the Future.

Exploring Without Pressure
Understanding career clusters helps students explore their interests without the pressure of choosing a single career path right away. Instead, students can discover broader pathways that align with their strengths, values, and passions, making the process of career planning more flexible and less intimidating.

Turning Interests into Action
Career clusters also help students make informed decisions about their high school classes, extracurricular activities, and career-focused organizations such as FBLA. For example, students interested in business, finance, or entrepreneurship may benefit from taking courses in accounting or economics while participating in FBLA competitive events related to their chosen cluster. Additionally, career clusters are closely connected to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which provide hands-on learning opportunities and real-world skills that prepare students for both college and future careers.

Taking the First Step Forward
While choosing a future career can feel overwhelming, career clusters make the process more manageable and approachable. By exploring clusters early, students can gain confidence, direction, and a clearer understanding of the many opportunities available to them. Your future does not have to be decided all at once; it begins with exploration.

Your Next Move
Now is the perfect time to start exploring career clusters. Visit careertech.org, talk with a school counselor or teacher, and reflect on your interests and strengths. Consider getting involved in organizations like FBLA or enrolling in CTE courses to gain hands-on experience. Every career journey starts with a single step; take yours today.

- Maddie Stang, Central Northern Area VP

Brayden Runyon, Eastern Area VP

Spring is all about growth. Flowers bloom, days get brighter, and everything feels a little more alive. Just like nature, we grow, too, but sometimes that growth means stepping out of our comfort zone. Coming out of your shell isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about letting more of you be seen.

Why Growth Starts with Courage
Staying comfortable feels safe, but it also keeps us from discovering what we’re capable of. The moment you raise your hand, introduce yourself, or take a chance, you prove something important to yourself: you are capable. Every small step builds momentum, and before you know it, confidence follows.

My Journey
As a sophomore, I didn’t always feel confident speaking up or putting myself out there. There were moments I wondered if I truly belonged. But through FBLA, I learned that growth begins the moment you stop waiting to feel ready and start believing in yourself. Each opportunity I said yes to helped shape my confidence and my voice.

FBLA as a Place to Grow
FBLA is more than an organization; it’s a space where growth is encouraged. It’s where you’re supported when you try, celebrated when you succeed, and lifted when you stumble. Whether it’s leadership, competition, or connection, FBLA gives you the chance to step forward and discover how powerful your voice really is.

Ways to Step Forward
Take the first step: One brave moment can change everything.
Trust your voice: What you have to say matters.
Embrace growth: Confidence grows with action.
Believe you belong: Because you do.

Final Thoughts
Coming out of your shell isn’t about being fearless; it’s about being brave even when you’re unsure. Just like spring brings new life, each moment you choose courage brings new confidence. Step forward, trust yourself, and remember: the world needs what only you can offer.

- Brayden Runyon, Eastern Area VP

Harshal Joshi, Central Area VP

A foundational aspect of chapter meetings is member engagement. In order to have a successful meeting where all members are engaged, it is important to maintain a certain level of energy to keep your members coming back for future meetings. What makes FBLA unique is the community that it is, so fostering strong connections in chapter meetings will take your member engagement to the next level. Here are 3 major tips that can increase your chapter engagement.

1. Include only information that is necessary

When you plan a meeting, it is important to remember that each FBLA member has set aside hours of the day to attend, so you must respect their time. Include relevant information in a nonrepetitive fashion. One way to avoid repetition is to split up different information sessions into separate breakout rooms. One room might include information about volunteer hours, while another could include information about upcoming events, and so on. This allows each room to be unique in the information delivered, so each member has a focus on the current presentation room they are in. Another important aspect is to move beyond the agenda. There is a reason you chose to deliver this information in person instead of through an email or a newsletter. Give members information beyond your slides presentation and elaborate on what information is important. Following these recommendations and optimizing your meetings will increase your overall chapter engagement.

2. Empower members to participate

What can be even more boring to members than just listening to a large amount of information is not being able to talk or participate during the meeting. It is extremely important that during your chapter meetings, you ensure that member’s voices are heard. During presentations and information sessions, include time for questions of clarification. You should also include members during your meeting presentations. A great way to do this is to ask spontaneous questions and keep members engaged in discussion. This can convert a boring information session into a meeting with a strong community. Member participation does not end when members leave the meeting, however; Be sure to include feedback forms that allow members to submit suggestions and improvements. Implementing member feedback into future meetings will allow them to be more successful and engage more members. 

3. Plan an energizer, or fun activity

When you have an FBLA chapter meeting, it is easy to just focus on the agenda and forget about building your community, but you have the chance to include a fun energizer or activity before and after the meeting. As long as you integrate at least one energizer or fun activity into your meeting, you will see success. Whether it is some trivia, or a planned team-building activity, you want this activity to be the chance for members to connect and leave a lasting impression. During your board meeting, make sure to brainstorm activities that you can include in the meeting. If you need help brainstorming, take inspiration from the web and even utilize AI for activity ideas. Ultimately, a fun and all inclusive activity can mean the difference between a boring chapter meeting and a meeting that further builds your chapter community.

The best meetings are the ones that have a balance of information and energy. The most impactful meetings that I have been in are when I felt more connected to other members through engaging conversations and activities. The best leaders in a chapter meeting understand that engagement must be fostered at chapter meetings because it is a time when many members in the chapter are present together. Stronger and more connected meetings means you will have a stronger and more connected chapter.

- Harshal Joshi, Central Area VP

Sabrina Aebel, Western Area VP

Growing your chapter membership can be a goal for chapters on many different levels. Whether you are a brand new chapter trying to get your first few members or a longstanding chapter trying to beat your own record using the right tactics is an essential component. Every chapter is different just like every person is different. That means not every tactic will work for you. But the best way to find out is by trying each one as a test. Here are a few of the tried and true methods that the strongest chapters use. 

Meeting prospective members where they are. More than likely your biggest group of prospective members will be Freshman students. This means that the best place you can go to inform them about FBLA is where they already have to be. Try asking your school’s administration if you can go to the middle school’s that feed into your High school and talk to the graduating 8th graders about what FBLA can do for them. Another great option is setting up a booth at your school’s open house/meet the teacher night. If your school has a club fair make sure that you make FBLA stand out. During club fairs it is super easy to be forgotten or lost in the chaos so make sure that the people who stop remember you. (not just the sucker you gave them)

Remember that it should be fun. A lot of times it is very easy for officer teams to become caught up completely in big goals and plans for the coming year. This puts having fun and making amazing connections on the back burner sometimes. FBLA is an amazing opportunity to grow professionally and learn about the world of business. But admittedly the reason a lot of students join is because FBLA can be super fun. When you are talking to prospective members make sure to highlight the exciting events as well as the educational ones. It may even be a good idea to host a couple of membership events. For example a bonfire night, a lock-in, or even a trip to an amusement park. This will make students join for the fun but stay for everything else. 

Fundraise. Fundraise. Fundraise. FBLA should not be cost-prohibitive to anyone. Annual dues can definitely keep some people from joining FBLA. One way around this is to spend the year planning more fundraising events so chapter members can basically earn their spot in FBLA through hard work. This allows more people to be able to feel as though they can afford to be a part of such an amazing organization.  

Finally, remember that building membership is not about one big push, but about creating a chapter culture people want to be part of. When you focus on being welcoming, visible, and intentional, your chapter becomes more than just another club, it becomes a community. Try new ideas, learn from what works (and what doesn’t), and don’t be afraid to adapt to your school’s needs. With consistency, creativity, and genuine passion, your chapter will not only grow in numbers but also in impact, setting the foundation for long-term success.

- Sabrina Aebel, Western Area VP

Harmin Patel, Secretary
​
Interviews are a very important, yet confusing to navigate, part of many people's lives. It’s an opportunity to show the company, school, or program you are applying to your personality and what motivates you. However, making sure to prepare well for an interview to assure that you can connect with the interviewer and not be flabbergasted with questions is important.

Preparing for Interview Tips:

1. Research program - Be sure to research thoroughly whatever position you are applying to. It is crucial that you understand the values of the place you are applying to and information surrounding the position and program. Researching can also help during questions as you can connect your own experiences directly to the mission and values of the position you are interviewing for.

2. Practice and Prepare with Someone - Go through common practice questions that you think the interview may ask such as “Tell me about yourself,” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses.” Answer these questions with someone else like a friend or family member so you’d be able to practice things such as maintaining good eye contact, good volume, and tone inflection as you speak.

3. Showcase your personality - Be genuine and interested during the interview. Showcase your true self and connect with the interviewer just like you would with anybody else. Maintain a good energy level and positive attitude which will leave a lasting good impression on your interviewer.

4. Practice and Prepare - Being nervous before a presentation or speech is normal. The best way to combat the anxiety that encompasses a presentation is to make sure that you are well-prepared. Making sure you understand your material well can help to calm nerves. Make sure to go over your presentation multiple times in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or in front of a small group. As you become familiar with your speech, you will be able to deliver it more clearly and confidently.

5. Connect with the interviewer - Showcase interest in conversing and learning about the interviewer. It’s okay to ask questions to the interviewer to learn more about them and see their perspective. If you find something similar between you and the interviewer, try to connect and build off of that.

Overall, interviewing can be stressful. However, preparing properly and practicing well before the interview can allow you to express your personality and connect with the interviewer in ways that can put you in the best place to get the position you want. 

- Harmin Patel, Secretary

Ella Hall, Southern Area VP

Members of Future Business Leaders of America chapters are preparing for an exciting election season as students announce their plans to run for chapter office. Running for an officer position gives members the opportunity to develop leadership skills, strengthen communication abilities, and make a positive impact on their chapter.

Chapter officer candidates are responsible for sharing their goals, ideas, and vision for the organization. Through speeches, campaigns, and interviews, candidates explain how they plan to improve chapter activities, increase member involvement, and support FBLA’s mission of developing future business leaders. The process encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and demonstrate confidence, responsibility, and commitment.

For students considering running for office, preparation is key. Successful candidates often start by understanding the responsibilities of the position they want, setting clear goals, and practicing their speeches. Being confident, organized, and genuine can help candidates connect with members and communicate their ideas effectively. It is also important to stay positive, listen to others, and show strong leadership both during and after the campaign.

In addition to building leadership experience, running for office helps students gain real-world skills that are valuable in college and future careers. Candidates learn how to organize ideas, work with others, manage time, and handle challenges professionally. Even students who are not elected gain meaningful experience and personal growth from participating in the election process.

As election day approaches, FBLA members are encouraged to support their peers and stay involved in chapter activities. The enthusiasm and dedication of officer candidates reflect the strong spirit of leadership within the chapter. By running for office, students are not only competing for a position but also contributing to the future success of their FBLA chapter.

​- Ella Hall, Southern Area VP

Claire Harte, Northern Area VP

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is one of the largest student organizations that
prepares young people for careers in business, leadership, and community involvement. Among
the wide variety of competitive events offered by FBLA, case study events stand out for their
real-world application of knowledge and problem-solving skills. These events present students
with a business scenario and require them to analyze the situation, identify the issues, and
present practical solutions. Succeeding in these events requires not only confidence but also
careful preparation and practice.

The first key to success in case study events is studying the subject area of the event you are
competing in. FBLA provides study guides and topics for categories such as marketing,
management, finance, and hospitality. Reviewing textbooks, online business articles, and past
case studies can give you the background knowledge needed to handle any situation. Just like
written tests, case studies require a strong foundation of business concepts; without that, even
the best presentation skills cannot cover gaps in understanding.

Practicing with sample cases is another crucial step. Gather a teammate, advisor, or even a
friend to play the role of the judge, and work through different scenarios. Time yourself so you
get comfortable with the limited preparation period. The more you practice thinking on your feet,
the more natural your response will be during competition. It also helps to practice structuring
your answers: start with identifying the problem, propose clear solutions, and explain why those
solutions will work. Organization and clarity leave a stronger impression on judges than
scattered ideas.

Presentation skills can make or break a case study. Dress professionally, speak clearly, and
make eye contact. Confidence often matters as much as content, so practice your delivery until
you can present without reading directly from notes. Using business terminology correctly and
backing up your recommendations with logical reasoning will also set you apart from
competitors.

Finally, remember that preparation for case studies extends beyond practice. Studying for the
objective tests that are part of many FBLA events is equally important. These tests often cover
vocabulary, principles, and scenarios that can appear in the case studies themselves. Scoring
well on the tests shows that you have a complete understanding of your field, which can boost
your overall performance.

In summary, success in FBLA case study events comes from a balance of studying, practicing,
and presenting with confidence. By mastering the content, rehearsing real-world scenarios, and
polishing your presentation, you will be well prepared to excel in competition. The skills
gained—critical thinking, problem solving, and public speaking—are valuable far beyond FBLA
and will benefit you in any future career path.

- Claire Harte, Northern Area VP

Kavin Ramasamy, President

The Business Achievement Awards program is built to help high school members grow through four levels. Each level teaches specific skills and asks members to show what they learned through reflections, knowledge checks, and projects. The pathway starts with learning what the organization is and ends with a long-term project that creates real impact.

The first level is the Contributor Award. This level is the starting place for high school members. It introduces members to the organization, and it helps them identify ways to make the most of their experience. Members complete two modules. The first module is Welcome to FBLA, which covers an introduction, history, traditions, and organizational structure. The second module is Making the Most of Your FBLA High School Experience, which covers educational programming, competitive events, and meeting engagement. The work includes interactive lessons, knowledge checks, and short reflections. The level ends with a final activity where members create a recruitment piece that explains the benefits of membership and highlights opportunities and programming. Members can choose a social media campaign, a short video, or an infographic. The level also includes a final reflection and a post-assessment survey. The total time commitment is about two hours.

The second level is the Leader Award. This level introduces leadership concepts needed to succeed as community-minded business leaders in a global economy. It focuses on four main skillsets through four modules. The modules are Inner Leader, Emotional Intelligence, Leading and Influencing, and Working in Teams. Members explore the leader they want to be. You will define personal values and consider how values shape decisions. You can identify their communication style and practice strategies to work with different styles. You will learn about diversity and inclusive language. You also learn the components of emotional intelligence and how emotional intelligence connects to leadership. The level includes activities that help members track triggers and practice self-management skills. It also includes teamwork lessons and practice with S.M.A.R.T. goals. At the end, members create an action plan for at least three leadership goals, and you complete a final reflection and a post-assessment survey. The time commitment is about three to four hours.

The third level is the Advocate Award, and it is presented as a specific course called Understanding Ethics. This course introduces ethics, integrity, and honesty as essential parts of leadership and responsible citizenship. Members learn how to demonstrate honesty and integrity in daily actions. You practice applying ethical principles to decisions. You also learn how trust and honest communication support strong relationships. The course includes five modules. The modules are Rules to Live By, Sincerely Yours, Trust in Me, Make the Honor Roll, and Can We Talk. Each module uses an interactive lesson and then asks members to respond to reflection questions and scenarios. Members also complete knowledge checks throughout the course. The time commitment for this level is about eight hours. The ethics content is supported by the MBA Research and Curriculum Center, and this level connects well to the Business Ethics competitive event because it is closely tied to that curriculum.
​
The final level is the Capstone Award, the highest level. It challenges members to take what they learned in FBLA and in the classroom and apply it to a real-world problem. Members design and implement a solution, reflect on the process, and showcase results using design thinking. Members move through four stages: you identify a problem through research and definition. You design a solution through brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and finalizing a plan. You will also make an impact by implementing the project with support from a team and a mentor. Finally, you will get the chance to reflect by documenting results, lessons learned, and personal and professional growth. The member commitment is about eighty hours, and the work must be the member’s own, even if you recruit teammates for support. Members must secure a mentor who is at least 25 years old, not a relative, and not an employer. Advisers approve the proposal and mentor selection and help members stay on track, but they are not expected to run the project. Capstone requires five main submissions, including The Why, a project proposal, a project plan, a project reflection, and a final project presentation. The presentation can be a website, a presentation, a video, or a report up to eight pages. Members who complete the Capstone Award can submit a three-minute summary video and a two-page executive summary for review, with a chance to advance to a final round at the National Leadership Conference.

​This program matters because it turns leadership into action you can prove. It builds skills step by step, and it asks members to practice them in real situations. It starts with understanding the organization and ends with solving a real problem through a sustained project. Through this program, you get the opportunity to create a clear record of growth and become a stronger leader in your school, community, and beyond.

​- Kavin Ramasamy, President