Seminole High School
Hello, I’m Savana Jayakody, and I am excited to share my vision as a candidate for state officer. I am dedicated to empowering BPA members to reach their highest potential through leadership, collaboration, and innovation. I plan to strengthen connections between chapters by hosting virtual meetings to share ideas, resources, and best practices, and to increase participation in all state initiatives through an industry mentorship program and recognition opportunities. I want members to see BPA as more than an organization, but rather as a place that builds confidence, fosters friendships, develops real-world skills, and inspires them to succeed.
Aditi Gumudavelli, She/Her
What experiences have you had in Business Professionals of America to prepare you for state office?
Through BPA, I’ve learned that leadership is about action and collaboration. Attending meetings, guiding project tasks, and working closely with peers has strengthened my teamwork, communication, and organizational skills, preparing me to serve and inspire all members as a dedicated state officer.
What experiences have you had outside of BPA to prepare you for state office?
As a Level 8/Xcel Platinum gymnast, I’ve learned discipline, perseverance, and how to “stick every landing,” even when life feels like a “tricky flip.” Running my small business, Rasai Home Bakery, has taught me leadership, creativity, problem-solving, and time management skills with which I can help BPA members succeed.
What makes you a leader?
To me, a leader is someone who takes initiative, inspires and supports others, and sets a positive example through their actions. I demonstrate leadership by taking responsibility, communicating effectively, and motivating those around me to work together toward common goals while helping others succeed.
Can you commit time to being a state officer?
Serving as a state officer requires dedication, and I am fully prepared to commit the time and energy needed. I am organized, disciplined, and deeply passionate about BPA’s continued evolution as it is my top priority. I am ready to support members, attend events, and help the organization grow.
What changes and enhancements will you make as a state officer?
As BPA State Officer, I will inspire members to take initiative and connect chapters through a mentorship program that pairs students with industry professionals for guidance and advice. I will foster innovation, ensuring BPA leaves a lifelong impact while equipping members with valuable skillsets they can utilize personally and professionally.
What do you think your biggest challenge as state officer will be?
One of my biggest challenges as state officer will be engaging members across chapters with different goals and experiences. However, I see this as an opportunity to creatively connect, motivate, and support members, helping them grow their skills while showing them that BPA offers diverse opportunities for all.
Hello, my name is Ritu Mehta, and I am running for re-election as a Florida BPA State Officer. Serving this past year showed me how much work happens behind the scenes to support members and chapters across the state. BPA has helped me grow as a leader, and I want to continue giving back to the organization that shaped me. As a junior and my chapter’s vice president, I understand BPA from both the member and leadership side. If re-elected, I will keep strengthening communication, expanding opportunities, and making sure every member feels supported and motivated.
What experiences have you had in Business Professionals of America to prepare you for state office?
As the current Florida BPA State Secretary and my chapter’s vice president, I’ve gained hands-on experience in leadership, communication, and organization. Working at both the chapter and state levels has helped me understand members’ needs and how to turn ideas into action.
What experiences have you had outside of BPA to prepare you for state office?
Outside of BPA, Model UN strengthened my public speaking and diplomacy, while competing on my school’s tennis team taught me discipline and teamwork. Through HOSA and clubs like ASA, I’ve also found a sense of community, learned to connect with others, and gained perspective through shared culture and collaboration.
What makes you a leader?
To me, leadership means listening, showing up, and following through. I focus on creating a space where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking initiative. My experience has taught me to be both adaptable and approachable to keep progress moving forward.
Can you commit time to being a state officer?
Yes. BPA has given me so much, and being a state officer is the best way I can give back. I genuinely enjoy helping members and keeping things running smoothly, so no matter what else I have going on, this role will always be a top priority for me.
What changes and enhancements will you make as a state officer? I’ve already worked on improving organization for SLC planning and boosting engagement on social platforms. This year, I want to keep that momentum going by amplifying member impact by creating hands-on experiences, making events more interactive, and helping students connect, grow, and leave with great memories. What do you think your biggest challenge as state officer will be? Ensuring all chapters stay connected and engaged. With so many different schools, schedules, and events, it can be challenging to keep everyone on the same page. With this challenge in mind, I’ll make sure to stay organized, keep members informed, and help everyone realize their potential in BPA. |
Hi everyone! My name is Hansini Nunna and I am running for Florida BPA state officer. Over the past two years, BPA has shaped me to become both a confident competitor and a motivated leader. Throughout my experience, BPA has helped me to grow both academically and professionally. If elected, I am committed to work with dedication, increasing member involvement, building communication with chapters across Florida, and creating a memorable and inspiring experience for each and every member. As a state officer candidate, I bring passion and innovative ideas and I am ready to serve, lead, and represent Florida BPA.
Tanvi Kundarapu (she/her)
What experiences have you had in Business Professionals of America to prepare you for state office?
During the last two years, I have attended and placed at the State Leadership Conference both years. Throughout opportunities focused on competition and collaboration, I have learned and developed many new skills including teamwork and time-management, ultimately preparing me for effectively serving as a state officer.
What experiences have you had outside of BPA to prepare you for state office?
Outside of BPA, I have strengthened my collaboration through competing in HOSA, developed a focused and determined mindset through taekwondo, and enhanced my creativity through piano. I also helped lead a nonprofit, serving my community. These experiences have prepared me to communicate effectively, stay committed, and lead with dedication.
What makes you a leader?
I always lead by example. I make sure to listen first and then act and lead with purpose. I collaborate effectively, communicate with others clearly, and always strive to meet my goals. By empowering others with confidence and challenging myself to think outside the box, I change ideas into reality.
Can you commit time to being a state officer?
In order to reach one’s goals, it is important to be committed, dedicated, and strong-willed at all times. Similarly, I am fully committed to dedicating my time and effort. I am ready to not just represent BPA, but to contribute my ideas and make a difference.
What changes and enhancements will you make as a state officer? As a state officer, I will strive to make BPA better for each and every member. My goal is to raise motivation by building support, expand communication across chapters in Florida, increase engagement in career-building workshops, and work hard to make SLC a memorable experience for everyone. What do you think your biggest challenge as state officer will be? As state officer, my biggest challenge will be balancing the diverse needs of BPA members across Florida. Effectively coordinating with chapters all across Florida will be tough; however, with positivity, patience, collaboration, and dedication, I hope to make sure BPA thrives with everyone feeling supported. |
Hello, I am Shivaan, and as a state officer for Business Professionals of America Florida Association I intend to bring someone who is dedicated and determined. My goals for this club is to ensure everyone feels included by ensuring collaboration, communication, and participation from all schools in the state whether members are in a well known or low grade school. Working with officers to provide events for BPA members to partake in is also big on my priorities because not only will they be having fun, but they will be advocating about possible professions they can partake in the future.
Diya Patel (she/her)
What experiences have you had in Business Professionals of America to prepare you for state office?
Being a part of BPA, I have gained many skills such as leadership, organization, and collaboration which has made me prepared for state office. Furthermore, through the struggles I have faced in BPA, I have always managed to stay prepared and determined to start a new journey in state office.
What experiences have you had outside of BPA to prepare you for state office?
For me being a head choreographer for a Raas team and partaking in clubs at school such as Gateway to Science and Hosa, I have learned the importance of time management. From going through stressful events, I am now experienced with teamwork, leadership, and professionalism to be a successful leader.
What makes you a leader?
As I have experienced the circumstances it takes to become a leader, I learned the many factors to take into account to serve as state officer. I understand the importance of staying prepared, effective time management, and valuing members’ voices in order to make a meaningful impact on BPA members.
Can you commit time to being a state officer?
Yes, committing time to serve as a BPA state officer is one of my top priorities. I understand the responsibilities and time it takes to be involved with state office, so I am ready to balance my education and leadership duties in order to make a positive impact on BPA.My biggest challenge will be accounting for the increased amount of situations and responsibilities it takes to be in the state office. But, with dedication this opportunity will help me grow as a leader and learn new skills it takes to provide for BPA members.
Atlantic Technical High School
As a State Officer, I hope to help to the growth of a more united organization where each chapter feels recognized. Leadership, in my opinion, begins with listening and ensuring that each member’s voice is heard. My goal is to improve communication between chapters while encouraging creativity and collaboration among members. I bring dependability and a desire to add passion and importance to BPA activities. I’m prepared to help people get out of their comfort zones and improve Florida BPA’s success.
Clayly Valcin
What experiences have you had in Business Professionals of America to prepare you for state office?
Participating in chapter activities and running for my school’s BPA prepared me to run for state office. It gave me a great level of motivation and confidence to move to even a greater stage to meet new people and create an impact on a bigger stage.
What experiences have you had outside of BPA to prepare you for state office?
Experiences such as a Co-VP of Student Government, Brace Cadet, and a BigFuture Ambassador all helped me prepare and improve my leadership and confidence for state office. It helped motivate me to comfort and communicate my peers, and create opportunities that can create a lasting impact on my community.
What makes you a leader?
I lead by listening and being dependable. Helping others feel included, staying focused on shared goals, and pushing through challenges together. Leadership means growing alongside others, valuing their opinions, and helping everyone succeed as a team. I believe I can only go as far as those around me take me.
Can you commit time to being a state officer?
I understand the responsibility and time commitment required to be a state officer, and I know I can dedicate the necessary time. I am organized, motivated, and supported by my family and advisor. I carefully considered this decision, and I am confident this responsibility is challenging but absolutely worth pursuing.
What changes and enhancements will you make as a state officer?
I want to strengthen communication between chapters, encourage new members to get involved, and help create events and fundraisers that feel engaging and welcoming. My goal is to build a stronger sense of unity so every member feels connected to Florida BPA.
What do you think your biggest challenge as state officer will be? | |
| I believe my biggest challenge will be balancing responsibilities while ensuring every member feels represented. As a leader, I want to incorporate as many ideas as possible. I am prepared to stay organized, manage my time wisely, and work closely with my officer team to meet this challenge successfully. |
To lead is to serve. I, Gabrielle Silaire, believe the true role of a State Officer is to be an advocate for our local chapters. I am dedicated to ensuring that every student, regardless of their chapter size or location, has a direct and dedicated voice at the state level. Whether it is through promoting communication or providing resources for chapter growth, I am committed to working behind the scenes to ensure our members are the ones being served. Vote for me and I will ensure that Florida BPA is represented with the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
What experiences have you had outside of BPA to prepare you for state office?
I would say my communication skills and compassion for others are my leading factors in describing me as a leader.
What makes you a leader?
I would say my communication skills and compassion for others are my leading factors in describing me as a leader.
Can you commit time to being a state officer?
I believe I can commit a great amount of time to being a state officer.
What changes and enhancements will you make as a state officer? As a state officer I would like to find a way to better connect our state chapters in terms of networking. What do you think your biggest challenge as state officer will be? I think my biggest challenge as a state officer would be learning how to be state officer in terms of tasks that I may not be familiar with. |
