Five students from the Colbert Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America chapter recently attended the 2026 Lead Chapter Officer Training Conference.
The Lead Conference, one of 4 planned around the state, was September 10th at Life Church in McAlester. Attending from Colbert were Mckynnlee Dereberry, President; Ali Ahmed, First Vice President, Elayna Chester, VP of STAR Events; Ellie Cook, VP of Community Services, and Katelyn McLinsky, VP of Public Relations.
“Lead Conference is a great opportunity for our FCCLA chapter officers to gain leadership experience, network with other officers in their region, and learn how to make an impact on the organization”, said Brittani Phillips, FCCLA State Adviser.
Sarah Edsall and Dustin Galyon were the keynote speakers for the conference. Sarah keynoted the Enid Lead Conference and Dustin was the keynote for the other locations. Both speakers have years of leadership training and public speaking experience and brought a message of encouragement and perseverance to the FCCLA members.
The 10 State Officers led the workshops, which focused on enhancing student leadership, building a strong team, time management, FCCLA history, and avoiding burnout. Officers from each region led the Opening and Closing Sessions.
Oklahoma FCCLA serves approximately 28,000 members in 400 chapters in both junior and senior high schools and on technology center campuses. Known as the “Ultimate Leadership Experience,” participation in FCCLA national programs, competitive events, and chapter activities helps members gain skills for life and become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.
FCCLA’s mission is “to promote personal growth and leadership development through family and consumer science education.” It is the only CareerTech student organization with family as its central focus.
FCCLA is one of seven CareerTech student organizations affiliated with CareerTech programs. It is affiliated with family and consumer sciences. The other six CTSOs are SkillsUSA (trade and industrial education), FFA (agricultural education), DECA (marketing education), HOSA (health careers education, Business Professionals of America (business and information technology education), and Technology Student Association (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
