FCCLA Attends Fall Leadership Conference
By: Gracie Eisenmann, a sophomore at Leigh High School
The annual FCCLA Fall Leadership Conference was held on Monday, September, 20, 2021, in Kearney, Nebraska. There were over 600 members and chapter advisors in attendance including Clarkson-Leigh FCCLA Officers Natalie Brabec, Jessica Hoffman, and Chapter Advisor, Mrs. Megan Hillen.
The year’s state theme was, “Endless Opportunities,” which encourages the members to discover all the aspects of FCCLA to further their opportunities.
The conference kicked off by listening to the state officers, including Natalie Brabec, the State Peer Officer Team, and the 2021 National FCCLA Alumni Achievement award winner.
Members were then broken up into groups and attended different sessions. Jessica Hoffman attended the “Chapter Leader Track” session where she gained more knowledge about her officer position.
"Going to Fall Leadership Workshop in Kearny was a great experience,” Hoffman said. “I went to different sessions that taught me more about my role as treasurer, and about being more involved in FCCLA."
Natalie Brabec presented two sessions to members, one about STAR and competitive events and the other about “Knowledge Matters and Life Smarts.”
Brabec said, "As my first conference as a State Officer, it was a great experience and a great learning experience for me! I was very excited to see all of the members in attendance. The keynote delivered a great message to all the members. It was also exciting to be at the first in-person conference since February of 2020. I am excited to see what is in store for the rest of the year!"
In the afternoon members participated in multiple breakout sessions presented by partner organizations such as Project Extra Mile, First Five Nebraska, and Jana’s Campaign. The State Officers also presented additional sessions on community service, competitive events, opportunities in FCCLA, and resources to assist chapters.
The members are excited to bring back what they learned and implement it into their chapter in many different ways.
Advisor Megan Hillen said, It was so great to finally be able to gather with other FCCLA members and advisers from across the state of Nebraska. Jessica, Natalie and I enjoyed a day of networking and expanding our leadership skills.”
(L to R): Jessica Hoffman, Mrs. Megan Hillen, and Natalie Brabec attended the FCCLA Fall Leadership Workshop in Kearney.