YC Lands Two Runner-Up Finishes at PBL Nationals

In the midst of summer jobs and internships, members of the York College Professional Business Leaders (PBL) chapter put their business skills to the test while competing in the National Leadership Conference. Fourteen PBL members, familiar with hard work and diligence, participated in the virtual competition in late June. 
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The extra work paid off with two national runner-up finishes and top-ten honors for six YC students in all. Second place honors went to Taylor O’Brien in business presentation and Diego Korol in business sustainability. Rounding out YC chapter members who placed in the top ten were Emily Eggar, Abbey Draper, Adriana Fajardo and Moriah Toledo.

"When I heard NLC was going to be online I was really discouraged. I just did not think I was going to be able to perform to the best of my ability," said Diego Korol, senior PBL member.  "But then I remembered that PBL prepares us for moments like these. We have to adapt to every situation and make the most of it. I am really proud of my partners for aiming for excellence.”

Students were able to participate in the National Leadership Conference events through Zoom video meetings the same way they participated in the State Leadership Conference held in April. Of the 28 states participating, Nebraska chapters were represented in more events than any other state, YC making up almost half of Nebraska college represented events. 

"The competition looked very different this year but I am grateful that the students had an opportunity to compete in the same manner that many businesses are currently operating,” said Dr. Stacie Turnbull, YC PBL Co-Advisor. “This experience will prove to be invaluable to our members in the future.” 

Other students participating in the national competition from York College were Ella Montoya, Victoria Miller, Alex Hinrichs, Giovanni Froldi, Kitra Cody, Caden Morris, and Logan Dye.

"It's unfortunate that we didn't get to all meet in person this summer,” commented Logan Dye, 2020-21 YC PBL Chapter President. “But I am excited by the involvement of our chapter this year. I'm confident that next year, YC will make an even greater impact at Nationals. Fingers crossed, 2021 NLC will be in person!"

York-area business professionals were a critical part of YC's success, providing invaluable experience, skill-building, and preparation for competitions. Business partners included Clint Turnbull and Gerardo Garcia, Bayer Research Facility; Lynn Vodvarka, Cornerstone Bank; Stephen Postier, Henderson State Bank; and Jess Spotanski, Midwest Research.


National PBL Leadership Conference Results:
Business Presentation - Taylor O'Brien, 2nd
Business Sustainability - Diego Korol, 2nd
Financial Services - Abbey Draper & Adriana Fajardo, 4th
Impromptu Speaking - Emily Eggar, 4th
Forensic Accounting - Adrianna Fajardo & Diego Korol, 5th
Human Resource Management - Moriah Toledo, 9th
Entrepreneurship Concepts - Emily Eggar, 9th
Local Chapter Annual Business Report - Taylor O'Brien, 10th

Students interested in the scholarship opportunities available through the YC PBL Chapter are encouraged to contact Dr. Stacie Turnbull at smturnbull@york.edu.