(Clarksdale, Miss.) — Coahoma Community College student Karmese Leflore recently brought home top honors after competing in the Mississippi Future Business
Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference and Competition held February
25–27, 2026, at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Leflore, a Business Office Technology major, competed in two events during the statewide conference: Business Communication and Job Interview. Demonstrating strong communication skills and professionalism, she earned first place in the Business Communication competition, competing against students from community colleges and universities across Mississippi.
The FBLA State Leadership Conference provides students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and practical skills in various business-related fields while also strengthening leadership and career-readiness skills. Through competitive events, networking opportunities, and professional development sessions, students gain valuable experience that prepares them for success in both the workforce and higher education.
Leflore described the experience as both exciting and rewarding.
“I placed first in Business Communications at the FBLA competition, and it was truly
phenomenal,” Leflore said. “I was nervous at first, 
but once I began competing, everything flowed easily. It was an amazing experience,
and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn new things and challenge myself. I also
appreciate Ms. Hollins for her guidance and encouragement throughout the process.”
Her advisor and instructor, Kimberly Hollins, said Leflore’s success is the result of her dedication and preparation.
“Karmese put in the work in the subject area with the necessary practice and preparation,” Hollins said. “It was exciting to see her efforts pay off with a first-place finish. Competitions like this allow our students to compete with other colleges and universities across the state while showcasing the skills they have developed here at Coahoma.”
Hollins also noted that Leflore is a well-rounded student with tremendous potential for continued success.
“Karmese is a well-rounded student who has the potential to become the best version of herself with the right guidance and preparation,” Hollins added. “I look forward to helping her reach the next level as her advisor and instructor.”
Because of her first-place finish at the state level, Leflore has qualified to represent Coahoma Community College and the state of Mississippi at the FBLA National Leadership Conference and Competition, which will be held June 6–8, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Through organizations such as FBLA, Coahoma Community College continues to provide students with opportunities that build leadership, confidence, and professional skills while preparing them to become productive members of the workforce and successful transfer students at universities.
Students interested in joining the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) organization at Coahoma Community College can contact Kimberly Hollins at (662) 621-4150 or by email at khollins@coahomacc.edu for more information about membership and upcoming opportunities.