Delegation Attended the National Leadership Conference
California Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Delegation Attended the National Leadership Conference in Denver, CO, July 2–6, 2023
Contact: Melissa Webb, California FCCLA State Advisor
Phone: 916-212-0529
Email: mwebb@cde.ca.gov
Denver, CO, July 2023 – This year the California Delegation consisted of 23 FCCLA Chapters, Melissa Webb, FCCLA State Advisor and 122 members, chapter advisors, guests, who proudly represented their school and community at the highly anticipated FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) held at the Colorado Convention Center from July 2-6. This annual event brought together more than 7,900 passionate Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) student members, advisers, and guests.
The conference provided FCCLA members with a wealth of incredible opportunities, including attending inspiring speaker sessions, engaging in youth workshops, competing on a national level, and networking with fellow youth leaders. Centered around the theme "incREDible," this conference highlighted how FCCLA offers incredible prospects to its members and advisers through Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. By exploring career opportunities and instilling real-world skills, advocacy, and service, FCCLA empowers its members to make an incREDible impact that will guide them throughout their lives.
Sandy Spavone, Executive Director of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to have welcomed over 7,900 members, advisers, corporate partners, and guests who are dedicated to discovering the unlimited possibilities available through FCCLA. The relationships and skills developed during this conference have inspired students to make an incREDible difference in their communities."
During the conference, members showcased their exceptional talent and dedication by participating in various events. Their remarkable achievements are a testament to their hard work, determination, and the guidance of their chapter advisors.
At the heart of the conference were the highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events. Over 4,300 FCCLA members competed in these events, where they were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. The collaboration between youth and adults in managing the events and evaluating participants allowed students to develop real-world skills and gain valuable insights.
STAR Events play a pivotal role in supporting student development by enhancing their classroom experience and guiding them towards successful career pathways. With more than 30 events to choose from, participants have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by actively addressing important issues concerning families, careers, or communities. By researching the topic and implementing projects to advocate for positive change, students acquire valuable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21st century.
2023 FCCLA California Delegation
We are thrilled to share that the California Delegation consisted of 64 competitors who proudly represented their chapters and received 9 Gold, 27 Silver, and 28 Bronze medals. In recognition of their outstanding performance, competitors Alyson Davit, Maritza Duarte, Valerie Martinez, Kelli Cohn (East Union HS) placed in the top 10 in the Chapter in Review Display event and Aaden Chen, Aiden Ho, Weiss Lee (Rowland HS) placed in the top 10 in the Interior Design event.
California FCCLA State Officers, President Aileen Real (Centennial HS), Vice President Milee Bryant (Pleasant Valley HS), Secretary Emily Burroughs (Merced HS), Historian Diana Vasquez (Madera HS), and Reporter Jordan Thomas (Willows HS) participated in state officer training/workshops, presided at the state delegation meetings, and served as voting delegates. Melissa Webb served as a Lead Room Consultant for the Fashion Design STAR Event.
During the Recognition Session, Michelle Stetsko (Madera HS) received the FCCLA Spirit of Advising Award. Priscilla Burns (Pleasant Valley HS) and Elizabeth Williams (Chino HS) received the Advisor Mentor Award. Allysa Fite (Central HS), Tiffany Fujita (Centennial HS), Raean Gaddoni (Lincoln HS), and Erlinda Selga (Lathrop HS) received the Master Advisor Award. Grace Stockert (Cordova HS) completed year one of the Advisor Academy. California received an a 2022-23 FCCLA Increased Membership Award. Belen Rubio (Piner HS) and Itati Ramos (Wilcox HS) obtained the CFPC Industry Certification from the American Culinary Federation. The following California FCCLA members received a scholarship and are currently participating in the Kikkoman Japanese Exchange Summer Program: Elijah Espino (Pioneer Valley HS), Camilla Garrity (Redlands HS), Grace Wang (Redlands HS), and Amrynn Gordon (West HS). Aileen Real, 2023-24 California FCCLA State President (Centennial HS) served on the 2023 FCCLA NLC Content Creator Team. Melody Stetsko (Central HS) who served as the 2022-23 FCCLA State Officer Vice President/Reporter was elected as the 2023-24 National Officer-Vice President of Public Relations.
Looking ahead, FCCLA will be hosting its next National Leadership Conference in Seattle, WA from June 29 to July 3, 2024. For those interested in getting involved as a student, sponsor, or supporter, please contact Melissa Webb at the California Department of Education.
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective student-led nation-based organization supporting youth on their journey to become the leaders of tomorrow and helping them address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has over 237,000 members and more than 5,100 chapters across the nation.
FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical intracurricular student organization with a central focus on careers that support families. Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter activities aids members in becoming strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.
