| My name is Makayla Adams, serving as the Oklahoma Business Professionals of America State President. As a graduating senior at Cashion High School, I have plans to double major in marketing and business management at the University of Central Oklahoma. BPA has been an integral part of my life for four years and has changed my life in numerous aspects. Many members are currently not experiencing the full benefits of BPA, I want to reach those members by explaining the skills they can gain through BPA. I would be honored to be elected as a 2024-2025 BPA Executive Officer. |
Instagram: bpa_makalya
TikTok: makayla_adams0
Twitter: makayla_adams0
Snapchat: makayla_adams0
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/share/71iahD7gMTEjyiJe/?mibextid=ox5AEW
| Makayla Hines |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| Persistent is the word I would use to describe my leadership style. When something is presented that will benefit others, I will set a plan in place to ensure the best possible outcome. I am passionate about doing my best so members can do their best. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Passion and willingness to learn are the two values I feel I demonstrate as a leader. I am always looking for ways to improve myself which in turn can benefit others. I am open to new ideas and will always support those around me. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| My proudest accomplishment in BPA is creating the Quality Chapter Tour. After I was elected State President, I told my team I wanted to add networking opportunities, one comment led to a conversation that became the creation of a statewide tour bringing chapters together and creating an unforgettable leadership experience |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| As an Executive Officer, I would like to create a bond between the Executive Council and general members. I plan to do this by becoming a better resource to State Officers. Fostering the bond between Executive and State Officers will allow a stronger connection with general members. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Through various virtual meetings, I have created a culture of collaboration by speaking to my peers the same way I would if in person. Breaking the nervous tension creates a sense of normalcy and allows the people in said environment to feel as though they can speak freely. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| I have resolved various conflicts on leadership teams by stepping back and looking at both sides of the argument. I remain respectful and I separate conflict from the task at hand. A leader’s top priority should be those they lead. A strong leader will not allow conflict to affect others. |
| Hello, National Business Professionals of America! My name is Layan Ahmed and I’m so excited for the opportunity to serve as one of your Executive Officer Candidates. As a proud three-year member with a deep passion for this organization, I am committed to helping you maximize your membership year. Through prioritizing member voices, and initiating new competitive event mentor programs, I want to help you unlock the endless opportunities for success you’re capable of achieving in and out of BPA. I can’t wait to meet you all as we seize the opportunity in Chicago at NLC! |
Instagram: bpalayan
TikTok: layayoubb
Snapchat: layayoubb
| Jack Twait |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| I define myself as a servant leader. Being a servant leader means that it’s always my priority to consider the needs of anyone I collaborate with, and I am dedicated to creating a positive and thriving leadership environment to maximize the collective success of any team I’m on. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| As a leader, one of my most important values is resilience. I’m a strong believer that life is full of challenges and obstacles, but it’s the way we combat and overcome these challenges that can lead to beautiful outcomes. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Serving as the Iowa Vice President of Marketing and connecting with so many amazing members every day is by far my biggest BPA accomplishment. Representing this organization at the state level has been a dream come true and serving members each and every day makes me so proud. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| As an Executive Officer, my biggest goal will be maximizing the opportunities available to members. I aim to bridge the gap between members and officers and tap into BPA’s alumni network to connect members with successful professionals for career and event guidance for overall success in and out of BPA. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| A collaborative environment is critical to the success of any team. Through many virtual implementations like constant digital communication, frequent video call check-ins, and utilizing collaborative workspaces and tools, I’m committed to creating an inclusive virtual culture that surpasses physical boundaries. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| Communication, to me, is the key to conflict resolution. By being an active listener when approaching a conflict, misunderstandings can be clarified and feelings can be validated. Through listening, conflicts can become beautiful opportunities for growth. |
| As your Executive Officer, I will work to unite BPA through Presidents’ Council meetings, and increased social media interactions. With increased collaboration between officers from across the States, leadership abilities will grow as we build each other up, fostering the next generation of business leaders. Last year, as the Idaho President, I gained the knowledge and ability for servant leadership necessary to fulfill the role of a National Officer. With your vote, we can bring the opportunities of BPA to even more members. You want an officer who will do the job, so remember: Job does the job. |
Instagram: bpa_job_wohali
| Kimber Smith |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| Exemplary. I believe in leading by example; if one is willing to work hard and even go unrecognized for it, they will inspire and mold others into leaders. No one will follow a leader who expects others to do what they will not do themselves. By being the best version |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| I value a strong work ethic and strong moral character as perhaps the most important qualities of an Officer. I also demonstrate the abilities to keep a level head in stressful situations, to make sacrifices for the good of the whole, to inspire others, and to create a cohesive and |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| My biggest accomplishment has been leading my team successfully as the Idaho State President. We worked to increase membership and improve the member experience as well as planned and ran the State Leadership Conference. I presented workshops and worked with Idaho chapter presidents to foster the next generation of leaders. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| It is my goal to unite BPA by connecting members and all levels of Officers across the US. I wish to establish a Presidents’ Council to assemble leaders from all over and to overcome the barrier of distance that separates us. Executive Officers connect the members; I feel I can |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| As an attendee of on online high school, I am confident in my abilities to increase participation, inclusion, and collaboration in both online and in-person environments. Online collaboration can be unfamiliar and intimidating at first, but I feel that my experience in online learning is an asset that will prove |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| Underlying conflict can be detrimental to team success, even if it remains unspoken. That’s why I always approach a conflict by speaking to the team member 1-on-1 and listening to their viewpoint. Ignoring your differences only makes matters worse; it is when you can talk things out that strong team |
| My name is Thomas Branson, I am a Senior attending Cashion High School, Cashion Oklahoma. From my time in STUCO, varsity sports, and serving as the State Vice President of Oklahoma BPA, I am certain I have the right qualities, experience, and ideals to be a great member of the National Executive Council. A leader is someone who isn’t afraid to handle any job they choose to take responsibility for. Someone passionate, driven, and laser-focused in their pursuit of their goals. I know I can bring that kind of work ethic and attitude to the National Executive Council. |
Instagram: bpathomas
TikTok: thomasbranson_0
Snapchat: thomasbranson_0
| Maggie Battles |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| My leadership style has evolved as I grow and new challenges arise. ̈Servant Leader ̈ has been my natural style as I love working alongside others to help them as well as the organization succeed. I also inject vision, preparedness, and purpose to maintain productivity and reach goals. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| For me, the values I demonstrate in leadership are the values I strive to maintain no matter my position. Integrity, honesty, diligence, and enthusiasm are at the core of everything I do. Authentic leadership ushers in an atmosphere of trust allowing the potential in everyone to be recognized and promoted. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| My greatest accomplishment as a BPA member was leading my first workshop at Oklahoma Fall Leadership Conference in 2023. This accomplishment represented a critical turning point in my leadership development, enabling me to share knowledge, motivate members, and significantly contribute to our success and growth as a group. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| As an Executive Officer, I would embrace the opportunity to promote extensive collaboration between the state associations. Strengthening the sister state program and offering state officers more opportunities to collaborate, will ultimately foster growth all across BPA and promote the unity and potential of all members. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| A successful team is a team who communicates well and often. A virtual environment should not deter collaboration, it should enhance it by providing even more opportunities for discussion. I would encourage participation by valuing the ideas and input of each team member promoting an atmosphere of trust and respect. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| My approach to conflict resolution would be to first stop the escalation of the issue. Next, I would recognize the intellectual honesty of both sides while finding common ground and empathizing with all ideas. I would then offer an honest solution and promote the value of coming together for the good of the team. |
| Hello BPA! I’m Annelise Do, your National Executive Treasurer! This past year, we made waves by successfully making BPA more connected, inclusive, and sustainable through initiatives like Humans of BPA. However, we’re not done yet. With your help, I will bring more growth, accessibility, and gratitude to BPA by focusing on your personal development, expanding current programs, empowering you with information, and recognizing the hard work you put into BPA. Together, we will continue our journey of making your voice heard within BPA. There’s still more to do, so do more with Do! |
Instagram: annelise4bpa
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| It’s simple: people-oriented. To me, leadership means giving a voice to the individuals I represent, accomplishing a shared vision by guiding my team, and building relationships that lead to better outcomes. As a leader, I empower others by cultivating a culture where our focus is on our people. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Commitment and courage. As we seek to accomplish impactful change in BPA, blazing new trails down a path never traveled certainly isn’t easy. It’s daunting. It’s difficult. But with commitment and courage, we will rise to the occasion. Our relentless spirit means that there is no challenge we can’t overcome. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Establishing the Executive Council Quarterly Reports. Through this initiative, I fostered open communication between the Executive Council and over 50,000 BPA members, delivering on my promise to make BPA more connected. The reports prove my resolve to build trust, promote accountability, and strengthen our community. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| Maximizing your BPA experience. I have many plans for BPA, revolving around growth, accessibility, and gratitude, but they all have one thing in common: they put you first. Be it through keynote speakers or an NLC gala, I truly hope that our work helps you enjoy BPA to the fullest. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| By being supportive and inclusive of everyone. Community is the foundation for collaboration in both the Executive Council and BPA overall. When we establish a strong community within the Executive Council and an unwavering dedication to our BPA community, we easily conquer the challenges of a virtual environment. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| I stay calm and flexible. When there’s conflict in a team, it’s not a sign of weakness but strength: it means that we are understanding multiple perspectives and creating learning opportunities for one another. Keeping an open mind and listening to everyone’s ideas allows us to develop comprehensive solutions. |
| I love BPA. I have served as Florida’s Vice President and the fulfillment I received has me wanting to give back even more to BPA. I want to enhance the member experience by consistently hosting business mentors, promoting the connectability of the Executive Council, and providing greater opportunities for the state officer teams to collaborate with one another. By leveraging my internship experience with the State Attorney’s Office, I can expand my service for the BPA community. My name is Emily Fung. I am here to serve you and want you to know that Fung Gets Things Done! |
Instagram: emilyy.fung
TikTok: emily.fung
Twitter: emilyfung_
Snapchat: emilyy.fung
Facebook: emilynfung
| Niranjana Jayendran |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| I am an adaptive and responsible decision maker. For instance, if my teammates need a little more reminders, I will check in with them more frequently. Whereas, if another teammate is more proactive, then I will assign them more tasks and check in with them only once every one-two weeks. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| I am passionate about what I do and that is why I value the welfare of my team. I make responsible decisions when resolving team conflicts. I also take the time to understand each team member’s strengths, perspectives, and lifestyle so I can grow a trustworthy and collaborative team. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Throughout my term as a state officer, I took greatest honor in fulfilling my promises of improving communications and reducing conference costs to members. By creating Florida’s first newsletter and Regional Buddy System, my team and I successfully streamlined important opportunities and updates to our members. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| Increasing collaborations; I would like to give state officer teams across the country the opportunity to work together with a greater variety of states and on a more frequent basis. Additionally, I aim to provide the tools for state officers to meet with other CTSOs in their respective state. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| I would set up clear team expectations and norms at the start of our term. This would involve the team taking the time to understand each other’s strengths, work habits, and other commitments in order to build the most effective and results-driven team. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| To resolve conflict, I believe one must promote a strong, effective, and collaborative team as its foundation- one that can clearly present their thoughts and understand each other’s reasoning. As a leader, I will be responsible for the results of my decisions and clearly communicate that responsibility to the team. |
| I’m Kinga Gul, a current junior at Newark Charter School in Delaware, and have been a member of BPA for 5 years now. During this time, I have served 2 terms as a State Officer (Middle Level Representative and Vice President). Through this, I’ve learned the value of communication, thoughtful leadership, and effective collaboration. I’m running for Executive Council to give back to the organization that has shaped me into the person I am today and to expand student career opportunities by connecting students with internships and industry professionals, helping them transition from future business professionals into today’s world leaders. |
Instagram: kingagul.bpa
Snapchat: kinga.gul
| Jennae Overton |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| I’d define my leadership style as collaborative and inclusive. This is because I believe in fostering an environment where everyone’s ideas are valued and where teamwork is key to achieving our goals. I strive to lead by example, demonstrate a willingness to listen, and assist all in reaching greatness. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| As a leader, honesty and empathy are paramount values that I demonstrate. I believe in transparent communication and integrity, which foster trust and credibility within a team. Additionally, empathy allows me to better understand others, ensure their voices are heard and guarantee that their needs are considered. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Being named the 2023-2024 Vice President of Delaware BPA stands as my greatest achievement since I learned about the rewards of hard work and the importance of thoughtful leadership. These insightful realizations are ones that I cherish and will continue to carry with me as I embark on future endeavors. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| My greatest aspiration in service is to broaden students’ horizons. I aim to accomplish this by fostering internship opportunities and establishing networking platforms with industry experts. Through these initiatives, I seek to open doors and empower students to explore diverse career paths with confidence. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Clear communication, open minds and camera-camera engagement all foster a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment. Team success can be developed by establishing shared goals, expectations and by guaranteeing that all know of their roles/responsibilities, which I learned while serving as state officer during COVID. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| Conflict resolution begins with taking a step back, letting both sides speak and assessing the cause of tension. Then, together, we can evaluate each perspective to seek a compromise. This inclusive process ensures every voice is heard, fostering a sense of contribution and satisfaction with the outcome for all involved. |
| I am Julia Kunau. My involvement in BPA has forever strengthened the way I lead, public speak, and communicate. This facilitates my most valued aspect of BPA: the interconnectivity of people from across the nation. Meeting individuals at events and conferences have given me the confidence to feel a sense of belonging in any community or professional organization I join. Because of this, I have learned to communicate who I am as a person, my missions, values, and passions, effectively building relationships. As an officer, I hope to promote BPA and instill confidence and skills within all members. |
Instagram: juliakunau
Snapchat: juliakunau
| Lauren Plagenz |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| As a first-generation American, growing up speaking English and Russian, I have always valued understanding and connecting with all cultures and diverse groups of people and demonstrating empathy, compassion, and acceptance toward all. This is why as a leader, I involve the group in decision-making and value their input. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| I demonstrate communication and problem solving. As the Student Representative to the Lewistown School Board, I successfully engaged with students and advocated for their concerns to weigh GPAs to recognize students in AP and Dual Credit classes and for the installment of an athletic trainer for student-athletes. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| While serving as the 2023-2024 BPA Montana Association State Vice President, I have promoted BPA, worked diligently to approve Statesman Torch Award resumes, led workshops, spoke at ceremonies, and contributed to the planning of FLS and SLC. Through these successes, I am confident I will be an attribute to the |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| I hope to bring awareness to all BPA has to offer through competitive events, service projects, and awards by teaching members how to utilize the resources on the website. I also want to establish more scholarship opportunities to motivate a higher enrollment of conference attendants and students pursuing higher education. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| As State Vice President, I have become very familiar with virtual communication tools whilst planning conferences. It is my goal to foster an environment where members feel comfortable working together by establishing common goals, celebrating each other’s accomplishments, and engaging in team-building exercises. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| I have an open mind and am determined to find a solution. I facilitate honest communication and establish a common goal. I have demonstrated my ability to stand up for what I believe in in a collected way by being a 2-time State Champion in Lincoln Douglas Debate. |
| BPA is growing—just last year we added over 5,000 new members—, which is why I am running for BPA’s Executive Council as a long-time member and former officer dedicated to the success of our organization. If elected, I will follow my 5-Point Plan for office to (1) Navigate Change, (2) Help Members Succeed, (3) Remain Accountable, (4) Represent Members, and (5) Serve the Organization. As an experienced officer who has navigated change, from the pandemic to officer and advisor resignations, I am prepared to ensure members’ sustained growth and success as our organization continues to expand and prosper. |
Instagram: CorbinforBPAExecCouncil
Twitter: Corbin4BPAExec
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CorbinforBPAExecutiveCouncil/
| Lainey Sexton |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| To me, leadership and service are synonymous terms, which is why I will make it my goal to serve BPA and represent members. If I am elected, I will take responsibility to meet the needs of our organization and membership, and also to be a voice advocating for the members. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Accountability, dedication, and compassion are among the most important values in leadership that I demonstrate. As a former officer, I have worked hard to ensure the continued success of my chapter and state association, and have always held myself accountable for my actions and work to fellow members and officers. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| One of my biggest accomplishments in BPA has to be serving my state association as an officer. During my term, I created a new membership newsletter, expanded engagement on our social media platforms by as much as 119%, and implemented a Torch Award workshop that increased Ambassador recipients by 40%. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| One of my most important goals if elected is to help members succeed. As more members join our growing organization, I want to make it my goal to educate newcomers about the various programs BPA has to offer so they too may participate and profit from their time as members. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| One of the most important aspects of successful virtual collaboration is effective communication. From experience, I have found that it is vital to be detailed yet concise and coherent in communication, to set clear deadlines for work, and to be respectful of one another by providing timely responses and feedback. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| When it comes to conflict resolution, I work to unearth the root issue of disagreement and will find a mutual solution with the involved parties. I am always open to cooperation, but will never compromise my values nor my commitment to serving BPA and representing the members. |
| As a candidate for Executive Office in Business Professionals of America, I, Karter Witt, am driven by a deep commitment to serving our members. With a passion for fostering growth and empowerment, I aim to amplify voices, enhance opportunities, and cultivate a more inclusive and vibrant community. Drawing from my experiences as a leader and competitor, I am dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission, advocating for innovative initiatives, and fostering collaboration at all levels. I embrace the opportunity to contribute my skills and vision to propel BPA forward, ensuring a brighter future for all its members. |
Instagram: karterwitt
TikTok: karterwitt
Twitter: karterwitt
Snapchat: theekarterwitt
Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/karter.witt.3
| Krace Gill |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| My leadership style is rooted in servant leadership, characterized by empathy, humility, and a focus on the growth and well-being of others. I prioritize serving the needs of my team, empowering them to reach their full potential, fostering collaboration, and facilitating a culture of trust and respect. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| As a leader, I prioritize integrity, empathy, and transparency. Integrity guides my actions with honesty and ethical behavior. Empathy enables me to understand and support my team’s needs. Transparency fosters trust and open communication, ensuring everyone feels valued and informed, contributing to inclusiveness. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| My foremost achievement in BPA is guiding my local chapter as president, fostering growth and dedication among members. Being chosen for the executive office screening process is a prestigious recognition. Furthermore, my consistent top 10 placements as a competitor underscore my commitment to the organization. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| As an Executive Officer, my primary goal is to enhance member engagement and readiness for careers in business and technology. Through leadership development, academic excellence, and community engagement, I aim to empower students to excel and make positive contributions to their home, schools, and communities. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| In a virtual environment, fostering a culture of collaboration requires clear communication channels, regular check- ins, and utilizing collaborative tools effectively. Encouraging active participation, recognizing contributions, and establishing shared goals cultivates teamwork and trust, leading to success. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| I resolve conflicts through active listening, empathy, and seeking mutually beneficial solutions. By fostering open dialogue and identifying underlying concerns, I facilitate constructive communication. This collaborative approach promotes understanding, compromise, and strengthens relationships. |
National Virtual Chapter
| I would like to implement Plan AMBER which will allow me to Activate members’ full potential, Maximize members’ experience, Bridge connections between Post-secondary and Alumni, Engage with members, Ready for your vote. Being elected would allow me to continue inspiring and building member engagement. While improving new ideas we have implemented Virtual Social Events, Day of Giving, and Sister States. As a current Executive Officer, I have learned the hard work, dedication, and skills needed to look at what is best for the organization and its members and provide new opportunities to connect with the Executive Council. |
| Alyanna Walsh |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| Leadership involves guiding a team to success by providing resources and support. My leadership style is creating a collaborative environment and creating goals that the team can achieve together. I also continuously encourage members to strive for their best and celebrate their success. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Innovative and communication are the two most important values I demonstrate by communicating to all parties necessary for them to stay updated. I also create new innovative ideas and solutions that can be used in problem- solving when discussing different events or ideas. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Hosting the Virtual Social Events has been a huge accomplishment because I was able to start a way for members to connect in a fun way with Executive Officers and other BPA members. During these events, I can encourage members to engage in BPA opportunities while networking with BPA members. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| Raising awareness and enhancing new and current programs the Executive Officers take charge of. As well as offering more virtual activities such as social events, webinars, or Alumni panels. These are all members to connect with other members and the Executive Council! |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Allowing everyone to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions starts by creating a safe space, one where you do not address the person, but the idea if improvement is needed. This can build trust within the team and allow everyone to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feedback. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| I approach conflict resolution as an opportunity to communicate each person’s perspective and find a solution that can be used to create the best action plan for how to move forward beyond the conflict. It also creates professional growth and guidance on how to handle tense situations in the future. |
| “Can’t stop ’cause we’re so high. Let’s do this one more time.” (Starships, Nicki Minaj) Hello everyone, my name is Sophia Pinarreta and I am beyond excited to be rerunning to be one of your next Executive Officers! This past year I was able to accomplish many things as well as see the importance of action at the national level. Now, I would like to use the knowledge and motivation I have to continue working for you, the members, and create lasting results. Secondary swung, so now, Post-secondary, shift into gear and get ready to Soar with Sophia. |
Instagram: bpasophia
TikTok: spinarreta5
Snapshat: spinarreta32
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| My leadership style can be seen to have creativity and connectivity at the forefront. I am able to connect with many different personalities in order to approach what is at hand in an out-of-the-box manner. I find my creativity to have the ability to connect the seemingly unconnected. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| The most important values I demonstrate are accountability and commitment. A quote I resonate with is “The price of greatness is responsibility.” (Winston Churchill). When running/applying for a leadership position, in any capacity, one must remain committed to the cause of those they serve and take accountability when need |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| My biggest accomplishment is serving as the chair of the Public Relations Committee of the Executive Council. One item I have done through this, is planning, coordinating, and releasing over 80 posts on the Officers_BPA Instagram account as well as contributing to increasing our following by over 22%. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| One important goal I wish to accomplish is changing the current rule around Torch Awards stating you cannot enter activities from past divisions. I believe that a Torch resume should include just that- a resume of all items you’ve accomplished during your time in BPA; not just in one division. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| When collaborating virtually it is important to remain present and active throughout. Taking action when possible and giving feedback ensures you are attentive and able to collaborate with fellow team members. Moreover, I believe communication is pertinent when dealing with a virtual environment. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| During a conflict, I believe it’s best to take a step back from the situation and see it from all points of view. Conflicts happen for a reason, so finding out those reasons and why people feel a certain way is crucial. Additionally, staying communicative throughout a conflict is key. |
| From the great state of Massachusetts, Victoria Pinarreta is rerunning as a candidate for your 2024-2025 Executive Council. Her professional and leadership experiences, both from serving on this past Executive Council and being an active member in the Secondary and Post-secondary divisions for over 8 years have inspired her to visualize the potential of the Post-secondary division to increase its engagement, representation, and communication. The definition of “visualize” is to “make something able to be seen.” Visualize the possibilities as a Post-secondary member. Visualize the tools you need to succeed. Visualize your future within BPA. Visualize with Victoria. |
Instagram: bpavictoria
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011149172893
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| My leadership style is the nurturer – the voice of the people. I pride myself on my ability to make others feel valued. As a nurturer, I focus on relational harmony and positive team dynamics. Nurturers are notoriously strong leaders since we go the extra mile to make you feel included. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Compelling leaders must be personable, accountable, and adaptable, which I demonstrate through building meaningful relationships to foster trust and respect. Within the Chapter, State, and Executive Officer teams that I have served on, I have taken responsibility for my actions and outcomes – exemplifying my integrity. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Serving on the Executive Council this past year has been my biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA. Through serving as an Executive Officer, I am grateful for getting to work with State Officer teams, such as the WI and MN Post-secondary officers, to influence change at the national level. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| I intend to represent the members – nearly 51,500 – as an actionable Executive Officer. I aim to increase communication and support to members, as well as promote BPA as a year-round experience by keeping students engaged and informed through every season of BPA – not just the competitive conference period. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Creating a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment is a necessity for ensuring the success and cohesion of a team. We must embrace technology by establishing clear communication channels so team members can connect easily, share information effectively, and stay aligned on goals and priorities. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| I approach conflicts with empathy, collaboration, and patience to transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and understanding. To resolve conflict, there needs to be a willingness to collaborate and compromise. I believe we should embrace the challenge of approaching conflict as an avenue for open communication. |
