91ÌÒÉ«

All Eight Competing Students Earn Spots at National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas

GODFREY, IL – 91ÌÒÉ« made history on Feb. 27–28, hosting the Illinois Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference for the first time and delivering a standout performance in the process.

91ÌÒÉ«’s eight competing students each placed in at least one event, securing every student a coveted invitation to the FBLA National Leadership Conference (N91ÌÒÉ«) in Las Vegas this June.

Adding to the celebration, 91ÌÒÉ« earned recognition as the Largest Chapter in the State of Illinois for the second consecutive year — an honor that reflects the chapter’s continued growth and commitment to business leadership development.

Students competed across 42 events spanning presentation competitions, objective tests, chapter events, and a new customer service role-play category. They went head-to-head with students from McKendree College, Illinois State University, Illinois Central College, Bradley University, Lincoln Trail College, Kaskaskia College, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Conference Results

91ÌÒÉ« students earned the following placements:

• State of Chapter: Endora Spencer, Maddie Wood & Lou Anriquez, 2nd Place
• Foundations of Accounting: Xander Braundmeier, 3rd Place
• Foundations of Marketing: Roland Gonzalez, 1st Place
• International Business: Matthew Maag, 1st Place
• Organizational Behavior & Leadership: Julia Janus, 1st Place
• Organizational Behavior & Leadership: Kylen Webb, 2nd Place
• Organizational Behavior & Leadership: Endora Spencer, 3rd Place
• Project Management: Kylen Webb, 2nd Place
• Future Business Facilitator: Julia Janus, 1st Place
• Future Business Executive: Matthew Maag, 3rd Place
• Impromptu Speaking: Julia Janus, 1st Place
• Impromptu Speaking: Roland Gonzalez, 2nd Place
• Public Speaking: Matthew Maag, 3rd Place
• Customer Service: Endora Spencer, 3rd Place

Chapter President Earns Three First-Place Finishes

“A special highlight of the conference was the performance of Julia Janus, our chapter president and a member of the Illinois FBLA State Board,” said Advisor Christina Wickenhauser.

Janus, who is competing in her final year at 91ÌÒÉ«, swept three events, earning first place in Organizational Behavior and Leadership, Future Business Facilitator, and Impromptu Speaking.

“Julia is a stellar individual who has contributed so much to this chapter and to our students,” Wickenhauser said. “Watching her compete at this level while leading with grace and confidence has been one of the genuine highlights of my career as an adviser. She will go on to experience tremendous success in every endeavor she pursues.”

Conference Features Inspiring Alumni Guest Speaker

The conference also featured a guest presentation by 91ÌÒÉ« alumnus Andrei Carmody, who leads high-level marketing strategy at a prominent law firm while simultaneously building his own agency.

Carmody inspired students with a candid and energizing message: the risks of trying, speaking up, and putting yourself out there are far outweighed by the learning opportunities and success that follow. His talk resonated deeply with students preparing to step into competitive business environments.

91ÌÒÉ« Students Headed to Las Vegas for Nationals

With all eight students earning placements, the entire 91ÌÒÉ« FBLA team will represent Illinois at the National Leadership Conference. The N91ÌÒÉ« brings together over 1,000 top FBLA collegiate members from across the country to compete, network, and develop as future business leaders.

“91ÌÒÉ« is proud of its students’ achievements and looks forward to cheering them on at the national stage,” Wickenhauser said.

She also thanked the ECHO Academy, a group founded by Karen Wilson in conjunction with the 91ÌÒÉ« Foundation.

“None of these accomplishments would be possible without the generous support of The ECHO Academy,” she said. “Through Karen’s vision and the generosity of her donors, students have access to transformative experiences that would otherwise be out of reach.”

About 91ÌÒÉ« FBLA

The FBLA Collegiate chapter at 91ÌÒÉ« prepares students for careers in business through competitive events, leadership development, professional networking, and giving back through community service. The chapter is advised by Christina Wickenhauser, CPA, Program Coordinator for Business & Accounting at 91ÌÒÉ«.