Polk State FBLA Collegiate chapter makes resounding return to state competition
Polk State College’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate chapter achieved a significant milestone as members recently returned to the state competition arena. This year, competitions were held in the Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. Led by advisor and Polk State Business Professor Salma Wehrmeyer Nawlo, the team showcased its talents and represented the College community with pride.
Despite not securing a spot for nationals, the four-member team consisting of Interim President Alexander Don Juan, Interim Vice President Ryan Brunorio, Interim Secretary Jade Weyand, and Interim Membership Recruiter Gerald Odom, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination across various categories including Project Management, Job Interview, Computer Application, and Public Speaking.
“Joining FBLA has inspired and given me direction to become a team player with leadership skills to compete with others,” Odom said. “The state competition in Orlando generated me with overwhelming sense of self-esteem and confidence to be a leader in team projects.”
The participation in this year’s competition marks Polk State College’s re-entry into FBLA after a decade-long hiatus. Historically, the College has a rich legacy of success in FBLA competitions, having clinched both state and national awards in the past.
“I’m so incredibly proud of this team,” Wehrmeyer Nawlo said. “Just being able to attend felt like a win, considering that this was everyone’s first time experiencing FBLA competition. We’ve got the motivation, the ambition, and the drive, and so I have no doubt in my mind that we’ll be walking away winners in the next school year for state and nationals.”
Looking ahead, Polk State’s FBLA Collegiate chapter will hold an upcoming election to formalize the interim positions, as well as host campus events to close off the academic year.
More information about Polk State’s FBLA Collegiate chapter and its future endeavors is available by contacting Wehrmeyer Nawlo at snawlo@polk.edu