The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter at Creekside Christian Academy may be young, but its vision is anything but small. In just its second year, the chapter is redefining what it means to prepare students for leadership in a rapidly evolving world. Under the direction of Anne Dammel, Creekside’s Director of Marketing and lead FBLA advisor, the focus extends far beyond competitions and business fundamentals.

“Our goal isn’t just to prepare students for their future careers,” Dammel explains. “It’s to help them discover who they are, identify their God-given gifts, and step confidently into leadership. If I can help mold the next leader through FBLA, whether it’s with a Fortune 500 company or a small nonprofit, I’m all for it!”

At Creekside, FBLA is built on a future-ready mindset. Students don’t just learn how business works, they learn how to think, adapt, communicate, and lead with integrity in any environment. Creekside FBLA’s Co-advisor and Creekside’s STEAM Director, Stacy Wright, says, “In STEAM, we teach students how to build solutions. In FBLA, they learn how to present them, fund them, and lead them. When you combine innovation with leadership, you prepare students for industries that don’t even exist yet.”

Monthly meetings go beyond competition prep. Students engage with local entrepreneurs, executives, nonprofit leaders, and innovators in info sessions that expose them to real-world insight. Topics range from benefits in networking and customer experience to personal branding, presentation skills, and executive presence. 

“We want them practicing real leadership now,” Dammel says. “Whether it’s crafting an elevator pitch, navigating challenges, or presenting an idea with clarity and confidence, these are life skills that they will need for the future. The earlier they develop them, the more prepared they are to lead.”

The results are already evident. Guest speakers frequently comment on the students’ professionalism, thoughtful questions, and polished presentation skills, evidence that leadership training through Creekside’s FBLA program is taking root.

Creekside’s chapter also operates with a distinctive, collaborative model. Middle and high school students work side by side, creating a mentorship culture where older students coach and encourage younger members. What began with six high school students in its first year has expanded to 56 students; a sign that the vision is resonating.

“It’s powerful to see leadership modeled in real time… not only by the local business leaders involved in the program, but also through the tremendous leadership and vast expertise of Anne Dammel and Stacy Wright, their advisors,” says Janna Szeto, Creekside’s Director of Advancement. “Younger students are also inspired by the older ones and older students become mentors… it’s the kind of culture that builds confidence and character.”

Equally important is service. Leadership at Creekside is never detached from responsibility. Each Creekside FBLA student commits to at least 10 hours of volunteer service to the school annually, reinforcing that influence and impact go hand in hand.

“Creekside FBLA is more than a club. It is a leadership incubator, shaping bold thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and spiritually grounded innovators ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” says Dammel. 

The future doesn’t just need business leaders. It demands more than strategy and success. It calls for courage, character, and leaders who serve first … and that’s the legacy Creekside FBLA is creating.  

By Janna Szeto