A few members of Marion Center’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter attended the 2023 State Leadership Workshop at Kalahari Poconos Resort this past weekend, October 29-30th. The SLW offers FBLA members informational workshops, networking opportunities, and the ability to learn from some of the nation’s greatest leadership development experts.
Upon arrival at the opening general session, students had the privilege to listen to keynote speaker, Byron V. Garrett. Byron is an accomplished business executive, government official, and humanitarian. He is also Chairman of the National Family Engagement Alliance (NFEA), a non-profit dedicated to transforming education through meaningful family engagement. Byron is the Visionary and Chief Creative Officer of The Valdecio Collection, a lifestyle luxury brand consisting of clothing, watches, fragrances, and eyewear. The former Director of Educational Leadership & Policy for Microsoft serves as a consulting author for Scholastic. His compelling address taught students that regardless of their background, they can achieve future success by always looking one step ahead and by being dedicated and resilient.
Students then attended several workshops such as BizBowl, Robots Rule the World, Leadership Lessons from Star Wars, Leadership Superpowers & Style, and What Rich People Do with Their Money. In these workshops, members were able to learn about various aspects of business, technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship and how they can be applied to their own lives.
Keynote speaker for the closing general session, K.D. Wilson engaged students in his presentation on leadership. K.D Wilson is an influential author and renowned student success educator. From defying the odds as a high school graduate in the bottom percentile to becoming a transformational figure, K.D. covers Leadership, Inclusion, Educator Wellness, and more. He kindles the flames of potential, both in classrooms and hearts, guiding individuals to thrive academically and personally.
The transformative experience of the FBLA State Leadership Workshop has taught students that hard work and commitment are essential to becoming a successful leader, and that anyone who is willing to nurture these attributes is capable of achieving their goals.
