Labette Community College Student Wins 8TH Place at FBLA National Leadership Conference

Parsons, KS – Students from Labette Community College (LCC) attended the Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). The event was held in Dallas, Texas, May 31 through June 2 and attracted more than 1,000 college students, educators and volunteers from across the country. The NLC provides business-oriented education, competition and networking opportunities.

More than 890 students from nearly 150 schools in 27 U.S. states and territories competed in 38 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $45,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in 60 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 25 colleges, universities and employers, including Alzheimer’s Association, BusinessU, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, FICO, Funds2Orgs, Juno, Kendra Scott, Men’s Wearhouse, New Invention Entertainment, PNC Bank, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard and UWorld.

Additionally, members heard from speaker Astad Dhunjisha, Vice President of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition at AT&T, who shared insight on change and innovation in the business world and what students can do to prepare to enter a rapidly shifting job market.

LCC students Tabitha Grant, Jamario, “JJ” Kendrick, Parker Manly, Tanihya Porter and LCC FBLA Advisor Cathy Kibler spent three days competing in events, attending workshops and networking with business personnel from across the country at the FBLA NLC in Dallas, Texas. Tabitha Grant received 8th place in the Foundations of Economics event where the top ten candidates were recognized at the Award of Excellence Ceremony on Monday, June 2. Grant and Porter served as voting delegates for the LCC FBLA Collegiate chapter, electing the 2025-2026 National Officer Team.

“We have an outstanding FBLA Collegiate chapter here at LCC and I am so very proud of all of my students! These students deserve to be recognized for their outstanding performance at the National FBLA Conference,” said Kibler. “It is very rewarding to see my students succeed! I believe that they are definitely going to be major contributors to the business world as well as their communities. They represented LCC and the state of Kansas extremely well.”

“This year’s National Leadership Conference showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our student members,” said FBLA President & CEO Jennifer Woods. “From analytical thinking to dynamic communication, they demonstrated the skills that will shape tomorrow’s workforce. These college students leave Dallas not only with well-earned recognition, but also with new connections, confidence, and a clearer path toward their future careers.”

Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with more than 200,000 middle school, high school, and college members worldwide. FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. The association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. For more information, visit fbla.org.