In order to prepare members for future career opportunities, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) will be going to their annual State Leadership Conference (SLC) to improve leadership skills, communication, and organization. 

Nearly 50 students will join the hundreds of Nevada students competing at SLC at Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, from March 10-13. 

“This Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) has been preparing for SLC since last semester, primarily focusing on project-based work,” Treasurer Jaidelyn Wiseman said. “FCCLA members are required to complete a mandatory SLC mock project even if they are not competing in state.”

Each year, the National FCCLA selects a theme for its state and national conferences. The year’s theme guides the core message and decorations of the competitions and workshops. 

“The theme this year is ‘Staying Connected’,” Club Adviser Jennifer Gonzalez said. “Our chapter here has incorporated that theme by utilizing the red string theory through our meeting activities. The red string theory basically means that every person is all connected in a particular way.” 

To compete at SLC, students have to choose a Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) event, with topics ranging from culinary, fashion, multimedia, and teaching 

“I am competing in the STAR event ‘Fashion Construction Level Three’,” junior Marleena Tibayan said. “I am making a long, light blue satin, and a 1958 vintage pattern dress with a drapery flowing on the back. During SLC, I will have to present my garment and a trifold board to a panel of judges, demonstrating to them the process of production and materials used.” 

With fashion students making up the majority of FCCLA competitors, they report struggling with locating materials for their projects. 

“The biggest challenge of preparing for SLC this year is finding fabric sourcing and the expense of it,” Vice President of Membership Crystal Li said. “Fabric costs by the yard, and if I need 60 yards of fabric, the cost totals up. With Joann Fabrics filing for bankruptcy, it is difficult to source fabric in Las Vegas.”

Despite the struggles with sourcing materials, the FCCLA advisers, Jennifer Gonzalez and Levi Harbeson, have been offering advice and support to their members. 

“Everything is a challenge,” Gonzalez said. “It is just a matter for Mr. Harberson and I to organize ourselves to keep everyone calm, productive, and excited about going. Because what is really important is that we have fun.”