Cerritos College business students win big at FBLA National Leadership Conference

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2026

Media Contact:  Aya Aoki; Public Relations and Communications

Cerritos College FBLA students at the conferenceNORWALK, Calif. – July 1, 2026 – Students from the Cerritos College chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) achieved major success at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, June 6–8. Competing against top talent from across the country, Cerritos College students secured multiple top-10 finishes, including a national championship in Customer Service. 

The prestigious event, hosted by the nonprofit educational association Future Business Leaders of America, Inc., brought together over 1,300 attendees from nearly 200 colleges and universities across 29 U.S. states and territories. Students competed in 42 business events for nearly $60,000 in scholarships and cash prizes.

The following Cerritos College students received national recognition for their business acumen:

  • First Place (Customer Service): Almarosa Alvarado
  • Fourth Place (Job Interview): Amanda Monroy
  • Fifth Place (Job Interview): Almarosa Alvarado
  • Sixth Place (Job Interview): Zaira Mora
  • Seventh Place (Customer Service): Zaira Mora
  • Ninth Place (Entrepreneurship): Nathan Pheng, Hilda Rubianes, and Isabella Santacruz 

For re-entry student Almarosa Alvarado, taking home a national title was about more than a trophy—it was a life-changing milestone. "The conference and winning the competition taught me that I am so much more than my past," said Almarosa. "With education and hard work, anything is possible. It helped me believe in myself when I was full of doubts. This competition is just the first step toward everything I know I can accomplish in my life." 

Almarosa plans to transfer to California State University, Northridge, to earn her bachelor’s degree in accounting, with the ultimate career goals of working at a Big Four accounting firm and giving back to her community. 

In addition to the rigorous competitions, students participated in 60 educational workshops and networked with representatives from over 20 colleges, universities, and major employers, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Kendra Scott, and the U.S. Armed Forces.

"The conference offered meaningful networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with peers, business professionals, and presenters from across the country while representing the college professionally," said Cerritos College Business Instructor Macleana Samuels.

Business Instructor Jay Elarcosa, who also accompanied the team, expressed immense pride in the students' dedication. "Our students showcased their skills at the FBLA conference," he said. "Cerritos College excelled in nearly every event, winning first place in Customer Service. It's clear these students are on the path to becoming future business leaders." 

 

About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers nearly 300 degrees and certificates in nine divisions. Annually, more than 5,000 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 21,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu. 

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