On May 6, chapters from across New Jersey came to the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Delegates Meeting. The meeting gave FCCLA members a chance to receive suggestions on their competitive events in order for them to do their best at the upcoming National Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado. These passionate members have been working hard since December 2022 to qualify for this event and represent New Jersey at the competition. 

FCCLA had recently elected new state officers at the State Leadership Conference. From JP Stevens, sophomore Hitha Srinivas, sophomore Malav Shah, and junior Amanda Chen had been appointed to positions on the NJ FCCLA State Board. For sophomores Hitha and Malav, this would be their first time organizing and managing an event for chapters across the state. 

“Organizing this event provides me insight into what the future will hold for a new officer like me,” said sophomore Malav Shah, the newly appointed state officer of NJ FCCLA Vice President of Community Service. “It was great seeing all of the members networking and maximizing their potential by getting their projects reviewed by the state. I look forward to continuing this legacy for the next few years.”

Both former and current state officers arrived at the JP Library at 8 a.m. to prepare refreshments, coat fittings, and workshops for the guests. By 8:30 a.m., FCCLA chapter members from across the state had arrived with their projects. 

To begin the event, Amanda Chen, NJ FCCLA State President, Gianna DeBruyn, National FCCLA Vice President of Competitive Events, and Isabella Debbenigno, NJ FCCLA First VP, gave an informative presentation. The presentation contained important information about the National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Denver, Colorado. These officers ensured that NJ Chapters knew the proper procedures and expectations during travel and at the event; this would guarantee both safety and enjoyment for all members. 

Once the presentation was over, NJ Chapters moved toward the coat fitting area. At the National Conference, FCCLA members are expected to wear a red blazer to demonstrate professionalism and FCCLA spirit. Senior Diya Pottangadi, the former NJ FCCLA VP of Public Relations from JP, assisted with the coat fitting process alongside Hitha Srinivas, NJ FCCLA VP of Parliamentary Law, and Stuti Shah, NJ FCCLA VP of Public Relations.

Meanwhile, many chapters attended workshops with different NJ State Advisors and Staff while networking with other New Jersey Chapters. Mrs. Dworzanski, a Family Consumer Science Teacher at JP, has been actively involved in the event’s workshops and networking. She has been an NJ FCCLA State Advisor for the past 3 years, with over 10 years of teaching experience. 

“It’s always enthralling to see people who are having their first leadership conference come in with excitement to present their project and eager to learn how they can improve their project,” said Mrs. Dworzanski. “This day is always a memorable one when it comes to meeting chapters across New Jersey.”

At the conclusion of the event, students felt more prepared and confident about their projects, and many agreed that the suggestions given by their peers were invaluable. 

“It was a great experience because I got to meet so many new people and receive suggestions from a former and current State Advisor for our project, Repurpose and Design,” said Riley Budenas, a junior from Brick Ocean County Vocational Technical School.

Overall, the meeting was a success with over 75 FCCLA members from 7 NJ Chapters participating in the event and improving their skills for their upcoming participation in the National Leadership Conference.