CONCORD, N.C. – The theme of the 2026 Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate National Leadership Conference was “Make Your Mark,” and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College students did just that through national top-10 finishes, chapter recognition and election to national office.
The conference, held June 6-8 in Nevada, brought together more than 1,300 attendees from nearly 200 colleges and universities across 29 states and territories. Participants competed in 42 business-related events, attended 60 learning workshops and connected with peers, educators and industry representatives from across the country. During the opening general session, student members heard from Jared Ebersole, an FBLA high school alumnus and co-founder of Lectec, who shared his journey from FBLA member to entrepreneur on “Shark Tank.” He also discussed the lessons involved in building a business, learning from failure and leading through uncertainty.
Two Rowan-Cabarrus students earned top-10 finishes, placing among competitors from colleges and universities across the country. Keydra Oglesby placed eighth in Foundations of Hospitality Management, an event that assessed knowledge of guest services, lodging, food and beverage operations, tourism and other core hospitality concepts. Randi “June” Goodman-Godwin placed 10th in Foundations of Communication, which evaluated skills in written, verbal and professional communication.
“Our students truly made their mark through their talent, leadership and commitment,” said Rowan-Cabarrus President Dr. Carol S. Spalding. “To earn national recognition among students from colleges and universities across the country is an extraordinary accomplishment. These experiences build confidence, strengthen professional skills and open doors to future opportunities. We are excited to celebrate all they have achieved.”
Noah Singer tied for first place in the conference’s GooseChase Challenge, an interactive competition that encouraged attendees to engage with conference activities, connect with fellow participants and complete a series of missions through a mobile app. Participants earned points by submitting responses and completing challenges throughout the event, with results displayed on a live leaderboard. Singer’s first-place finish added another national honor for Rowan-Cabarrus and highlighted his leadership, creativity and active participation throughout the conference.
The Rowan-Cabarrus FBLA Collegiate chapter earned two significant honors: the Hollis and Kitty Guy Gold Seal Chapter of Merit Award and recognition as an Outstanding Chapter. The Gold Seal award honors local organizations that demonstrate strong participation in projects and programs tied to FBLA’s goals, with each state allowed to nominate only a limited number. The Outstanding Chapter designation recognizes yearlong achievement in membership growth, professional development, community service and competitive participation.
Rowan-Cabarrus student Colin Williams also received several honors for his service at the state and national levels. He was recognized at the conference for his 2025-2026 term as North Carolina FBLA Collegiate state president and received the state’s Who’s Who in FBLA award, which honors members who have made outstanding contributions at the local, state and national levels. Williams also completed his term as FBLA Collegiate national vice president of operations and was elected national executive vice president for 2026-2027, marking his second consecutive year in national office. In his new role, he will help guide organizational initiatives, support fellow officers and represent collegiate members from across the country.
“FBLA Collegiate gives students the opportunity to apply what they learn, grow as leaders and connect with peers and professionals from across the country,” said Rowan-Cabarrus Vice President of Academic Programs Dr. Michael Quillen. “These national honors show the strength of our students, the commitment of our advisers and the value of experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom.”
In addition to the national award recipients, Rowan-Cabarrus students competed across a wide range of business, communication, leadership and technology events:
- Accounting Case Competition: Corey Bacon
- Business Ethics: Franklin Cunningham and Brandy Morrison
- Business Law: Damaris Villanueva Castro
- Community Service Project: Jalil Agovic, Elizabeth Rasnake and Damaris Villanueva Castro
- Customer Service: Noah Singer
- Digital Design and Communications Case Competition: MaryGrace Moffitt and Sarahgrace Toha
- Finance Case Competition: Corey Bacon and Tad Johnson
- Foundations of Accounting: Parker Bales
- Foundations of Communication: Randi Goodman-Godwin
- Foundations of Digital Design: Alisha-Marie Figueroa and Riley House
- Foundations of Entrepreneurship: Kiara Davis
- Foundations of Finance: Franklin Cunningham and Randi “June” Goodman-Godwin
- Foundations of Hospitality Management: Keydra Oglesby
- Foundations of Management: Elizabeth Rasnake
- Foundations of Marketing: Elizabeth Rasnake
- Foundations of Technology: Riley House
- Future Business Executive: Damaris Villanueva Castro and Tad Johnson
- Future Business Facilitator: Brandy Morrison
- Hospitality Management Case Competition: Keydra Oglesby, Kiara Davis and Michael Tierney
- Management Case Competition: Parker Bales, Noah Singer, Tad Johnson and Michael Tierney
- Marketing and Sales Case Competition: Isabela Jimenez, Diamond Lovell-McNeely, MaryGrace Moffitt and Sarahgrace Toha
- Parliamentary Procedure: Alisha-Marie Figueroa and Colin Williams
- Project Management: Isabela Jimenez
- Public Speaking: Jalil Agovic
- Retail Management: Diamond Lovell-McNeely
- State of Chapter Presentation: Colin Williams
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Supply Chain Management: Michael Tierney