This summer, Bismarck State College (BSC) student Alexis Ritzman, Mandan, N.D., competed at the Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.’s (FBLA) Collegiate National Leadership Conference (NLC), placing fourth overall in the Emerging Business Issues category. Held June 24-27, in Orlando, Fla., the NLC provides education, competition, and networking opportunities centered on business for college students.

“Alexis’s outstanding achievement is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and exceptional skills in business. Her success at this highly competitive event not only highlights her capabilities but also sets a strong foundation for her future career, says Kristina Wells, BSC associate professor of computer and office technology.

BSC student Medora Ellingson, St. Anthony, N.D., also attended the leadership conference and competed in the Business Ethics category and Ritzman and Ellingson teamed up to compete together in the Marketing, Sales, and Communication category, advancing to the final round.

“Both Alexis and Medora have demonstrated remarkable talent and leadership qualities that will undoubtedly serve them well as they continue to pursue their professional goals,” says Wells who attended the conference with the two BSC students.

More than 12,000 students from nearly 2,100 schools in 43 U.S. states and territories and two countries competed in more than 100 business-related events. Students also had the opportunity to engage in over 200 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 100 colleges, universities, and employers, including CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), FICO, Fidelity, McGraw Hill, Men’s Wearhouse, National Geographic Learning/Cengage, the National Retail Federation, PNC Bank, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard. Additionally, Gorick Ng, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and career adviser at Harvard University, offered tips to collegiate members about how to start their careers successfully.

“Our student members brought their best to Orlando and impressed our more than 800 judges with their extensive knowledge in areas as diverse as accounting to impromptu speaking to sports management,” FBLA Interim President & CEO Randy W. Fiser said. “As they return home from this transformative experience, they do so with more self-confidence, more professional contacts, and more tools to lead the workforce of the future.”

Photo: L to R: BSC students Medora Ellingson, Alexis Ritzman and BSC associate professor Kristina Wells