By Jasmitha Keesara
District 12 of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) recently held its Fall District Meeting at Williamsville East High School on October 15, 2023. This event marked the first conference of the year, bringing together FBLA members from throughout the district for a day filled with helpful and exciting workshops and sessions. It was an excellent opportunity for members to connect, learn, and take their involvement in FBLA to the next level. Members from the Eden Chapter, Clarence Chapter, and Williamsville East High School Chapter all met together for a day filled with informative workshops, inspiring sessions, and the chance to network with fellow FBLA enthusiasts.
The District 12 Fall District Meeting was a momentous occasion for the chapter officers who were initiated into their roles through the FBLA Induction and Emblem Ceremony. This initiation ceremony was a symbolic and prestigious event, where the newly elected chapter officers were officially welcomed into their leadership positions. The ceremony, steeped in tradition and FBLA values, was a poignant reminder of the responsibilities they were about to undertake. It began with the recitation of the FBLA pledge, reaffirming their commitment to the principles of leadership, service, and integrity. The lighting of each candle, with a different color to symbolize the different positions, served as a symbol of the guiding light they would be for their fellow members. As they accepted the responsibilities of their new position, it signified their dedication to upholding the organization’s ideals. This ritual was a profound step in their FBLA journey, signifying their readiness to lead and inspire their peers as they embraced the responsibilities of their chapter officer roles.
The Fall District Meeting also had an enlightening keynote address delivered by the distinguished Sara Emhof, a Certified Coach with over two decades of experience in youth and community leadership development. With 14 years dedicated to coaching, the neuroscience of trust, purpose, and belonging, alongside a wealth of experience in civic education, sales, and leadership development, Sara’s insights resonated with the audience, providing valuable tools and strategies to navigate the ever-changing landscape of leadership and personal development. Her speech was particularly impactful, offering approaches to address pressing cultural challenges while fostering trust, fun, and connection. Topics covered a wide spectrum, from building trust and belonging to overcoming burnout, connecting across differences, creating a culture of appreciation, and embracing change. Sara’s keynote was a beacon of guidance and inspiration, leaving a lasting impression on all those in attendance at the Fall District Meeting.
One of the highlights of the Fall District Meeting was the opportunity for FBLA members to explore leadership positions within the organization. Three District Officer positions were up for grabs: Secretary, Reporter, and Event Planner. Any qualified member interested in these roles was encouraged to apply and participate in interviews held at the meeting. They were selected through an interview process by our SVP: Nathan Wan. Arush Chapyla from the WEHS chapter was elected as District Secretary, Eileen Wang from the WEHS chapter was elected as District Event Planner, and Jasmitha Keesara from the WEHS chapter was elected as District Reporter.
The Fall District Meeting was just the beginning of a series of events and opportunities within FBLA. Members were also encouraged to explore the possibility of applying for state office positions and participating in Program of Work tasks. These experiences offered the chance to gain valuable skills, contribute to the community, and strengthen their leadership abilities.
Additionally, the State Charity for that year, K9s for Warriors, was introduced. This charitable organization rescues and trains dogs to provide vital support to veterans facing challenges. Members were encouraged to support this noble cause through fundraising efforts at their individual chapters, emphasizing the positive impact they could have within the state.
In summary, the District 12 Fall District Meeting was a day of learning, networking, and opportunities for FBLA members. It served as a launchpad for a year filled with exciting prospects and a chance to make a positive impact through leadership and community involvement. The FBLA community looked forward to seeing all the enthusiastic members at future events and activities as they continued to grow and succeed in their endeavors.
