Professionals of America State Leadership Conference held Feb. 26–27, 2026, in Wausau.
The conference brought together students from technical colleges across Wisconsin to compete in business and technology events while developing leadership and professional skills. This year’s theme, “Wired for Impact,” emphasized preparing students to make meaningful contributions in their careers and communities.
Northwood Tech students demonstrated strong performance and professionalism throughout the competition,
earning top placements in multiple events.
Brenda Kretzschmar, adviser for Northwood Tech’s BPA chapter, praised the students’ accomplishments.
“Northwood Tech students demonstrated strong performance, professionalism, and dedication throughout the
event, representing their college with pride. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and commitment to excellence.”
Student results
Amy Drain, a student in the Medical Administrative Professional program on the Rice Lake campus, earned first
place in Intermediate Word Processing and Health Insurance Medical Billing; third place in Health Administration Procedures and Health Administrative Concepts; and fourth place in Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications and Administrative Support Concepts.
Jami Graves, a student in the Administrative Coordinator program on the New Richmond campus, earned first
place in Fundamental Word Processing.
Katherine Hegg, a student in the Business Management program on the Rice Lake campus, earned first place in Integrated Office Applications and third place in Legal Office Procedures and Advanced Interview Skills.
Anthony Justich, a student in the Business Management program on the Ashland campus, earned first place in
Database Applications and Ethics and Professionalism; second place in Fundamental Word Processing; third place in Computer Programming Concepts; and fourth place in Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications.
Bridgette Ouellette, a student in the Business Management program on the Rice Lake campus, earned sixth
place in Ethics and Professionalism.
Hannah Sagness, a student in the Administrative Coordinator program on the New Richmond campus, earned
second place in Basic Office Systems and Procedures.
Mandy Selkow, a student in the Business Management program on the Rice Lake campus, earned first place in
Basic Office Systems and Procedures and Health Administration Procedures.
Evan Sensenig, a student in the Accounting program on the Rice Lake campus, earned first place in Payroll
Accounting and third place in College Accounting.
Tammy Walter-Fishel, a student in the Administrative Coordinator program on the Rice Lake campus, earned
second place in Intermediate Word Processing; fourth place in Basic Office Systems and Procedures; and fifth
place in Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications.
Hegg also received a $200 Mike Tokheim Scholarship. The scholarship, established by the BPA Wisconsin
Association state officers, recognizes outstanding members who exemplify the organization’s core values of
leadership, service and involvement. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A maximum of four scholarships are awarded during the Wisconsin State Leadership Conference each year.
Hegg reflected on the experience and said, “Competing at the 2026 BPA State Leadership Conference in
Wausau was an amazing experience that allowed me to challenge myself and grow my leadership and business skills. It was inspiring to meet students from across Wisconsin and see the hard work everyone put into their events. The experience motivated me to continue improving and striving for success in BPA. I am honored to be representing Wisconsin as I get to compete at nationals.”
Graves highlighted the flexibility offered through the competition format.
“The best part of competing at the 2026 BPA State Leadership Conference for me was the ability to compete
online. As a student with a busy schedule, having the virtual option made the entire process very accessible and extremely easy. The experience of qualifying for Nationals through the virtual competition was seamless and rewarding.”
BPA provides students with opportunities to develop leadership and workplace skills through competitions,
networking and community engagement.
Students who placed in qualifying events will advance to the BPA National Leadership Conference, which will be held May 6–10, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.
