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Students from Illinois Eastern Community Colleges continued a tradition of success at the state level, earning multiple top finishes at the Future Business Leaders of America State Competition.
Jessica Wagner led the way with first-place finishes in the Accounting Case Competition and Hospitality Management. Brandy Cochran earned first place in the Marketing and Sales Case Competition, while Emelyn Rivera placed first in Sports Management and Marketing and third in Business Presentation.
The results reflect a history of strong performance for the program, said Associate Professor of Business Amie Mayhall, who oversees FBLA at IECC.
“IECC’s FBLA program has a history of quality performance at the state and national level,” Mayhall said. “Our students are smart, dedicated, and work hard to achieve.”
This year’s group also highlighted a unique aspect of the program’s growth. While based at Lincoln Trail College, FBLA participation is expanding across the district, bringing together students from multiple IECC colleges.
“It was fun to see students from each of three of our colleges come together, get to know each other, and support each other at the competition,” Mayhall said.
That shared interest in business careers and professional development helps students quickly build connections, even if they come from different communities.
“They all have like interests in the business field, a drive to be involved in professional organizations, and to experience speakers, conferences and tours,” Mayhall said. “This makes it easy to bond and create a group.”
Preparation for the state competition requires significant time and effort. Depending on the event, students may complete objective tests, deliver presentations or participate in role-playing scenarios judged on-site.
Those experiences are designed to mirror real-world situations students may encounter in their careers.
“In performance-based competitions such as role-playing and presentations, students are put into scenarios that they may encounter on the job,” Mayhall said. “They are put to the test with judges examining their performance and providing valuable feedback.”
The competitions also align with national career readiness standards, including competencies such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork and professionalism, further reinforcing the connection between classroom learning and career preparation.
Beyond the awards, Mayhall said the most meaningful outcomes are seen in student growth.
“They grow in confidence, socially, personally and professionally,” she said. “There is always a great mix of fun and work at the conferences.”
Students involved in FBLA at IECC have opportunities to tour businesses, network with peers across the state and nation, attend conferences, hear from industry speakers and develop leadership skills. The program is largely student-driven, allowing participants to shape their own experience.
“The FBLA experience can be whatever students want to make it,” Mayhall said.
The students’ success at the state level has also earned them an opportunity to compete on a national stage. They will represent IECC at the FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference, scheduled for June 5-8 in Las Vegas.