OSKALOOSA, Iowa – When Oskaloosa High School junior Kara Harman joined the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter on a friend’s invitation, she had no idea it would lead her to the state boardroom. Now, as District 5 Vice President for Iowa FBLA, she’s now representing students from schools across southeast Iowa, and continuing to put Oskaloosa on the map as a statewide school that builds student leaders.
“It’s a big honor because I get to represent all the schools in our district, which includes Oskaloosa, Fairfield, Davis County and others,” Harman said. “They can come to me with their problems or issues, and I can share those at the state level. We work together.”
Harman’s leadership journey began when she ran for a different state office this past spring at the FBLA State Conference. Though she didn’t win the secretary position, an open seat for District 5 vice president remained.
“It was kind of a blessing in disguise,” she said. “Only people from our area could run for it. I applied, submitted a cover letter and resume, and interviewed. A group from the adult board selected me. It was a really good interview process.”
As part of her duties, Harman will help lead the District 5 conference, hosted in Oskaloosa this upcoming school year. She will also contribute to state initiatives, such as the State Leadership Conference and statewide meetings.
Beyond the resume boost, Harman says she’s most excited about making connections. “It’ll prepare me for the future, especially working with adults and understanding how to handle more professional roles,” she said. “Getting to know everybody on the board is such a great opportunity.”
At home, Harman plays a pivotal role in growing Oskaloosa’s FBLA chapter, which is only in its second year. “We’ve really expanded,” she said. “We’ve been doing more fundraising and connecting with other groups like FFA and Student Council. At State, we placed fifth in parliamentary procedure.”
With about 20 to 25 active members from the Oskaloosa High School, the Oskaloosa chapter is focused on visibility and opportunity. “Our goal is to put our name out there and participate in as many events as possible,” Harman said. “But we’re also making sure we’re learning from those opportunities.”
OHS business teacher and FBLA adviser Jason Crile has watched that growth firsthand. “The first year, we had about 10 kids. This year, it’s more than doubled,” Crile says. “It’s a student-led group, and they’ve taken ownership. Kara’s success at the state level is a huge step forward for us.”
Crile praised Harman’s initiative and leadership. “Kara is very dependable, very driven,” she said. “She has a strong work ethic and understands the importance of setting goals. What’s impressive is how she balances her own aspirations with helping her chapter grow.”
One of the chapter’s biggest upcoming projects is the creation of a student-run coffee shop at Oskaloosa High School. “We’re hoping to launch it during May term,” Harman said. “The idea is to give students a convenient option in the morning that’s affordable and on campus. We’re working with other school organizations to make it happen.”
The group is also planning to sell Oskaloosa-themed holiday ornaments next school year. “They’ll feature local monuments and designs unique to our town,” he said. “It’s another way for us to raise funds while promoting community pride.”
For students who might be unsure about joining FBLA, Harman has a simple message: “Just join. You’ve got nothing to lose. It’s a welcoming group, and we’re always looking for new people.”
Crile echoed the sentiment. “Students who join FBLA get exposed to real-world experiences, interviews, resumes, and teamwork,” he said. “That kind of learning sticks with them. It builds confidence.”
Harman’s ambitions don’t stop with FBLA. After high school, she hopes to attend the University of Iowa and pursue a career in physical therapy with a minor in business. “I definitely want to keep growing as a leader,” she said.
Her involvement in FBLA is helping her do just that. “I think I had a deeper love for business than I realized,” she said. “It’s pushed me to grow and drive toward new things.”
As Crile sees it, FBLA is just one more example of what Oskaloosa has to offer. “Opportunities like this don’t happen everywhere,” he said. “In some schools, there’s no FBLA. But here, students can lead, they can compete, they can grow, and Kara is proving that.”