On Thursday, October 16, Williamsville East hosted over 70 students and advisers from across Western New York for the Future Business Leaders of America District 12 Fall District Meeting. This is a big year in FBLA for Williamsville East, which has three NYS FBLA state officers: Robin Marshall, State Secretary, Shubhangi Mehra, State Parliamentarian, and Melissa Li, District 12 State Vice President.
The Fall District Meeting, organized annually by the state vice president, is an opportunity for FBLA members to learn new business skills, attend workshops, network with their peers, and more. The keynote speaker at this year’s FDM was Steve Meyer, the current Democratic candidate for the 146th District of the NYS Assembly (and Williamsville East alum). Mr. Meyer gave an inspiring speech about how enthusiasm and determination led to his success as one of the youngest politicians in the state.
Additionally, chapter officers from all three schools were inducted at FDM in a candle-lighting ceremony, and district officer candidates underwent interviews.This year’s District 12 district officers are all from Williamsville East: Aniruddha Nrusimha, district secretary, Michelle Dao, district historian, and Sarah Wie, district reporter. These students will aid the State Vice President in discharging her duties and conducting future meetings. Other FDM activities Thursday night included a Battle of the Best trivia contest (Alanna Kramer, our school’s chapter parliamentarian, won 2nd place), team building games, a presentation by NYS FBLA state officer advisor Mr. Josh Wallace on how to run for state office, and a dinner catered by Chipotle.
The Fall District Meeting is always a highly successful FBLA event, and this year’s was no exception. It’s an opportunity for our members to dress up in their best business attire and learn a little about the organization, but more importantly, FDM is a chance for students from different schools to network and get to know each other. This people-centric experience is just as fulfilling as learning how to conduct a meeting using Parliamentary Procedure or other business facts.
by Melissa Li
