Jonesboro, AR — (Contributed) — March 25, 2025 — The Jonesboro Business Association (JBA) has been selected to present at the National Leadership Conference of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) set to take place this summer in Anaheim, CA.
Chosen through a highly competitive selection process, JBA will lead a workshop titled “Idea to Impact: Turning Youth Potential into Purpose.” The session will showcase how community-based entrepreneurship programs—such as those developed by JBA—equip students with essential real-world skills in leadership, financial literacy, public speaking and business development.
“The invitation to present at FBLA’s National Conference is a milestone that speaks volumes about our organization’s commitment and the strength of our programs,” said Henry Burrell, president of the Jonesboro Business Association. “It’s more than an honor—it’s a validation of strategies and concepts beyond what we’re doing locally. It shows that with the right community support and leadership, local programs can have national impact.”
The FBLA National Leadership Conference gathers thousands of high-achieving student leaders from across the country, along with educators and business professionals. Workshop proposals are judged on innovation, relevance, and alignment with FBLA’s mission of preparing students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society.
JBA’s presentation reflects a year of intentional growth. In 2023, the organization refined its five-year strategic plan by combining two of its cornerstone programs— the “See Me Be Me” mentorship and the “Living Library” storytelling series—into a robust, unified Youth Entrepreneurship Program. The YEP program, along with the launch of a student Business Pitch Contest, provides hands-on learning opportunities aimed at nurturing student confidence and sparking innovation.
The organization also welcomed new leadership, adding three dynamic board members—Alex Trufin, Rikita Saunders, and Salma Abdel Karim—whose energy and expertise have helped elevate JBA’s direction and deepen community partnerships. Longtime board member Reginald Prunty continues to play a vital role in shaping the organization’s mission and outreach.
“FBLA’s national platform gives us a chance to not only share our story, but to inspire others in our community to invest in our youth,” added Burrell. “We believe that entrepreneurship is a tool for empowerment, and this opportunity is just the beginning.”
Looking ahead, Burrell said JBA plans to expand its programming into other school districts throughout northeast Arkansas and strengthen its collaborations with local schools and nonprofits to ensure more students gain access to transformative business education.