Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students delivered an impressive performance in competition at the 2026 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate National Leadership Conference, capturing a national title in cybersecurity and earning top finishes in several other events.

The conference, held June 6-8 in Las Vegas, featured individual and team competitions across a broad range of business disciplines, including finance, management, technology, communications and entrepreneurship. Participants were evaluated through examinations, presentations, case studies and other performance-based events that mirror professional workplace scenarios.

Leading Embry-Riddle’s success was Francisco Cordova, a Cyber Intelligence and Security major, who captured a national championship with a first-place finish in the Cybersecurity event. Cordova also helped lead Embry-Riddle to a second-place finish in the Technology and Computer Science Case Competition alongside teammates Connor Calme, a senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering, and Jacob Heusuk, a senior majoring in Cyber Intelligence and Security. All three students are expected to graduate in the spring of 2027.

"Over the course of my three years at Embry-Riddle, I developed strong friendships with Connor and Jacob, which made it easier to build cohesion and share ideas during our case competition," Cordova said. "It showcased the incredible value of networking and working alongside your peers."

Heusuk said that competition also enabled students from different backgrounds and majors to come together and develop professional skills.

"Francisco and I combined our security and defense knowledge for our case, while Connor's engineering mindset helped us turn an idea into a working prototype within days,” he said.

In total, seven Embry-Riddle students earned top-10 finishes.

Wyatt Wilson placed fourth in the International Business event and eighth in the Sports Management & Marketing challenge. Justin Berry earned sixth place in the Foundations of Finance event. James Burke recorded two top-10 finishes.

“Our students worked extremely hard to prepare for this competition, and their success on the national stage is well deserved,” said Dr. Javad Gorjidooz, chair of the Business Administration program. “These achievements demonstrate what can happen when talented students combine classroom learning with dedication, teamwork and a commitment to excellence.”

The students’ achievements at the conference showcased the university's commitment to preparing graduates with business acumen and analytical skills for leadership roles in industry, he added.

“We are very proud of their accomplishments and the way they represented Embry-Riddle at the national level,” Gorjidooz said.