Lakewood Ranch High Student Makes History as Florida FBLA President
For the first time in more than 75 years, a student from Manatee County has been elected Florida president of the Future Business Leaders of America, marking a significant milestone for both the region and local education programs.
Gabriella Martinez Reyes, a junior at Lakewood Ranch High School, earned the prestigious leadership position during the 2026 Florida FBLA State Leadership Conference, emerging as a standout among thousands of student leaders from across the state.
Her election reflects years of dedication and growth within the organization. Martinez Reyes began her FBLA journey in seventh grade as one of just four members in her middle school chapter. Since then, she has steadily built her leadership skills, preparing her for one of the organization’s highest student roles.
The campaign for state president required both confidence and resilience. Martinez Reyes addressed more than 6,000 FBLA members during the conference’s opening session, delivering a speech that highlighted her vision and leadership approach. Her campaign theme, Gaby the G.O.A.T., blended a lighthearted tone with a deeper message focused on helping members reach their full leadership potential.
As she prepares to enter her senior year, Martinez Reyes plans to build on her experiences and expand her impact statewide. Alongside the newly elected officer team, she has outlined key priorities for the upcoming year, including improving communication among chapters, strengthening unity across regions, and developing meaningful resources to support local FBLA programs.
These initiatives are designed to create a more connected and empowered experience for members throughout Florida, reinforcing FBLA’s mission of preparing students for careers in business and leadership.
