A new club has joined Haverford’s repertoire: the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Led by Fourth Former Anantvir Othie, Fifth Former Ranvir Gill, and Science Department Chair Dr. Daniel Goduti, FBLA is a national organization that helps members develop essential skills through hands-on experiences, competitive events, leadership conferences, and community service projects.
By participating, students gain practical knowledge in areas such as entrepreneurship, financial management, and communication, making them well-equipped for future academic and professional success.
“At Haverford, FBLA will be treated as both a competitive and leadership organization,” said Othie in an email to the upper school.
Since its founding in 1940, notable leaders have been involved with FBLA, including Carly Fiorina (Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard (HP)), Richard Riley (Secretary of Education under President Bill Clinton), and Johnny Isakson (Former Georgia senator).
In FBLA, “[Students will] compete in competitive events, including a variety of concentrations of business ranging from Financial Literacy to Parliamentary Procedure,” Othie said. “Along the way, participants will learn what it means to lead a group of talented individuals with the right skill set.”
Around 35 students joined FBLA, making its debut one of the biggest in the school.
Around 35 students joined FBLA, making its debut one of the biggest in the school.
“What inspired Ranvir and me was the lack of national competitive business clubs and competitions at Haverford,” Othie said. “We wanted to bring back what Haverford was well known for: public speaking and competitive nature.”
Because of the unique skills FBLA sharpens, the hope is that students will be better prepared to tackle real-world challenges, excel in their academic pursuits, and develop a strong sense of community and responsibility.
Currently, Othie is focusing on the new club’s first steps.
“We need to establish ourselves in FBLA and find our footing… We strive to teach students life-long skill sets that will carve their path in the business world as they prepare for national events,” Othie said. “And our last goal is to win.”
