Breakthrough Moments in Academia: Students’ Talents on Full Display
At Union University, innovation and leadership are valued opportunities. This academic year has witnessed students taking center stage, showcasing their exceptional talents in various fields, including business.
Wake Tech Students Shine at FBLA Collegiate State Leadership Conference
Wake Tech students are celebrating big wins at the North Carolina Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) annual conference. The FBLA Collegiate State Leadership Conference took place March 27-29 in Charlotte, where nine students presented and collectively won 21 awards, including three first-place honors.
Outstanding Performances and Awards
The nine Wake Tech students who presented at the conference demonstrated exceptional career readiness and leadership skills, winning a total of 21 awards. Their outstanding performances have qualified them to compete at the FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference May 31-June 2 in Dallas, Texas.
Award-Winning Students
The award-winning students include Nabiha Amjad, who took home the first-place award in Cybersecurity; Mannal Amjad, who secured the first-place award in Future Business Facilitator; and Arpita Tokhi, who won the first-place award in Foundations of Marketing.
In addition to the first-place awards, other students also showcased their skills and won awards in various categories. These include Mannal Amjad, who won second place in Foundations of Entrepreneurship; Bradley Huntoon, who secured second place in Foundations of Technology; Kiranpreet Kaur, who won second place in Organizational Behavior & Leadership; and Neha Chowdary Amaraneni, who took home third place in Business Presentation and Cybersecurity.
Other students who won awards include Kiranpreet Kaur, who won third place in Business Presentation; Arpita Tokhi, who won third place in Business Presentation; Mannal Amjad, who won third place in Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition and Project Management; Nabiha Amjad, who won third place in Foundations of Communication; Harshita Sahu, who won third place in Foundations of Hospitality Management; Michael Ayodele, who won third place in Future Business Facilitator; Charles Swinarski, who won fourth place in Finance Case Competition and fifth place in Accounting Case Competition; and Michael Ayodele, who won seventh place in Future Business Executive.
Rising Stars
In addition to their award-winning performances, some students demonstrated exceptional leadership and career readiness. Kiranpreet Kaur, who is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree and serves as Wake Tech’s FBLA Collegiate president, was elected to serve as the North Carolina FBLA Collegiate president for 2025-26.
Bradley Huntoon, who is pursuing AAS degrees in Network Management and Cloud Infrastructure, was named Who’s Who in North Carolina FBLA Collegiate, an honor awarded to members who have made exceptional contributions to the organization. He will serve as North Carolina’s nominee for the national Who’s Who recognition and recently completed his term as North Carolina FBLA Collegiate executive vice president.
Wake Tech’s FBLA Collegiate Chapter Achievements
Wake Tech’s FBLA Collegiate chapter was recognized for its outstanding achievements, including having the second-largest membership in the state. The chapter received multiple prestigious awards, including the Gold Star Award, the Legacy Leadership Award, and one of three Gold Seal chapters for outstanding participation in programs, activities, conferences, and goals of FBLA Collegiate.
Chapter Recognition
The chapter’s recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its members and advisors. With 50 members, Wake Tech’s FBLA Collegiate chapter is one of the largest in the state, just behind UNC-Chapel Hill.
Advisor Excellence
Michele Parrish, Wake Tech’s FBLA Collegiate advisor and a Network Management instructor, was honored as a 2025 inductee into the National Advisor Wall of Fame, recognizing her 21 years of dedicated service as an advisor. She also serves as the state communications director and on the State Awards Program Committee.
Keith Little, an IT Service & Support instructor, also attended the conference as an advisor, providing guidance and support to the students.
Chapter Impact
Wake Tech’s FBLA Collegiate chapter has made significant contributions to the North Carolina FBLA’s scholarship and general funds. The chapter received multiple prestigious awards, including the Gold Star Award, the Legacy Leadership Award, and one of three Gold Seal chapters for outstanding participation in programs, activities, conferences, and goals of FBLA Collegiate.
Leadership and Career Development
Competitive Events
FBLA’s competitive events recognize and reward student excellence in career-related fields, providing them with opportunities to apply classroom concepts in workforce-simulated environments. Wake Tech students competed against their peers from colleges and universities across North Carolina, demonstrating their skills and knowledge in various areas.
Career Readiness
The skills and knowledge demonstrated by Wake Tech students in their award-winning performances are a testament to their career readiness. They showcased their ability to think critically and solve problems, applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
Future Opportunities
The potential career paths and opportunities available to Wake Tech students are vast and exciting. They can participate in internships and scholarships, including the highly competitive tech internship at the National Leadership Conference. This opportunity is given to only one FBLA Collegiate member nationwide.
Community and College Involvement
College Experience
Wake Tech’s learning environment is dedicated to student success, providing opportunities for students to develop their skills and knowledge. The college experience is designed to prepare students for their future careers and personal lives.
Community Engagement
Wake Tech is committed to supporting students and the local community. The college is involved in various community programs and events, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among its students and the wider community.
Faculty Support
The faculty at Wake Tech provides exceptional support to its students. Keith Little, an IT Service & Support instructor, attended the conference as an advisor and provided guidance and encouragement to Wake Tech students. Michele Parrish, Wake Tech’s FBLA Collegiate advisor and a Network Management instructor, has been honored as a 2025 inductee into the National Advisor Wall of Fame, recognizing her 21 years of dedicated service as an advisor.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the achievements of Wake Tech students who have won awards for business leadership, we are reminded of the significance of fostering entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills in the next generation. Throughout this article, we have explored the importance of providing students with opportunities to develop their business acumen, think creatively, and solve real-world problems. We have also highlighted the role of Wake Tech’s business programs in equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive business environment.
The implications of these awards extend far beyond the confines of the college campus. As these students enter the workforce, they will bring with them a fresh perspective, innovative ideas, and a passion for leadership that will drive economic growth and development in our community. Moreover, their success serves as a testament to the importance of investing in education and training programs that prepare students for the challenges of the 21st-century workplace. As we look to the future, it is clear that the development of business leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world will be essential to building a strong and resilient economy.
As we celebrate these student achievements, we are reminded that the true measure of success lies not in the awards themselves, but in the positive impact that these emerging leaders will have on our community and beyond. As they take their place in the business world, they will be the driving force behind innovation, entrepreneurship, and progress. And as they do, they will inspire a new generation of students to follow in their footsteps, creating a ripple effect of leadership and excellence that will resonate for years to come.