Students Shine at BPA National Leadership Conference

Students at the BPA National Leadership Conference showcasing their skills and engaging in leadership activities.

News Summary

Over 6,000 students from around 800 school chapters gathered in Orlando for the BPA National Leadership Conference. The event highlighted students’ skills in various competitive events, leadership workshops, and community service initiatives, showcasing the commitment of schools like Robertson High School and Memorial Middle School to developing future leaders in the business sector.

Orlando, Florida – Over 6,000 students from nearly 800 school chapters gathered in Orlando from May 7 to May 11 for the 2025 Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference. This event saw exceptional participation as students showcased their skills in various competitive events and participated in several workshops aimed at enhancing their leadership abilities.

The conference featured competitions in several areas through the Workplace Skill Assessment Program, covering fields such as business administration, digital communication and design, finance, health administration, information technology, and management, marketing, and communication. Attendees not only competed but also attended leadership development workshops designed to enrich their professional skills and career readiness, culminating in awards for community service activities.

Among the participants were students from Robertson High School, who competed in the Parliamentary Procedure Team event. This team included Rainey Atencio, Amber Ivanowski, Eleanna Maestas, and Antonio Romero. Their involvement exemplified the dedication and skill set valued in the BPA community. Concurrently, Ariana Vigil from Memorial Middle School earned third place in the Human Resource Exploration competition, reflecting the high caliber of competition present at the event.

A pivotal part of the conference was the election of the 2025-2026 national student leadership team, which emphasizes BPA’s commitment to empowering future leaders in the business sector. The event provided students with ample opportunities to network with fellow BPA members and professional business leaders, facilitating valuable connections for their future careers.

Additionally, participants engaged in community service initiatives supporting the Special Olympics, reinforcing BPA’s dedication to social responsibility and community involvement. This service project aimed to enhance students’ awareness of community needs while fostering personal development metrics essential in today’s job market.

Denette Martinez, the BPA Advisor for both Robertson High School and Memorial Middle School, extended her gratitude to the donors. She highlighted the significance of their contributions, which made the students’ travel and participation at the conference possible. This support not only exemplifies local community engagement but also underlines the importance of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) in shaping student futures.

Devin Alexander, the Interim Executive Director of BPA, addressed the importance of the event, marking it as a milestone in the students’ journey towards developing leadership skills and achieving industry certifications. The conference is viewed as a necessary platform for fostering both personal growth and professional expertise.

The conference’s extensive agenda included networking opportunities and visits to regional attractions that allowed students to explore the culture of Orlando while participating in meaningful interactions with industry professionals. These experiences aim to augment the students’ educational journeys, providing practical insights into the world of business and leadership.

In summary, the 2025 BPA National Leadership Conference represented a significant event for students from Robertson High School and Memorial Middle School, showcasing their talents, dedication, and community spirit in a collaborative environment designed to foster future leaders. The conference has underscored the importance of BPA’s mission in promoting business education, leadership development, and community service.