| As your Executive Officer, I will build BPA up step by step to help you reach the next level. It starts by uniting BPA as one organization. This will happen by promoting the leadership trainings, specifically the monthly virtual buddy state meetings and the first in-person Student Leadership Summit. The opportunity will also be given to learn how to start and enhance middle-level chapters within the state associations. Additionally, sharing the resources and opportunities developed this year through social media will be a top priority. Remember, I, Lucy, will just keep running to take YOU to the next level! |
| Anastasia Taylor |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| The leadership style that I exemplify is transformational. I believe in the success of BPA and the members within. Building up others by being a transformational leader means that I communicate well with my team, provide energy, and encourage members to reach their full potential. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Dedication and passion are the building blocks of who I am as a leader and a person. Listening to the ideas and goals of the members and then becoming their advocate is how I move BPA forward to the next level. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| As the Public Relations Committee Chair on the Executive Council, developing the first collaborative executive officer social media account was my leading accomplishment. Planning the schedule along with posting content with the members solely in mind, allowed for a digital footprint presence to be established. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| The most pressing goal is to unite BPA as one organization. By providing leadership training to officers and members through workshops while at conferences, buddy state meetings, chapter visits, and any other needed resources, would be the building steps to take BPA to the next level. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Communication and transparency are key when creating a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment. The important aspect of this is what can be learned and then changed to progress towards not making repetitive mistakes again in the future |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| Bringing positive encouragement to each challenge that may arise is the best way to work through conflicts. Communication is crucial for any aspect of a team, especially when there’s a problem to be resolved. By communicating, future conflicts can be prevented and a clearer understanding can be achieved. |
| Hello BPA! I’m Annelise Do. As a national finalist, regional president, and chapter officer, I’ve seen the highs and lows of BPA, and I bring a fresh perspective that enables me to address the parts of BPA that call for improvement. With your help, I strive to make BPA a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable organization for you by emphasizing streamlined communication, chapter support, and your success both in and out of BPA. Together, we can move BPA effectively in the right direction, and most importantly, ensure that your voice is heard. Do is the pro at serving you! |
| Frances Pepito |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| One word: inclusive. My leadership style revolves around ensuring that I give a voice and equal opportunity to each individual that I represent, regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic background, and any other distinctions between us. No matter who you are, your opinion matters, and BPA wouldn’t be BPA without it. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Without a doubt, the most important value that I demonstrate is open-mindedness. By keeping an open mind and seeking out new perspectives, I spark undeniable growth and valuable collaboration within a team. My openmindedness allows me to unite communities and bring about impactful change. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Co-organizing the first in-person regional conference for my region in three years. One of the best parts of BPA is connecting with fellow members, and it just isn’t the same online. Through the conference, I brought this special aspect of BPA to hundreds of members who hadn’t experienced it before. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| Connecting you to career opportunities. I have many goals, but this is the most important since it ensures you sustain your success after graduation. This means partnering with organizations to provide exclusive internships and year-round networking events. BPA offers priceless opportunities — this is just the beginning. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| By prioritizing close relationships along with clear, consistent communication, we can overcome the challenges of a virtual setting. Whether team members are together in one room or separated into ten different countries, when we build a strong sense of community, collaboration naturally follows. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| In a diverse team, differences in opinion are inevitable but not unsolvable. To transform disagreements into win-win situations, I do three simple things: stop, wait, and listen. Hearing what everyone has to say allows us to fully understand the conflict and develop the best solution possible. |
| I would be honored to become a BPA National Executive Officer to make a difference in young people’s lives and show members they can achieve the impossible. BPA has given me many opportunities for growth in education, personal development, and community service. My goal would be to increase community service opportunities to grow BPA and show all members that they can make it happen. I am qualified for this position and responsibility because of my passion for business and the way I’ve thrived in past and current leadership roles, such as Student Senate President and BPA Chapter President. |
| Carter Burg |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| I would define my leadership style as delegative. Being a leader is mostly about serving and giving others the opportunity to lead in what they specialize in. By sharing responsibilities among the team, everyone has the chance to grow and learn throughout the project encouraging them to reach new heights. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Strong values that I demonstrate as a leader are passion, humility, and resilience. In humility, realizing and knowing that serving others is more important than my position. In passion, giving my heart and soul into everything that I do. In resilience, never letting a roadblock stop me. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| As a member of BPA, making a major impact in the lives of elementary and high school students through the Knights Credit Union, and Student Enterprise Program (StEP), has been one of my greatest accomplishments. These things have supported my growth as a leader and more importantly as a person. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| As an Executive Officer, an important goal for service is to grow BPA through it, showing people the amazing things BPA offers. Through community service projects people’s lives are being changed, and when our members see such things happening, we hope to see them do the same in their communities. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Being virtual has allowed for faster communication and collaboration. I’d make sure that my team knows each other’s strengths/weaknesses to have a more effective work ethic and an open environment, so everyone knows their input is valued. I’d also hold regular team meetings to ensure that information is shared easier. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| I approach conflict resolution by listening to both sides and assessing the situation. Assuming there is no threat of physical violence, I’d make sure everyone feels safe and heard. Then I would try to get everyone to compromise, coming to a solution that works best for the team and project. |
| My name is Cara Huang and this is my fifth year in BPA. Over the years, I have truly grown a strong passion for BPA and its opportunities. I’m seeking to take a step further and run for an executive officer position because I want to utilize my cumulated experience and assets to improve BPA and inspire our members. BPA allowed me to come out of my shell, reach my fullest potential, and brought numerous smiles. In return, I want to help make members across the nation’s BPA experience just as special and leave a long-lasting, indelible impact. |
| Ashwika Musku |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| My style of leadership is responsive and with empathy. My priority is with the team and I want to provide timely, quality feedback. Aiming for empowerment and connection with members, I want to flourish as an authentic and dependable leader so that members can feel confident in putting their trust. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Passion and commitment. Over the years, my passion for BPA has grown tremendously and I’m ready to lead BPA as an Executive Officer. With a positive mindset and energy, I hope to uplift the team and translate my passion to members across the nation through motivation and drive. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Growing up, I have been shy, reserved, and lacked self-confidence. Through BPA, I pushed myself to come out of my shell and use my voice, which ultimately helped me discover my true capabilities as a leader. This is my proudest accomplishment of self-discovery and personal breakthrough as a member. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| As an Executive Officer, one of the main goals I want to accomplish is to provide more opportunities and equitable access through BPA. I hope to help more members attend NLC through financial means and provide more professional development opportunities throughout the school year leading up to NLC. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| The key is open communication and trust. It’s not only important to keep the team updated and on one page, but also to make sure the environment is comfortable for communication. Through team bonding meetings, trust can be built in the team and friendships can blossom. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| When conflict arises, it’s important to be an active listener and hear all voices of the team while maintaining a free pool of conversation for a safe environment to participate in. As a team, we can then work together to find a common ground and a compromise solution. |
| My name is Melina LaPlante. I’m a high school senior in Missoula, Montana, and I’m MAKIN MOVES. Now you may be wondering what I mean when I say this. Well, I am makin’ moves for inclusion and involvement. Primarily, I aim to promote an environment where people can come together to work and feel comfortable and confident to be themselves. This allows us to be successful in ways that suit us. Secondly, I want to emphasize involvement. I don’t just mean to increase the participation and engagement of members but myself as well. |
| Faith You |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| I have come to recognize that to hold a position of leadership means that you are qualified in your respective areas. Thus at that point it ones job not to be the best, but rather to teach others to ensure that they are prepared for their time to lead. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Inclusion and Involvement – are the two most significant factors I aim to demonstrate as a leader. The inclusion of others’ thoughts and situations allows for efforts to be made for the benefit of ALL. My involvement ensures that I know the processes that affect us as members. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| My biggest accomplishment was discovering one of my best friends in BPA qualified for Nationals with an extemporaneous speech about the influence I had on her as a mentor. This allowed me to recognize the environment and efforts I was making for my chapter were coming to fruition. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| While there is so much I want to accomplish, I understand the limitation of rapid change in a national organization. This being said, it does not prohibit me from acheiving my most important goals: inclusion and involvement. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| We are in the digital age! The sky is the limit for BPA social media and beyond. Business Professionals are no longer confined by pen and paper and with my extensive passion and knowledge about social media, I aim to utilize that opportunity. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| I firmly believe conflict resolution is most efficiently achieved when you take a step back and address the root of the issue whilst coming to a common goal to push for rather than focusing on differences. |
| I’m Kristina Pan, and as part of the Executive Council, I plan to embrace BPA’s ability to provide opportunities and display professionalism. Through servant leadership, I will encourage others to discover their true capabilities. Additionally, with the skills that I’ve garnered through the opportunities offered by BPA, I believe that I can contribute to the growth of BPA as I continue to improve and accept criticism. I will value the responsibility and ability to be a voice for others. And of course, I plan to work with my team to provide the best experience for every member of BPA. |
| Andrea Moreno |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| My leadership style has developed into servant leadership throughout high school. With the push of someone else, I discovered my true potential, and I want to be able to do that for others. I will connect with others and help them understand their personal goals and abilities to achieve them. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Some values that I demonstrate as a leader are responsibility and integrity. I mean responsibility both in terms of organization and the ability to complete tasks as well as owning up to my duties and righting wrongs. I also believe in integrity as it builds others’ trust in you. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| My biggest accomplishment as a member is my role as State Reporter for BPA. I’ve improved on countless amount of skills ranging from time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and public speaking. Through this opportunity, I’ve also discovered what leadership means to me and gained confidence in my ability to lead. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| A goal I wish to achieve in service includes further assessing my skills for growth. More specifically, I want to work on weaknesses I have discovered as I found my strengths, namely, the ability to delegate tasks. I want to be able to accept that I can’t do everything. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| I can create a culture of collaboration by having the values of teamwork such as openmindedness and prioritizing communication and creating a bond with the team rather than focusing only on work. I must also understand the importance of building reliability and completing tasks that I am assigned. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| I approach conflict by realizing when I have a conflict, act on it rather than dwelling on or avoiding its presence. I make sure of the resources I have and assess a variety of solutions. I try to understand and remain determined when a conflict is unresolvable after attempting everything. |
| My passion for Business Professionals of America continues to grow each day which pushes me, Mia Peacock, to strive for the future of this organization. With better advocacy for Career Technical Student Organizations and Career Technical Education, I envision an educational system that puts BPA as a cornerstone in growing well rounded, career ready students. Our organization can grow together with more curriculum assets for advisors to incorporate BPA into their class learning environment. And, our members can grow their futures with more opportunities for community involvement through new programs from nationals. So let’s work together to Grow Forward. |
| Miguel Beltran |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| My form of leadership has multiple facets but at the core is strategy. I like to plan events, delegate duties, and have any other task assigned finished in advance. I have proven to be successful in the past with this approach at both the state and local levels. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| The four most important values I display as a leader are passion, commitment, empowerment, and vision. These values are at the forefront of all my decision-making and help solidify my intentions to those following me. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Having the privilege of serving New Mexico BPA as its State President was a dream I’ve had since I first joined the organization. It was only through patience, ambition, and support from those I care about that I was able to achieve this accomplishment. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| What I find appealing about BPA is the unique path it can set students on. However, I feel like more opportunities can be provided. Thus, if elected as an Executive Officer, I plan on implementing a new curriculum that Advisors can follow to set up students for success. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| As a State Officer, creating a successful team is only possible with communication and organization. Ensuring this type of environment is only facilitated through appropriate scheduling and input of all parties involved. From experience, I have found that using both Google Apps and Zoom is the most accessible options. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| When a conflict arises, it shows that all parties involved have a stake in it. I take this into account when dealing with the issue. Firstly, I clarify the problem and establish common ground. Then, I look for compromises. Finally, I propose a solution and present it to the members. |
Massachusetts Secondary
| Hello BPA! My name is Sophia Pinarreta, but it might be easier to call me Sophia Piñata! I’ve been an active member of BPA at both the chapter and state levels, where I have been able to foster and grow my passion for this organization. Some of you may have heard of the phrase “BPA 365” but I want to make this a reality through increased engagement and year round events. I look forward to connecting with you all in Anaheim, and I challenge you to see just how sweet it is when you “Swing for Sophia!” |
| Sahithi Pogula |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| My leadership style is servant leadership. Servant leaders are communicative and trustworthy. A quote that I resonate with is “Your rewards in life will be in direct proportion to the value of your service to others.” (Brian Tracy). I lead for the betterment of the whole. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Important values I demonstrate as a leader are integrity and accountability. Going along with servant leadership, I believe that having the best interest of the members in mind is important-even behind closed doors. Additionally, I value taking responsibility when needed and being 100% dedicated to the choices I make. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Although BPA allows for an abundance of opportunities for success, my biggest accomplishment has definitely been completing a program of work as a State Officer. The privilege of being able to set specific goals on a large scale and work toward them, with a team, is beyond rewarding. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| I want to spread awareness of the fact that BPA is more than just competition. BPA has bountiful resources and opportunities that are waiting to be taken advantage of. I want to do this by creating engaging events when it is not competition season and by reactivating the Leadership Academy. |
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.With the turn to virtual collaboration amidst the pandemic I believe these aspects are important now more than ever. |
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. |
| My name is Abby Renoux and by becoming a member of the Business Professionals of America Executive Council, I will be able to leverage the skills and ideas I have gained from my former BPA leadership positions. In the event that I became a member of the executive council, my main goal would be to implement a variety of methods through which members can express their opinions. It is my belief that surveying, using message boards, holding virtual and in-person meetings would be an effective way to engage members and make them feel their voices are being heard. |
| Keaton Crawford |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| Participation is a key component of my leadership style. The goals I set for the team are achieved in close collaboration with everyone. Among all team members, I try to build trust between them, and also make sure that they are all engaged so that the team can succeed. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Communication is one of the most important leadership values I possess. Relationships begin with communication, and building relationships is essential to leadership success. In order to succeed on the executive council, you need to build meaningful relationships with everyone on your team as well as with all members. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| My two major accomplishments are very difficult to choose between. Having served as a state officer for the state of Iowa BPA for two years is the first accomplishment. As a second responsibility, I maintain and lead Iowa’s second largest chapter. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| My highest priority as an executive officer would be to bring the organization closer together. Throughout the membership, I consider the executive council to be the driving force behind unity. As a result, I seek to capitalize on that by taking into account the opinions of all members. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Making sure every team member contributes to a meeting is a vital part of a team’s collaboration and success. By doing this, all team members will be able to stay engaged in meetings and continue to invest in the team’s goals. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| As far as conflict resolution is concerned, I believe there are many different approaches to take. It starts with determining the root cause of the problem and getting explanations from all parties involved. Lastly, identify the most efficient solution to the conflict and then focus on it. |
| My name is John Woodward, I am from the state of Iowa and am currently serving as the Iowa BPA Secondary President. I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to run for Executive Office and serve this prestigious organization. The main reason I am running is my personal belief that you should always give back to organizations that have given to you. Over the past four years, BPA has given so much to me and I feel that being an Executive Officer is the best way for me to give back and serve this amazing organization. |
| Zach Buchholz |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| My leadership style is very people-oriented, I want to do what is best for everyone and will benefit my members the most. I am very direct with what I want to do which compliments my goal-driven work ethic that allows me to achieve goals. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| The most important values I demonstrate as a leader are that I am a servant leader, meaning I look to instill leadership values in those that I lead. I am also a compassionate listener and always believe in empowering and helping the people I lead. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Being able to build my BPA Chapter as an Executive Board member has been the biggest accomplishment for me in BPA. Over the past four years, the local Board has created an amazing community that qualifies close to 90% of our members and set records for national placements. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| I want to connect and empower student leaders in BPA by removing barriers for state associations to communicate and work with other state associations and through the development of leadership programs and trainings that are developed by and for student leaders in BPA. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| The key to working effectively as a team online is to provide multiple ways to communicate together, this includes social media, video calls, and work-sharing services such as Google Drive. These together allow for collaboration and accountability while online. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| There is no right or wrong way to resolve conflict, I approach every situation individually by evaluating each side of the conflict and applying the guidelines set for the situation. I make it a priority to understand the human side of the conflict and understand everyone’s point of view, |
| Hello BPA my name is Tavin Blake and I’m running for a position on the national Executive Council. The reason why and doing so is because BPA empowered me throughout the past three years of my life, I was able to gain new experiences and perspectives. Strengthen my skills as well as find new ones in the business world, and lastly, I gained so many new friends and connections because of this organization. It changed my life for the better and I can’t imagine what career I would be in without BPA. |
| Cameron Roth |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| As a leader, I adapt my style to each team member’s personality providing direction as needed. Keeping an open mind to everyone’s ideas is crucial. In my position, I found success by bringing the team together and leveraging each member’s strengths. Though it was hard, this can unify the team. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| As a leader, listening to team conversations and holding members accountable for goals is essential. When promoted to president halfway through leading a state officer team, I shifted my focus to meet team members’ needs. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| As a BPA state officer, watching members enjoy the conference we worked on for almost a year was unforgettable. Winning first place at a national leadership conference paled in comparison. While it wasn’t easy, but the effort was worth it. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| As an executive officer, my goal is to boost post-secondary awareness through team efforts by building relationships, visiting schools & generating awareness. It’s a unique opportunity as it’s not often done. Hoping the year is a success, it won’t be easy, but achievable with the right team. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Creating a collaborative virtual culture is crucial nowadays and it starts and ends with leadership and open environment that fosters ideas is key to success. Creating a strong relationship with your team members is huge and that again starts with leadership. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| Strong relationships make it easier to mitigate conflict among team members. If you have a good bond with your team, they will be more willing to engage when conflicts arise. As a state officer, I’ve dealt with such conflicts and learned a lot, but there’s always more to learn. |
| My name is Amber Lane, and I am running for national office because I want to inspire other members to become more involved in BPA like I was inspired by the national officer team. When I got the opportunity to follow a national officer for a day, I got to see all the hard work they put into the conferences which has inspired me to want to do the same. Being apart of the officer team would allow me to help members be more aware of the opportunities through BPA and connect members and chapters together through networking. |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| I define leadership as being a role model and helping others achieve their goals. My leadership style includes being supportive, being a problem solver, inspire others, and encourage people to reach their goals. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| The most important values that I demonstrate as a leader are setting goals that I want to achieve, staying positive even bad situations, helping others, taking any opportunity that can better myself, and being an example in anything I do or involved in. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| My biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA is achieving the silver presidential service award because I spent over 175 hours of volunteering. Volunteering has shown me how it makes a big difference in people’s lives when people take time out of their day to help where it is needed. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| The most important goal I want to achieve as an Executive Officer is encourage more BPA members to take part of all the great opportunities through BPA including torch, BPA cares, student certification series, social media challenges, and network more throughout the organization. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| I can create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team by opposing open ended questions and allowing everyone to share their thoughts. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| I approach conflict resolution by trying to look at all points of view. Then, I can determine different solutions and work things out in a respectful manner. |
| My name is Kate Meck and I am honored to be considered as a candidate for the 2023-2024 Executive Council. I want to be a mentor, a resource, and a guide for each of you as you explore all of the opportunities available through Business Professionals of America that can build upon your current knowledge and strengths each of you possess by encouraging, supporting, and empowering you. I want to build upon my current leadership knowledge and skills to listen to, learn from, motivate, inspire, encourage, and empower each of you throughout your Business Professionals of America journey. |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| Encouraging, empowering, and open minded. I want to listen to all of your ideas, wants, needs, and concerns. You have a voice as a member of our organization and I want to empower and encourage you to utilize it and gain everything you can from the opportunities in Business Professionals of America. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Respect, communication, empowerment, empathy, and passion are the most important values I demonstrate as a leader. These demonstrated leadership values will be consistently utilized to support, guide, and listen to each of you in your BPA journey. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Serving as the Wisconsin State President of Business Professionals of America was my biggest accomplishment as a BPA member because it allowed me to have an impact on our members and be a first hand resource and advocate of all of their incredible aspirations. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| Serving our members by encouraging and empowering them in all of the opportunities they have available in BPA. I strive to be a mentor and guide who is always open-minded and encourages communication so that members’ ideas, concerns, and needs are fulfilled and addressed in a timely manner. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Showing respect and giving everyone the opportunity to speak and voice their ideas and comments through facilitation and discussion. I love encouraging quieter members to voice their thoughts since it’s critical that everyone is heard because each respective background enriches the results of the team’s output. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| Compromise the resolution through early and respectful communication by practicing active listening skills and remaining calm, professional, and empathetic. It’s important to consider who will be affected by the results of the resolution and how the various solutions will impact them throughout this discussion. |
| Greetings from the Bay State of Massachusetts! My name is Victoria Pinarreta and I am honored with the privilege to be a candidate to represent YOU on the BPA Executive Council. Stemming from my professional and leadership experiences from being a member in the Secondary and Post-secondary divisions, my goals for the growth of BPA are rooted in engaging members in the opportunities that the organization has to offer year-round through increased communication. Cultivating the leaders of the next generation, I aim to help provide our membership with the tools for success – so climb to victory with Victoria! |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| I am a visionary leader that focuses on encouraging collaboration and teamwork to foster a common goal. Much like how I worked alongside the fellow Massachusetts State Officers to execute a Program of Work, I aim to execute the vision I see for this organization at the national level. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| As a passionate leader in many capacities, I pride myself on my dedicated and accountable work ethic. Within BPA, my experience as a leader at the state and chapter level has allowed me to develop connections with our membership. If you ever need guidance or advice – I’m your lady! |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| Serving as a State Officer for three years allowed me insight on the preparation of Fall and State Leadership Conferences. I have been able to develop and lead workshops that foster skills such as a “Decoding the Merit Scholar” escape room workshop that I hosted at MA BPA SLC 2023. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| As an Executive Officer, I aim to promote BPA as a year-round experience by keeping members engaged and informed through every season of BPA – not just during the competitive conference period. To promote and engage membership, I will increase communication and provide my support starting at the chapter level. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Taking advantage of the virtual platforms, I would demonstrate and encourage active participation to create a culture of collaboration. Asking questions, actively listening, and providing my insight on areas will add to the success of the team – impacting not only the 6,000 NLC attendees but all 45,000+ BPA members. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| I approach conflict like solving a complex math problem – I seek to understand the various perspectives or components that led to the situation. Conflict, and math problems, are working to find an overarching answer or resolution which can be done by consulting different resources that would cultivate compromise. |
| My name is Sreya Ravi. I can think of no better fulfillment of my potential than to be considered as a candidate for the Executive Council. I found family through Business Professionals of America, and seeing the resounding impact the past executive councils have initiated, I desire opportunities to grow alongside a team also committed to BPA. I love the spirit at leadership conferences—being the 2022 Massachusetts Secondary State President was one of my greatest honors. I will utilize my extensive experience, professionalism, and overflowing creativity to support BPA in its role as a life changing organization. |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| I am a transformative leader—through thoughtful action, I seek to empower others to utilize their skills to embody the traits of leadership themselves. I am direct, committed, passionate, and confident. With my influence, I motivate people to execute visions of success through both an organizational and personal standpoint. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Integrity and Listening. I believe it’s important to make decisions after holistic analysis that will be the right choice, even when it’s difficult. I love talking (public speaking competitions are where I shine), but more critically, I know how to listen and be receptive to the valuable perspectives of others. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| As the Massachusetts Secondary State President, seeing the State Officer Team’s hard work culminate in our successful hybrid State Leadership Conference after the pandemic was a huge accomplishment. As an officer, I got to see the behind-the-scenes angle. The BPA members’ resilience at SLC inspired me endlessly. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| With the team, my goal is to implement greater opportunities for professional growth and development for Post-secondary members through a mentorship system that could pair members with working professionals and BPA alumni in their fields of interest to enhance networking opportunities and provide more resources. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Many leadership positions operating virtually have taught me enthusiasm, flexibility, and time ensures harmonious teams. I work to bring energy and excitement to virtual meetings, and getting to know your teammates is critical to understanding their strengths and personalities to best delegate tasks and collaborate. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| With empathy. It’s easy to be frustrated when faced with issues, and often looking to directly solve a problem without addressing impacts on those involved leads to missed growth opportunities. I analyze conflict holistically, determine how to move forward against constraints, and treat those involved with understanding. |
| My name is Corina Stewart and it’s an honor to be a candidate for executive officer for BPA. I chose to run for this position because of the knowledge and experience I will gain during the journey. This leadership role gives me the opportunity to offer motivation for innovation within the organization and to help make this year one to remember for all BPA members and stakeholders. I am highly dedicated and self-motivated with the drive to make changes and create opportunities that are beneficial to everyone. I hope to be a mentor to all members of BPA. |
| Nathaniel Tavarez |
How do you define and describe your leadership style?
| I see myself as a coach and mentor type leader. My goals as a leader are to help build an organization through individual and team success. I believe innovation happens when you allow everyone to have a voice that matters. I thrive on transformations through “outside of the box” thinking. |
What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
| Communication, passion, commitment, respect, and humility. Through communication, I can hear and speak up for all members. Through passion and commitment, I am able to make things happen. Through respect and humility, I can learn and grow as a leader and become better. |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
| My biggest accomplishment as a BPA member is my hard work towards the goal of Ambassador level torch Awards. Through this goal, I have been able to make positive impacts throughout my community. I have met many amazing individuals and filled my heart by becoming a helping hand to many. |
What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
| My biggest goal to achieve in service is to mentor members to become leaders themselves. I hope to become an officer that members look to for guidance on personal growth and development. I wish to lead by example and be a person that helps many choose to become future leaders. |
How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
| Communication is the first key to creating a culture of collaboration. I would also work to build positive connections within the team and have common expectations and goals for everyone. I would be the motivator for all team members and lead by example. |
How do you approach conflict resolution?
| The first step to conflict resolution is active listening. You must talk through the conflict and not place blame. Everyone must be respectful and allow the process of collecting information to be done. Then we must find a solution as a team and follow through with the solution found. |
