This year, the California Delegation had increased participation at the 2025 FCCLA National Leadership Conference. This included 26 FCCLA Chapters, 10 State Officers, State Advisor Melissa Webb, and 173 members, chapter advisors, and guests. The highly anticipated FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) was held in Orlando, FL, from July 5–July 9, 2025. This annual conference brought together over 10,000 Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America student members, advisers, and guests from across the United States and U.S. territories. The conference welcomed thousands of students from across the nation for a week of competition, leadership development, and career exploration.

This conference was centered around the theme “Dare to Dream,” which highlighted the amazing opportunities and the long-lasting impact FCCLA offers to Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) students. Throughout the year, members were able to explore different career pathways while also expanding their leadership skills and talents. This theme focused on the importance of daring to dream through FCCLA while reaching new heights and unlocking new potential.

The National Leadership Conference brought together student leaders from across the country to compete in Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events, attend leadership workshops, and network with other FCCLA members. Kaine Koltoniuk represented California in the Star Event Public Policy Advocate and placed 1st at the national level. “At the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, I presented my Public Policy Advocate project, advocating to make Election Day a national holiday. Being able to compete allowed me to establish exceptional connections and boost my leadership skills. This incredible accomplishment has further encouraged me to continue advocating and continue my FCCLA journey,” said Kaine Koltoniuk.

The National Leadership Conference provided members with a dynamic experience that strengthened leadership skills, built career readiness, and encouraged meaningful connections with peers nationwide. Through workshops and networking opportunities, they gained valuable insight into future career paths and the power of youth-led impact. We are proud to recognize Nikiyah Moore for being honored with the Say Yes to FCS Award. She looks forward to applying these experiences to future leadership roles, her continued involvement in FCCLA, and creating positive change in her school and community.

We are excited to announce that our California delegation included 120 competitors who represented their chapters and were awarded 34 gold, 58 silver, and 28 bronze medals. Additionally, eleven competitors placed in the top 10 in the nation for their STAR events listed below:

• Xiaowen Huo, Celina Poon, & Elaine Tao (Rowland High School) - Instructional Video Design Level 3
• Xiulan Chen, Lily Ding, & Wan ting Wu (Rowland High School) - Nutrition and Wellness Level 3
• Aiden Chintavuthipong, Fiona Lee, & Tsz ching Xiao (Rowland High School) - Professional Presentation Level 2
• Kaine Koltoniuk (Sultana High School) - Public Policy Advocate Level 3
• Emerie Villegas (Madera South High School) - Teach or Train Level 3

Throughout the conference, California FCCLA State Officers, President Lydia Vasquez (Madera HS), First Vice President Yaretzi Salazar (Pioneer Valley HS), Vice President of Community Service Samantha Riche (Madera HS), Vice President of Competitive Events Jasmine Hans (Pleasant Valley HS), Vice President of Development Aiden Ho (Rowland HS), Vice President of Finance Ben Hernandez (Piner HS), Vice President of Member Irene Gutierrez (Hillcrest HS/Alvord Unified), Vice President of Parliamentary Law Kayley Phan (Cordova HS), Vice President of Programs Rebeca Guevara (Rowland HS), and Vice President of Public Relations Anna Lee (Rowland HS) participated in state officer training and networking sessions. They also represented California as voting delegates and presided over state delegation meetings.

During the Recognition Session, one outstanding advisor was recognized for her achievement and dedication to FCCLA. Allysa Fite (Central East HS) received the Spirit of Advising Award. California also received the 2024-2025 FCCLA Increased Membership Award. We are looking forward to next year’s 2026 National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., which will be held from July 6–10, 2026. For those interested in getting involved as a chapter, student, sponsor, or supporter, please contact Melissa Webb, California FCCLA State Advisor.

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 240,000 members and more than 5,200 chapters across the nation.

FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are both planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical intra-curricular 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.