FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      
Contact: Melissa Webb, California FCCLA State Advisor
Phone: 916-212-0529 Email: mwebb@cde.ca.gov

California Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Delegation Attended the National Leadership Conference in Seattle, Washington, June 29–July 3, 2024

This year, the California Delegation had its highest participation at the National Leadership Conference. This included 29 FCCLA Chapters, the State Officer Team, State Advisor Melissa Webb, and 188 members, chapter advisors, and guests. The highly anticipated FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) was held at the Seattle Convention Center from June 29 to July 3. This annual conference brought together over 8,000 Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America student members, advisers, and guests from across the United States and U.S. territories.

The conference was an incredible journey for our California FCCLA members, offering numerous opportunities to network with youth leaders and industry professionals. Members competed in career technical competitions at the national level, showcased their skills through demonstration and online challenge tests, and attended speaker sessions, career expos, and engaging youth workshops.

This conference was centered around the theme “The Ultimate Journey,” 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.

Sandy Spavone, Executive Director of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, welcomed all members, advisors, corporate partners, and guests to the National Leadership Conference by stating, “We are thrilled to have welcomed over 8,000 students, advisors, and guests to the National Leadership Conference in Seattle, Washington!”

Throughout this conference, members showcased their skills and dedication to FCCLA through various events including skill demonstration events, online challenge tests, and most importantly competing in Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events. STAR Events are pivotal in supporting student development by enhancing their classroom experience and guiding them toward successful career pathways. With more than 30 events to choose from, participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by actively addressing essential issues concerning families, careers, or communities. By researching the topic and implementing projects to advocate for positive change, students acquired valuable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21st century. Over 4,300 FCCLA members competed in STAR events, where they were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. Members have been working all year perfecting their projects, making improvements, and collaborating with their chapter members and advisers. Just qualifying for the National Leadership Conference is a remarkable achievement, showcasing members' dedication, hard work, and determination.

We are excited to announce that our California delegation included 152 competitors who represented their chapters and were awarded 29 gold, 76 silver, and 32 bronze medals. Additionally, seven competitors placed in the top 10 in the nation for their STAR events listed below:

• Brianna Orozco (Kelseyville High School) - Culinary Arts Level 3
• Makena Foassis (Torrance High School) - Fashion Construction Level 3
• Celina Poon (Rowland High School) - Chapter Website Level 2
• Cady Lee (Mills High School) - Food Innovations Level 3
• Paige Calzadillas (Merced High School) - Leadership Level 3
• Ethan Cheng & Isabella Tran (Rowland High School) - Sports Nutrition Level 2

National Online Challenge Tests were introduced this year allowing members to showcase the career technical skills they learned in their Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) classes. Six members from the California Delegation piloted the National Online Challenge Tests for the first time. We are proud to recognize East Union High School student Adrian Ramirez for placing 3rd in the nation for Culinary Math.

Throughout the conference, California FCCLA State Officers, President Alana Navarro (Matilda Torres HS), Vice President Keira Griffin (Tokay HS), Secretary Nicole Rinaldi (Rowland HS), Treasurer Julisa Salazar (Tokay HS), Historian Ruby Marentes-Cabrera (Matilda Torres HS), and Reporter Katie Takata (Torrance HS) participated in state officer training and networking sessions. They also represented California as voting delegates with Anna Lee, Lydia Vasquez, Karla Cahue, and Samantha Riche and presided over state delegation meetings.

During the Recognition Session, 6 advisors were recognized for their achievements and dedication to FCCLA. Tracy Taylor (Rowland HS) received the Master Advisor Award. Allysa Fite (Central East HS) and Tiffany Fujita (Centennial HS) received the Advisor Mentor Award. Linda Olsen Davis (Kinney HS) received the Spirit of Advising Award. Lauren Winslow (Central HS) was recognized as an Adviser Academy Course One Graduate. Katie Zahniser was recognized as a Future Adviser Academy Graduate. Central East High School was awarded the 2024 Top Twelve Rural Teen RSA Award. California also received a 2023-2024 FCCLA Increased Membership Award. Katie Takata (Torrance HS) and Angel Boiso (Lathrop HS) were both selected to be part of the 2024 National Content Creator Program.

We are looking forward to next year’s 2025 National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida which will be held from July 5 - 9, 2025. For those interested in getting involved as a student, sponsor, or supporter, please contact Melissa Webb at mwebb@cde.ca.gov &  916-212-0529.

About FCCLA
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective student-led national organization. It supports youth on their journey to becoming the leaders of tomorrow by 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.
 
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 intercurricular 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.