NEW HAVEN, CT - In a monumental achievement for the New Haven County School District, Sahithi Aliminate, a junior at the Engineering and Science University Magnet School (ESUMS), has been elected to the highest student office in the state as the 2026-2027 Connecticut FBLA State President during the 2026 Connecticut Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference. Sahithi has achieved the prestigious appointment as the leader of the state's premier student business and technology organization. In this role, she will serve as the lead representative for thousands of students across the state, overseeing state-wide initiatives and shaping the future of business and technology education and professional development for the next generation.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest business and technology Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) in the world, dedicated to preparing students for careers in business, digital technology, arts, entertainment, design and many more through academic competitions, leadership development, and educational programs.
Sahithi’s election was a highlight of a historic conference performance. This year, she also notably earned the prestigious Business Achievement Award (BAA)—a multi-level national program requiring hundreds of hours of dedicated service, business education, and community advocacy. Her unmatched dedication was further recognized with the Who’s Who Award for Connecticut, a distinction reserved for the most exemplary members in the state who have made outstanding contributions to the organization at the local and state levels.
Sahithi’s path to the presidency was paved by her work on the Connecticut State FBLA Student Council this year. Under her leadership, she helped bridge the gap between age groups by helping to integrate the Middle Level chapter into the state conference for the first time for ESUMS. Her profound commitment to community and sponsor impact was demonstrated through her leadership of an extensive outreach campaign, which secured a significant volume of gift card donations from businesses throughout the county, directly benefiting FBLA initiatives and raising the organization’s profile.
At ESUMS, where she serves as Vice President of the FBLA Chapter, Sahithi is celebrated for her vision and character. "Sahithi’s elevation to State President is a testament to her vision and relentless work ethic," said Dr. Medria Blue-Ellis, Principal of ESUMS. "She embodies the spirit of our school, combining academic excellence with a commitment to uplifting her community. We are incredibly proud to have her representing ESUMS on the state and national stage."
Lakesha Kirkland, Sahithi's FBLA Advisor, detailed her profound, transformative leadership impact on chapter members as she doesn't just meet standards, she sets them. "What truly sets Sahithi apart is her innate drive for teaching other students' leadership and her genuine passion for helping others succeed. She believes that leadership is a skill to be shared, and she has worked tirelessly to ensure her fellow students have the tools to lead with confidence. She became an informal mentor to many of the younger members, patiently guiding them through complex business concepts and competition preparations, which significantly helped elevate the overall performance and morale of the entire ESUMS FBLA chapter. It has been my honor to watch her grow and work with her over these past 3 years."
Sahithi’s remarkable trajectory from a local leader to a state-wide president highlights her as one of the most accomplished young business leaders in the region, bringing immense pride to the ESUMS community and the city of New Haven. At the State Leadership Conference, Sahithi also placed 1st in Public Service Announcement, where she utilized her sharp communication and technology skills.