Fairfield’s Kraemer sisters excel in collegiate FBLA

FAIRFIELD — Two sisters from Fairfield are making a name for themselves in the world of collegiate FBLA.

The organization, an abbreviation of Future Business Leaders of America, prepares young people for life after school by honing their business skills and getting them ready to embark on a career. Fairfield High School has an active chapter, whose students routinely bring home awards from the state conference.

Sisters Madison and Lauren Kraemer got their start in FBLA at FHS. The Kraemers enjoyed their time in FBLA so much that they continued with the program at the University of Northern Iowa, which they’re both attending.

Madison became president of not just the UNI chapter of FBLA Collegiate, but of the state organization, too. She was even appointed National Parliamentarian. Earlier this summer, Madison stepped down as president of the state organization so she could run for national president, a feat she achieved just a few weeks ago.

The campaign to become national president was a labor of love for Madison, who said it required collecting sponsors, building a website, designing printed materials, constructing an on-site campaign booth, going through multiple levels of interviews, and giving a speech at the opening ceremony of the national conference in Chicago.

“Hearing my name announced as president was a moment I will never forget, and one that left me speechless and a little teary-eyed,” Madison said.

Madison was not alone at the national conference. Lauren is also an accomplished member of FBLA Collegiate, and had earned first place at the state competition in the category of Digital Media. This allowed her to go to nationals, where she placed fourth. Handing her the trophy was none other than her sister Madison.

Lauren explained that in Digital Media, participants must give a presentation on a subject of their choosing that involves digital media. She crafted a presentation about an idea for a new clothing resale shop, and created a video to go with it.

“Although I was not expecting this outcome, it was a great feeling to know that I placed first in my event [at state],” Lauren said. “It was my first college event and I knew I had prepared well, and I was hoping the outcome would show.”

Madison also placed first in her event at the state level, which was “Who’s Who in Iowa PBL.” That is an award given to the student who is doing the most in their state, which includes leadership positions, events they’ve competed in, and conferences attended.

“It was an honor to represent Iowa as the Who’s Who recipient!” Madison said.

Career at FHS

Madison is two years older than Lauren, which means she got to dip her toe into the FBLA waters first. Madison joined the club at FHS in 2016 when she was a sophomore.

“I had a few friends that were in the club, but it was really my former adviser, teacher, and family friend, Diane Goudy, who convinced me to take a step out of my comfort zone and join the organization,” Madison said.

Madison said that Goudy “took me under her wing” when she joined FBLA, and that Goudy has been a great role model and mentor, even to this day. When Madison was a senior, Deborah Matthews took over the role of FBLA adviser upon Goudy’s retirement. Madison said Matthews was a terrific adviser and teacher as well.

During her high school career, Madison competed in many FBLA events including Broadcast Journalism, Website Design and Pin Design.

When Lauren got to high school, she jumped at the chance to join FBLA because her older sister was in it, and her family was friends with Goudy. Lauren took several events to State Leadership Conference such as Spelling Relay, Graphic Design, Mobile App Design and many others. During her sophomore year, Lauren placed in the Top 15 nationally in Publication Design.

Lauren said she, like her sister, was fortunate to have both Goudy and Matthews as advisers.

“Diane Goudy really got all of us excited about this organization and prepared us well for the future in and out of FBLA,” Lauren said. “When Deborah Matthews took the position, I was able to help out the group under another great adviser.”

Madison graduated from FHS in 2019, and when she enrolled at UNI that fall, she thought it would be fun to continue with FBLA at the collegiate level, which she said gives students more independence. After Lauren graduated from FHS in 2021, she followed the same path, joining UNI’s FBLA Collegiate team.

“FBLA at the collegiate level is much more student-led, which is why I’m grateful that high school FBLA taught me so well in many areas,” Lauren said.

The Kraemer sisters’ success in FBLA encouraged their younger sister, Makenzie, to join FHS’s club, too.

Life at UNI

Madison and Lauren are both very busy with multiple activities even outside FBLA and their studies. Madison said she fills her time with work, an internship and a couple of other campus organizations.

“Down time is sometimes scarce, but I do enjoy game nights with my friends, going to UNI sporting events, or any outdoor activities,” she said.

Lauren is involved in the National Student Speech-Language & Hearing Association (NSSLHA), UNI Symphonic band, Best Buddies, and she works an on-campus job.

“Besides being involved in organizations and schooling, I like to go to sporting events, hang out around campus, and use the recreation center,” she said.

Madison is double-majoring in marketing and organizational leadership, with a minor in ethics. After graduation, she plans to work for a digital marketing agency, but ultimately, she hopes to work as a training and development manager.

Lauren is studying communication sciences and disorders, and minoring in gerontology and educational studies. After graduation, she plans to get a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

Madison and Lauren are the daughters of David and Staci Kraemer.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com