Yavapai College’s Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America – an organization dedicated to fostering student business skills – collected an impressive slew of individual competitive awards and chapter honors in Dallas last week, as part of their first national FBLA conference in 24 years.
“It’s great to receive this kind of national recognition,” FBLA Advisor Deanna Baker said. Future Business Leaders of America named the four-student Yavapai College Team as a 2024-25 Distinguished Chapter – one of only eleven collegiate programs so recognized across the country. The Roughriders also captured the Golden Seal Chapter Award, an honor bestowed on only 15 percent of FBLA chapters nationwide. In addition, the FBLA named Yavapai College its Outstanding Chapter of the Year in Arizona, and Deanna Baker as Arizona’s Outstanding Advisor of the Year.
But the May 31 – June 2 conference was more than a victory lap. It was also the final round of Business Skill competitions, and Yavapai College students had to compete against the nation’s most talented FBLA students in a host of individual contests – in categories like Job Interview, Business Communications and Branding. Team members distinguished themselves with individual honors, including:
For Deanna Baker, the YC Chapter’s triumphant national run caps a hard-working year. “We’ve been very busy. We competed in the fall, winter and state conferences this year, sending three first-place competition winners and one second-place winner to the finals.” She credits the work ethic and the unique character of the FBLA students for their shared success.
“A lot of times, they meet independently. It’s really cool. They take the initiative, build PowerPoint slides – they’re all about ‘What can I do to improve?’” She explained. “These are students from different background. Some have overcome personal struggles. We brought them together, and they created a family, and learned to build upon each other’s strengths.”
For more information on Yavapai College’s Future Business Leaders of America Chapter, please visit: www.yc.edu/fbla
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, three baccalaureate degrees (with one more pending accreditation approval), student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.