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Wisconsin FCCLA State Leadership Conference Brings Together Future Leaders and Changemakers

This spring, a sea of red packed a convention center in Baraboo, as nearly 900 students attended the Wisconsin Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) annual State Leadership Conference. State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly attended the event to express her support of the Career and Technical Student Organization and the critical role it plays in developing the whole student.   

Students wearing red FCCLA blazers in an auditorium
Nearly 900 students attended the annual Wisconsin FCCLA State Leadership Conference. 

As the student leadership organization connected to Family and Consumer Sciences, FCCLA gives students opportunities to apply skills they learn in class—ranging from nutrition, education, entrepreneurship, leadership, hospitality, and more—to service projects and competitions. In doing so, students are developing essential skills like communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and more. As the DPI engages educators, employers, and communities in developing Wisconsin’s Portrait of a Graduate, these are some of the same durable skills they say are essential for student success after high school.  

Dr. Underly was able to start the day by bringing greetings to the 120-plus evaluators, room consultants, and Family and Consumer Sciences educators in the room.  

Dr. Jill Underly is at a podium speaking to a conference room full of people sitting at round tables
Dr. Underly thanks the educators, advisers, volunteers, and industry partners who give their time, expertise, and mentorship to FCCLA students.  

She continued the day by meeting student members who were competing in Fashion Construction events and showing their designs in the second annual Wisconsin FCCLA Fashion Show.  

A student in a red blazer shows a dress to Dr. Underly.
Kyanna Vanlanen, of Kewaunee High School, shares her fashion design project with Dr. Underly. 

Dr. Underly was able to connect with the Wisconsin FCCLA state officers and learn about the Wisconsin FCCLA Statewide Community Service Project, where chapters raised more than $5,300, which they donated to Paul’s Party to help support para-athletes across the state of Wisconsin. Dr. Underly concluded her visit by meeting with four student competitors at the Competitive Event Showcase. Each student explained their FCCLA competition, how it has positively impacted them and shared their success at the state and national level.   

Dr. Jill Underly stands with four FCCLA students in front of their poster displays.
Dr. Underly meets with FCCLA student competitors. Pictured left to right are Anna Kakatsch of Manitowoc Lincoln High School, competing in Food Innovations; Ella Wieczorek of Dodgeville High School, competing in Teach or Train; State Supt. Dr. Jill Underly, Dominic Jacobson of Verona Area High School, competing in Sustainability Challenge; and Sophie Knetter, Mosinee High School, competing in Entrepreneurship and Career Investigation. 
Dr. Underly stands next to a student, who is dressed in a red FCCLA blazer. They look at a poster board.
Anna Kakatsch of Manitowoc Lincoln High School shares her Food Innovation project with Dr. Underly.
Students stand on a stage wearing the clothing they designed for the fashion show.
This year’s conference featured a fashion show, giving students the opportunity to showcase their designs on stage.  

With 99 chapters bringing incredible energy from across the state, this year’s State Leadership Conference was truly one for the books. The conference included 889 attendees and 205 advisers, 767 STAR Event competitors, 17 Knowledge Bowl teams, 30 Fashion Show participants, and a brand-new STAR Event Showcase. On top of that, 21 RedTalks, 28 breakout sessions, and a record number of ambassadors, content creators, and state officer candidates made this conference absolutely unforgettable.  

Wisconsin FCCLA continues to grow. This year, the organization expanded to 115 affiliated chapters, 2,181 members, and 136 advisers—a 4.7% increase in membership compared to last year.    

The organization also continues to make a big impact in communities. Through a year-long partnership with Paul’s Party, chapters across Wisconsin came together to make a real difference. Members showed up in a big way during the conference, raising more than $5,000 in the Pocket Change Playoffs and spreading kindness in the Community Connections Room. That generosity is truly inspiring. A huge thank you to all of the chapters who participated and donated to support Paul’s Party.  

An FCCLA student is pictured next to Dr. Jill Underly in a convention center space.
Dr. Underly is pictured with Dodgeville High School Senior Addy Hoyer, who was recently selected as a 2026 FCCLA Member of the Year Award National Finalist—one of only five chosen from more than 260,000 members nationwide. 

Thank you to all FCCLA students and advisers for bringing your best energy, leadership, and heart to the State Leadership Conference. You are the reason Wisconsin FCCLA continues to grow and shine.