UNO FBLA-C Returns Victorious from FBLA-C National Competition
Hard work and dedication paid off big as members return from Dallas with 2 national champion titles, distinguished chapter award, and numerous top 10 placements
- published: 2025/07/07
- contact: Melissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBA
- email: melissalindell@unomaha.edu

➡️ What’s new:
The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Future Business Leaders of America - Collegiate chapter (FBLA-C) recently competed at the 2025 FBLA-C National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Dallas, TX from May 30-June 1. The group of 7 returned to Omaha with 10 top 10 placements in the national competition, including two national champion titles. In addition to personal success, the chapter was one of the ten chapters in the nation to earn a Distinguished Chapter Award. The placements are as follows:
Daniel Bargholz:
1st place in Foundations of Selling
4th place in Foundations of Marketing
10th place in State of the Chapter (Team with Sophia Kouba)
Savannah Boedigheimer:
1st place in Future Business Facilitator
5th place in Community Service Project
9th place in Entrepreneurship Pitch
Suker Mendoza-Calmo:
8th place in Foundations of Accounting
Sophia Kouba:
10th place in State of the Chapter (Team with Daniel Bargholz)
Aditi Rai:
2nd place in Future Business Executive
9th place in Technology and Computer Science Case Competition
Bailey Skeahan:
10th place in Parliamentary Procedure
🔎 Zoom in:
Bargholz and Boedigheimer share their story with FBLA-C that led to their respective victories:
“I'm a freshman Mechanical Engineer. I replace sleep with caffeine, prefer working with figures on a page vs ones that respond, and tend to view social events like an exam. The last remotely business class I took was Engineering Economics. How did I place 1st in the nation at Foundations of Selling? It was easy. I had a one-of-a-kind group of peers to force me into the fray. That's why I joined UNO's FBLA-C chapter, because I did my research and knew this was the best group to inspire growth from me. I didn't have to do this. I wanted to, and people like (chapter president) Savannah Boedigheimer worked harder than necessary to make sure I would succeed. The projects, events, and activities this chapter led lit up a portion of the real world I never would've experienced otherwise. I wanted to return the effort that FBLA-C had put into me, so I participated and stayed involved. Saying I'm grateful would be an understatement” - Daniel Bargholz
“If I’m being completely honest, writing this story is harder than winning nationals. This year, I set out to make our chapter one of the top in the nation. I never expected for me to become a national champion. I was already thrilled to have found the success I did at the state level, winning the Nebraska FBLA-C member of the year, and equally important, surviving the Six Flags roller coasters. I have a skill for picking the most difficult events each year, then questioning my sanity as I rewrite them the night before. This event, however, was different. I’ve been preparing for this event for over a decade. When I was 13, I was selected by Clark Sell to present about Hour of Code at THAT Conference, WI, to other kids. This continued with other conferences, Microsoft Code Channels, local groups, and libraries, eventually branching into new topics and teaching professionals. This is the goal of the Future Business Facilitator event, where students lead a professional development training and interview on why they should be a facilitator. My answer was easy; I already facilitate every day. Between conference speaking, explaining to my mom how to use a tv remote, working with every UNO FBLA-C student, and giving directions after we missed the turn, I have grown into someone ready to teach and learn from others, and I am excited to continue doing so in FBLA-C and prepare the next national champions.” - Savannah Boedigheimer
We are very proud of all of the competitors from our chapter, especially our national champions, Bargholz and Boedigheimer. We are even more proud to represent our fantastic and supporting community and phenomenal university.
⚡ What’s next:
We hope these members and their hard work will inspire other students to join, make a bigger impact on our community and fellow classmates, and continue to strive for success in future years. Students of any major from the University of Nebraska at Omaha are invited to join UNO FBLA-C with additional involvement options for UNO Staff and Faculty members, as well as community organizations. Individuals and groups interested about involvement can request information by contacting:
📩 Savannah Boedigheimer
📍 Chapter President, UNO Future Business Leaders of America - Collegiate
📧 fblacollegiate@unomaha.edu