Becoming a business leader takes discipline and determination. The Future Business Leaders of America Phi Beta Lambda chapter (FBLA-PBL) at UC Riverside aims to cultivate a space for members to familiarize themselves with modern business practices that will position them for success. As a student organization, the chapter provides networking, mentorship, and learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, giving members a chance to explore career paths and refine their professional skills.
FBLA-PBL President Lynette Lee ’22 takes pride in the time and effort she has invested in the UCR chapter. What she finds most rewarding is the opportunity to influence new cohorts of young entrepreneurs. She relates deeply to the potential—and courage—rooted in each student. For Lee, serving as president is not only a responsibility but also a privilege that allows her to contribute to the development of others while continuing her own personal growth.
“When I first became an FBLA general member, I remember being overwhelmed,” she says. “I cried after my first meeting. We had to sit with established members in a one-on-one interview format. I wondered if business was the right path for me.”
Her honesty about those first challenges highlights the resilience and determination required to thrive in a business environment. Many students experience moments of doubt at the start of their journey, and Lee’s openness provides encouragement to those who may feel uncertain about their ability to succeed. Her story illustrates that leadership is often built from experiences of vulnerability and perseverance.
Learning how to interact with passionate business leaders is a quality often emphasized by those who have developed the skills to do so. FBLA-PBL provides structured opportunities for students to practice these interactions, from mock interviews to formal presentations. Lee explains the importance of understanding your own leadership style in order to maximize productivity, a lesson she has internalized through her years of active involvement.
“I initially chose business because of my parents’ experience in the field,” she says. “I used to think ‘I don’t have the right personality for business,’ but I stuck with it. Immersing myself in accounting has taught me more about myself. I am introverted, I tend to nitpick about my workspace, but I love what I do and the people I work with.”
Her reflection demonstrates that leadership comes in many forms, and introverted students can thrive just as much as extroverted ones. By recognizing her own strengths and preferences, Lee has been able to create a leadership style that feels authentic and effective. This type of self-discovery is one of the chapter’s goals, ensuring that members graduate not only with technical skills but also with confidence in their personal identity as future professionals.
Having had the chance to speak publicly to a room full of FBLA members, Lee explains the shift in self-assurance that took place within her. While she reminisces on the risks she took to step beyond her comfort zone, the memories she holds closest to her are the small group gatherings and etiquette workshops she led for new members. These workshops gave her a chance to mentor others while reinforcing her own growth. They also created an inclusive environment where newer students could feel more at ease.
“I am inspired to be part of the movement toward representing women in leadership positions,” she says. “It’s always great to work with women who have similar goals as you. It makes you strive to be at their level.”
Her words capture the importance of representation and community, particularly for women entering leadership roles in business. By encouraging collaboration and support among peers, Lee is helping build a culture where future generations can continue to thrive. The UCR FBLA-PBL chapter not only equips students with business knowledge but also cultivates confidence, resilience, and a vision for leadership that extends far beyond campus.