(Clarksdale, Mississippi) –Karmese Leflore earned an eighth-place finish in Business Communications at the 2026 Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference, held June 6-8 at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel.
Leflore advanced to the national conference after placing first at the state FBLA competition, qualifying her to compete against top collegiate business students from across the country. Only students who place first, second or third at the state level advance to national competition.
Her top 10 national finish marked a notable achievement for Coahoma Community College and reflected her preparation, discipline and communication skills in a highly competitive academic setting. During the conference, the top 10 competitors in each event were recognized for their performance.
The National Leadership Conference brought together students from community colleges, colleges and universities nationwide for competitive events, leadership development workshops and networking opportunities. Participants engaged in activities designed to strengthen professional communication, career-readiness and leadership capacity.
"Karmese worked extremely hard in preparation for this competition," said Kimberly Hollins, instructor and FBLA advisor, Coahoma Community College. "Competing at the national level means facing some of the best students from community colleges and universities across the country. I am proud of her dedication, perseverance and commitment to excellence."
Leflore graduated from Coahoma Community College in May 2026 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Administrative Professional Technology. She plans to continue her education at Coahoma Community College this fall as a Healthcare Data Technology major.
Her accomplishment highlights the opportunities available to students through career and technical student organizations, which allow participants to apply classroom knowledge in competition while building confidence, leadership ability and professional experience.
"We are proud of the way Karmese represented Coahoma Community College and the Career and Technical Education Division on the national stage," Hollins said. "Her success reflects the value of hard work and the impact of meaningful student engagement beyond the classroom."
Future Business Leaders of America is the world's largest business career and technical student organization, serving more than 230,000 members annually. The organization prepares students to become community-minded business leaders through academic competition, leadership development and career preparation experiences.
Students interested in becoming a member of FBLA may contact Kimberly Hollins at (662) 621-4150 or khollins@coahomacc.edu.
About Coahoma Community College
Founded in 1949, Coahoma Community College is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon Band.