Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a nationwide organization, serving over 200 chapters and almost 4,000 students at the collegiate level. 

Despite the popularity of business disciplines at St. John’s University — over 25% of students are in the Peter J. Tobin College of Business — there was not an FBLA chapter at the University for many years. 

That all changed in 2023 when current President, senior Alexis Shover spearheaded the establishment of the organization on campus alongside the previous President and other current e-board members. 

“Our club got approved after we tried the second time, and we grew ever since then,” Shover explained to The Torch. 

Since then, their growth has been rapid and filled with immense success. 

Much of the organization’s focus is preparing members for FBLA’s state and national competitions. Quickly after the St. John’s FBLA chapter formed, they were able to take home several awards on a local level and proceed to nationals. 

Treasurer senior Vanessa Shea shared that at her first collegiate competition, the state leadership conference in 2023, she was able to celebrate a huge achievement: “I had placed third for foundations of marketing, which I was very surprised about because that competition had the most people in it.”

This success continued on the national stage. Last year, Shover and Shea placed second in the marketing category at the local conference, which led to a trip to the national competition in Dallas alongside several other St. John’s members.

“That was such a good experience because we got to network with different chapters. That was my first competition with FBLA at the national level. You never know what the person next to you will teach you,” Shover said. 

The competitions provide meaningful lessons to members, whether they win or lose. Shover continued, “It gave us a chance to build public speaking skills, learn how to present in front of judges and to be fully prepared. Everyone who attended the event grew a stronger bond from this trip.”

Shea added that the FBLA as a whole, but especially the competitions, has contributed to her professional growth and skill building. “Little things like having to wear business casual to our events. Seeing how the real world works, how you’re supposed to dress and act was helpful.”

Vice President junior Gali Desir attended his first state and national competitions in the spring of last year, an opportunity that provided invaluable experiences. In Dallas, he competed in the technology and computer science case category alongside two team members. 

“It was a lot of team bonding. We were able to make it to the final round, and my heart was racing a mile a minute. We managed to place tenth place overall nationally, and it’s one of the biggest achievements I’ve made so far,” Desir explained. 

Graduate chair Gulnaz Mukanbetova shared a similar experience: “I transitioned professions from linguistics to cybersecurity, so I didn’t have any backgrounds or achievements in cybersecurity. I was shy, but I was motivated by the other members. And I got first place in cybersecurity [at states],” she described. 

In addition to the various competitive opportunities that FBLA offers, they also host various on-campus events that all members can take advantage of.

Desir is especially looking forward to the upcoming entrepreneurship panel at the end of April.

“I love to gain insights from fellow students to not just make a name for themselves, but to be successful post grad,” he said. 

Shover included more details: “It’ll let students know about the process, especially in the current job climate — it’s not easy. Having someone to communicate and network with is something I’m really excited to provide to students.”

Additionally, 15 FBLA members will attend the 2026 national competition in Las Vegas. 

“It’s going to be a great experience. We’ll get to network, participate in workshops, compete and hopefully bring a lot of prizes back home with us,” Shover excitedly shared.  

FBLA has been a transformative experience for each member who spoke to The Torch. 

“It’s an absolute honor to be on this e-board,” Desir emphasized. 

Mukanbetova echoed this sentiment, adding that FBLA “helps students to grow in professional and leadership ways,” something she has directly experienced. 

Shea agreed and summed it all up: “FBLA helps students thrive.”