Manikandan (Mani) Venkata is a senior and the president of the Sunlake chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). FBLA is a non-profit student led organization that specializes in community service, education, and building career skills that allow members to become strong business professionals. 

As president this year, Mani has some big achievements he wishes to accomplish for the chapter. “I want to try to get at least three people to nationals,” Venkata states, “which seems really hard, but if we have enough people who are competitive enough, I think they can make it,” This refers to FBLA’s National Leadership Conference, where students from across the country compete against each other in various business or career related events. 

This conference (as well as the state and district level) doesn’t occur until second semester. That being said, Mani has a more timely goal for the club currently. “I want to get more people involved, cause last year everybody kind of just sat in the cafeteria, talking to each other. I want people to, like, go out there, be active, volunteer, raise money…” FBLA is all about student engagement. If the members aren’t dedicated to the organization, then there is no organization. Having a high membership number looks good on paper, but Venkata believes quality is greater than quantity. “I don’t need 200 people in my club, I need 40 good people.” 

Now, what made him pursue such a role? It’s all thanks to last year’s FBLA president, Arbina Adhikari. When asked about what got him interested in FBLA, Mani was quick to mention Arbina’s influence. “She put up a tent outside and she walked up to me and she like ‘you should join!’ Even though he wasn’t originally interested, Mani later began to love FBLA after his junior year experience. 

While FBLA is a huge part of Mani’s life, he also enjoys cooking and taekwondo. He is currently a “first degree black belt, trying to get my second before I graduate.” Speaking of graduation, it’s the main thing that Venkata is excited for this year. And after that? He still needs to reflect on what career path he wants to follow. “I’m kind of torn right now,” Mani begins in response to be asked about his job aspirations, “between either a pediatrician or… I want to design cars. Like I’ve always wanted to work for Ford or Aston Martin.” 

With FBLA, AP classes, and the overall adrenaline brought by senior year, Mani certainly has his work cut out for him. However, with his determination and competitive spirit, he will most certainly lead the Sunlake FBLA chapter to new heights!