On March 28 and April 11, respectively, the California chapters of HOSA – Future Health Professionals and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) elected Oxford juniors Claire Kim and Mara Grepo as their State Presidents for the 2026-2027 term. Their elections were announced at HOSA and FBLA’s Student Leadership Conferences (SLCs), ushering in a new era in the Oxford chapters’ history.
Grepo joined FBLA as a seventh grader and served in the chapter’s middle level in eighth grade. Later on, she became the Southern Section State Vice President as a junior, which propelled her towards the presidency.
“[Grepo] has done so much to grow our middle level and high school program,” Oxford FBLA advisor Mr. Rylaarsdam said. “I couldn’t be more proud of all she has accomplished.”
Historically, California’s FBLA state presidents have been from elsewhere in California’s six sections, most recently the Inland and Bay Sections. However, Grepo is the first Oxford student to fill the role and the first from the Southern Section (Los Angeles and Orange Counties) since 2023.
“I feel like this is the culmination of my entire FBLA journey,” Grepo said. “I’ve really grown up with this organization, so I’m proudest of the work I’ve put in on the chapter, section, and state level.”
Looking to the future, Grepo’s plans for the position include promoting mentorship opportunities in the state to support new FBLA members in their journeys.
“The professional and personal relationships I’ve built throughout the years have shaped my journey and who I am today, not only as a leader but as a person too,” Grepo said. “Being in this organization has given me so many opportunities for growth and I just hope to give back to it by doing the same for others.”
Similarly, Kim joined the middle school chapter of HOSA in seventh grade, moving on to become the Middle School Representative in eighth grade. She next served as the California Leadership Development Chair and Chapter Secretary.
Eventually, after serving as the State Vice President, Kim began the campaign process for the presidency, which entailed an advisor endorsement, submission of two essay questions, mock project, and state officer exam. She was finally elected after an interview with the selection committee.
“Next year…I’m hoping to accomplish so much with next year’s state officer team,” Kim said. “I have been able to grow as a leader through HOSA, and I am grateful to be able to serve the community that has given me so much.”
Going into this position, Kim hopes to boost member engagement and make HOSA more accessible to newer chapters. She also plans to focus on the Golden Hearts Initiative, which, as this year’s state initiative, raised 1919 kits to help children in pediatric hospitals.
“I’m hoping to serve California even more by emphasizing more projects…while also incorporating ways that we can address issues happening in California,” Kim said. “I’m hoping to expand projects like these out more to provide opportunities for students to serve their local communities.”
