Future Business Leaders of America has over 100 members, and this year they are implementing new ideas to improve the club. After preparing extensively for competition and adding a mentorship program, the officers expect the club to excel.

FBLA sent almost 50 percent of its members to state in previous years, and as the regional competition quickly approaches, the club members are aiming to meet this goal once again.

“In general, we are a very impressive chapter, and we always do really well,” senior co-president Kiran Pradhan said. “We want at least half of our members to place.”

Though the club does well each year at regionals, its members still try to improve their standings.

“Last year we were pretty close to dominating [at regionals],” four-year member Ashley Gilbert said. “This year I hope to see a total Inglemoor win.”

Despite the competitive focus of the club, there are many other aspects integral to the organization. FBLA is not only about competing, but also about doing work in the community and meeting new people. Junior fundraising lead Ewan Brown said that the officers try to provide as many opportunities as they can for the members.

“The core aspects of the club would be professional growth for our members and developing connections, as well as appreciating the value of service,” Brown said.

Pradhan said there are countless benefits of participating in the club. “It helps so much with confidence and networking and making friends from other schools,” she said.

While these outside relationships can be extremely important, FBLA members have recognized how valuable the friendships made inside the club are.

“You build teamwork skills and build relationships with others,” junior Alex Zhou said. “Everybody is really close with each other.”

This collaboration has helped underclassmen to find success in the club. The recently added outreach program, which pairs each member with a mentor, has helped freshmen especially to prepare for their events.

“It’s always a good thing when you see sophomores and freshmen that progress on,” Gilbert said. “They’re the future generation.”

Although they are looking forward to the regional competition, many of the members take the time to reflect on their experiences and how far the club has come. Pradhan remembers her four-year journey in FBLA and how it has impacted her.

“It has made me the person I am today,” Pradhan said. “I love it so much.”