Friday, May 17, 2024
The Milwaukee South Division Chapter of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) brought the world to FCCLA’s 2024 State Leadership Conference, held April 8-10. Members offered two presentations, known as Red Talks, that were multicultural and entertaining!
The annual FCCLA State Conference brought together more than 800 attendees from grades 6 through 12, advisors, business and industry leaders, and guests. Students had more than 30 competitive events to choose from. Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) events align with FCCLA’s mission to focus on multiple roles, including family member, wage earner, and community leader. Each event is curated to help members develop specific lifelong skills in character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.
The Milwaukee South Division students used the conference to present “Red Talks,” through which students can provide expertise, help drive change, educate and inspire others, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Destinny Thomas presented “Sari Styling” to share about traditional ethnic dress in the hope that it might lead to expanding audience members’ view of world cultures.
“I learned how to put on a sari when I participated in a presentation at Milwaukee's International Folk Fair,” says Destinny.
She not only demonstrated the techniques of putting on a sari, but also gave members and advisers the chance to practice doing the same!
In another presentation, Milwaukee South Division FCCLA members Tearence Hilliard and De’Jon O'Berry-Gamblins admit, “Our favorite FCCLA activities involve food!”
Tearence and De’Jon also belong to the Multicultural Club at school. The two clubs have combined to share their food experiences throughout the year, attending Milwaukee’s International Folk Fair, preparing Southeast Asian food, participating in an international potluck, and going to the Milwaukee Public Museum for a food-focused tour.
“It's fun to learn about new foods from different cultures and to prepare and taste them!” the two wrote in their presentation application. In their Red Talk, “Fun With Ethnic Food,” Tearence and De’Jon brought the excitement to FCCLA members by wearing costumes and having fun with ethnic foods that members could taste test!
Congratulations to FCCLA Advisers Marilyn A. Swiontek and Helen Martin for encouraging students to participate.