Swami Hinojosa
Editor-in-Chief
During the weekend of March 21-24, 15 students from Broward College journeyed to Orlando to participate in the Future Business Leader of America (FBLA) conference, previously known as Phi Beta Lambda. This highly-regarded event brought together students from different institutions to demonstrate their skills and compete in various business-related contests.
All Florida schools, including colleges and universities, were welcome to attend and participate. Participants included representatives from Miami Dade College, the University of Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Webber International, and more.
Upon arrival, they were immediately involved in intense competition. Fabio Varens, Ben Cadet, and Giancarlo Izquierdo started the weekend by participating in the Business Ethics competition, which set the tone for a challenging yet rewarding experience. They had been practicing for quite a while, and their presentation thoroughly impressed the judges.
My colleagues, Endy Pierre-Charles, Josenise Pierre, and I participated in the Emerging Business Issues competition and demonstrated our knowledge and expertise. We dressed in matching outfits and designed a good presentation, which helped us secure a good standing among the others.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Gahl impressed the audience with his eloquent and captivating public speaking skills, leaving a lasting impression. We were all inspired by his confidence and empowerment.
Although the event was competitive, the students from Broward College made time to connect and bond with one another. These moments of integration and community-building will remind the participants of a strong sense of fellowship, motivating them to do their best in their respective competitions. Throughout the night, they provided each other with helpful feedback to improve their chances of success in the next three competitions.
The journey toward the Future Business Leader of America conference was arduous. Every participant invested numerous hours in preparation and hard work, eagerly awaiting this event. From studying for exams to refining presentations, the students continued their pursuit of excellence. Each student had to complete two exams in their chosen field, with only 50 minutes to answer 100 questions, being evaluated on speed and accuracy.
On Friday morning, as the sun rose, the second half of Broward College students prepared for another intense competition. The team for the financial case competition consisted of Alisa Egrova, Sebastian Garcia, and Lucas Martinez. They began the day by promptly starting their task. With the financial case study, they worked diligently to analyze the data, create strategies, and make impressive presentations to win the judges approval. The team remained focused and determined despite the competitions pressure and intensity.
Meanwhile, in another part of the building, the marketing sales communication team, comprised of Chasya Holness, Tahinah Jean Baptiste, and Queenie Jimenez, were hard at work preparing their presentations. Armed with creative ideas and innovative strategies, they tackled the challenge with enthusiasm and dedication. From developing marketing campaigns to smooth communication skills, the team left no stone unturned in their quest for success.
Rahjai Raye enthusiastically took on an entrepreneurship case in a separate competition.Equipped with a brilliant business concept, Rahjai showcased his entrepreneurial spirit as he presented his idea to the judges. Everyone in the chapter could recall his phrase "diagnose, suture, and dissect" with ease. With confidence and conviction, he explained his vision for the future, demonstrating his ability to think outside the box and overcome real-world challenges head-on.
The Broward College students distinguished themselves at the conference. Here are the results:
– The Business Ethics Team: Fabio Varens, Giancarlo Izquierdo, and Ben Cadet secured third place.
– Emerging Business Issues Team: Swami Hinojosa, Josenise Pierre, and Endy Fierre
-Charles achieved fourth place.
– Public Speaking: Nicholas Gall performed excellently, earning third place.
– Foundation of Finance: Fabio Varens demonstrated excellence, securing second place.
– Foundation of Accounting: Giancarlo Izquierdo claimed first place, while Endy Pierre
-Charles achieved second place
– Foundation of Technology: Tahinah Jean Baptiste excelled, securing second place.
– Foundation of Management: Alisa Egorova earned third place.
– Foundation of Selling: Fabio Varens demonstrated sales prowess, securing second place.
– Sports Marketing and Management: Swami Hinojosa s performance earned fourth place. These students have brought pride to Broward College and qualified for nationals this June. The esteemed advisor, Cathileen Montesarchio, has been instrumental in guiding us to enhance our connections and achieve greater heights. With her support, we can strive to do more and be the best versions of ourselves. As she always says, “Together we achieve.”
