High-energy, intensive, focused. Just a few characteristics of the annual Future Business Leaders of America Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) National Leadership Conference, where the best and the brightest student leaders convene to demonstrate their academic prowess in a highly collaborative and competitive environment.
Four Midland University students represented leadership excellence at the renowned business conference in Baltimore, Maryland on June 23-27. Midland students competed in the PBL National Leadership Conference within their unique business niches, highlighted below.
- Ariel Lichty: Information Management and Retail Management
- Jonathan Quintanilla: Microeconomics and Economic Analysis & Decision Making
- Seth Strudthoff: Computer Applications and Economic Analysis & Decision Making
- Anna Watts: Forensic Accounting and Information Management
Jonathan Quintanilla and Seth Strudthoff competed as a team in Economic Analysis and Decision Making. The Warrior duo advanced to the finals earning trophies and securing 9th place in the national competition. Anna Watts also advanced to national finals in Forensic Accounting.
“A valuable aspect of the conference wasn’t the competition, but the connections that were formed through networking,” said Seth Strudthoff. “This experience has really shown me that I know more than I think, and has definitely given me the opportunity to branch out and get to know people that may one day help my career.”
Finals were comprised of the top 15 competitors for each event. Finalists competed in an immersive case study presentation with the top ten achievers awarded trophies during the closing conference ceremonies.
Midland University PBL received first place for recruiting the most Professional Members (PBL) in the Mountain Plains Region. The region is comprised of nine states, including; Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
Milady Coffeehouse hosted a Walking Taco benefit as part of the Midland PBL annual fundraiser in April. The event was sponsored by The Creative Collective and Fremont First State Bank & Trust.
“It feels really great to know [local businesses] support us when it comes to academics and our interests,” said Jonathan Quintanilla. “We would not have been able to reach our conference goals without them.”
