By Deekshitha Keesara
What is FBLA?
For those who don’t know, FBLA stands for Future Business Leaders of America. It’s a club that helps students develop business skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork. Students have the opportunity to compete at District, State, and National-level. This year’s State Leadership Conference, known as SLC, will be held at Kalahari Resorts Indoor Waterpark in Pennsylvania. SLC is a 3-day 2-night conference where members compete in events, attend workshops, network, and have lots of fun with their friends. Members also have the chance to attend events such as the Fall District Meeting held at East, where they again have the opportunity to network and attend workshops. FBLA members are encouraged to participate in fundraisers such as Commons Cafe and the Flower Sale, which help offset students’ costs to SLC. FBLA is a great way for students to gain real-world business experience and network with individuals. This club is welcome to all and registration is due September 30th with the $30 fee which includes free merch.
Meet the team
- Co-Presidents: Khadija Abd-Elhamid and Moksh Gupta
- Vice President: Jasmine Lee-Bennett
- Secretary: Samy Dondapati
- Treasurer: Nafian Jemon
- Historian: Deekshitha Keesara
- Parliamentarian: Elaine Shen
- Program of Work Chairperson: Aristotle Aggelis
- Commons Cafe Coordinators: Ryan Macke and Sophia Feng
- Chapter of the Year Chairperson: Celina Aiad
- Adviser: Mrs. Fanara-Mauro
State Officers
- State President: Aarav Sapra
- District 12 State Vice President: Moksh Gupta
- State Parliamentarian: Naman Kapoor
September Commons Cafe
It’s officially that time of year where Commons Cafe has opened back up again. Last week, FBLA had their very first Commons Cafe of the year led by our new coordinators, Ryan Macke and Sophia Feng. When asked to describe their first commons cafe in three words, Ryan and Sophia both described their experience as “amazing, spectacular, and delicious.” Students and staff were able to enjoy a variety of fall-inspired treats and drinks during the school day. Our menu featured pumpkin iced chai lattes, iced apple cider, chocolate-covered pretzels, and chocolate-covered Rice Krispies. A very special thank you is in order to all the Commons Cafe workers for helping out during their free periods and the customers for support!
Upcoming Events
Coming up in the month of October, FBLA has three exciting events. The first general meeting will be Thursday, October 1st during second period. Make sure to have your pass that you can pick up at the business office signed by your second period teacher. Furthermore, we will be at Taste of East selling cappuccinos and ramen. Members can support this event by dropping off donations prior to the day or signing up on Google Classroom to volunteer for shifts at the table. Getting involved will help boost your chances of getting your chosen events for SLC. Additionally, the Fall District Meeting will be held on October 22nd, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Williamsville East High School. The cost to attend will be $10 and signups will be posted soon. Members will have the opportunity to meet other FBLA chapters, attend workshops, listen to the Keynote speaker, and end the night with a delicious dinner. FBLA is a great way to get involved, meet new people, try new things, and make unforgettable memories. Stay tuned for October’s events!