Building future business leaders starts with real-world experience. 

For members of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate at Missouri State University, that experience includes competing, networking and developing professional skills that recently helped them stand out at a statewide conference.  

On March 9, 18 students traveled to St. Joseph, Missouri, and competed against 13 colleges and universities across Missouri at the 2026 Missouri Collegiate FBLA Leadership Conference.  

They won several top awards and 15 students qualified for the National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 5-8. Here, they will compete against top collegiate FBLA competitors nationwide. 

Where competition meets collaboration

The chapter’s success reflected months of preparation, leadership development and member engagement. 

“We retained many strong competitors from last year and recruited new members eager to compete,” said Alyson Harter, chapter president and entertainment management senior. “This year, we implemented a point system to keep members engaged and encourage professional development.” 

Harter was named Missouri Collegiate FBLA’s 2026 “Who’s Who” recipient. This award is given annually to a member who has demonstrated outstanding contributions at the local, state and national levels.  

Faculty advisor and marketing senior instructor Courtney Pham earned the Outstanding Local Advisor award for Missouri. The honor recognizes her commitment to mentoring students, fostering professional growth and strengthening the chapter’s success.

More award winners

Chapter members won multiple first-place finishes across business, communication and technology challenges. 

• Tucker Wisecup, management and leadership junior — Business Law 
• Ellen Kowalski, information technology sophomore — Computer Applications, Foundations of Digital Design and Foundations of Technology 
• Olivia Andrews, radiography/management sophomore — Finance Case Competition 
• Ava Lin, management and leadership junior — Future Business Executive 
• Perla Oxlaj, marketing sophomore – Project Management 
• Kattie Chilton, electronic arts freshman, Lexus Diaz, marketing freshman, Dianna Escarate, design freshman, and Oxlaj — Digital Design and Communications Case Competition 
• Diaz, Sarah Jeon, marketing junior, and Terrell Littleton, marketing junior — Marketing and Sales Case Competition  

According to Kowalski, who is also chapter treasurer, the team’s success came from experience and preparation. 

“Our returning members were a key factor in this year’s success,” she said. “With their experience, we were able to strengthen our preparation for the State Leadership Conference and provide valuable guidance to new competitors.” 

Mo State students also earned second-, third- and fourth-place finishes, demonstrating the depth of talent throughout the chapter.

Up next: nationals

Under FBLA rules, the top four finishers in each event qualify for nationals. However, a recent chapter bylaw change limits Missouri State’s national delegation to first- and second-place finishers. As a result, 15 students qualified to advance to this year’s nationals. 

According to Pham, the chapter’s continued success stems from strong student leadership, active recruitment efforts and members’ commitment to professional growth. She credits students for taking ownership of the organization and creating opportunities for engagement throughout the year. 

As the team prepares for the national stage, members are participating in study sessions, refining presentations and building on feedback from state judges. They are also learning from students who competed at nationals in previous years. 

“I can’t wait to see the results, but I’m also looking forward to time outside of competition to explore a new city with fellow members,” Harter said. 

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