Empowering Youth: Mahin Patel’s Journey to FBLA Nationals

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HIGHTSTOWN, NJ – Meet Mahin Patel, a sophomore at Hightstown High School with a passion for public policy, a natural gift for leadership, and a mission to make financial literacy more accessible for young people. With aspirations to major in political science and one day influence law or education policy, Mahin is already making waves in the world of future leadership.

Recently, Mahin and his project partner, Devansh Patel, earned 3rd place at the prestigious Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference, qualifying them for the National Leadership Conference (NLC)—a major milestone for any aspiring leader.

What is FBLA Nationals—and Why It Matters

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FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) is one of the country’s largest career and business student organizations, with over 200,000 student members across middle school, high school, and college levels. The FBLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) is the organization’s flagship event—bringing together top-performing students from all 50 states to compete, network, and engage in workshops on business, leadership, and innovation.

Competing at Nationals means that a student’s work has been recognized among the best in their state. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with future leaders, sharpen professional skills, and gain national exposure. For students like Mahin, it’s not just a competition—it’s a launchpad for real-world impact and a stepping stone to lifelong leadership.

A Proud Moment for the Patel Family and the Community

Mahin’s achievement is not only a personal triumph—it’s a proud moment for the Patel family and the entire local community.

He is the grandson of Jagdish Patel, one of our respected community leaders known for his years of dedication to charitable work and cultural engagement. Mahin is often seen attending events with his grandfather and Piyush “Pai” Patel, another community stalwart committed to public service and mentorship.

Mahin’s father, Mehul Patel, is the proud owner of Panchero’s restaurant in Hightstown, a beloved local spot that’s become synonymous with great food and community spirit . Mehul and his wife, Neema Patel, are widely respected for their hospitality and involvement in local causes and community.

The success of Mahin is a reflection of values passed down through generations—a commitment to service, learning, and leadership. This is truly a proud and joyful moment for the entire Patel family and us, and for the community that stands behind them.

Q&A With Mahin Patel

Q: Mahin, congratulations on qualifying for FBLA Nationals! Can you walk us through your journey—what inspired your project and how it all began?

Mahin: Thank you! Honestly, it started with a simple observation—many teens don’t really understand money. As someone interested in political science and education policy, I’ve noticed how financial literacy is often missing in schools, even though it’s such a critical life skill. I wanted to help change that.

For our FBLA event, my partner Devansh and I created “Smart Money Management Tips for High School Students.” Our goal was to make personal finance engaging and relevant to teens. We talked about earning, budgeting, saving, and investing—and why those things matter, even at our age.

Q: What made your project stand out from the rest?

Mahin: We made it interactive and hands-on. Instead of just facts and slides, we used real-world examples, flyers, and relatable teen scenarios. We even extended our efforts into the community—hosting discussions and sharing materials online. It wasn’t just a presentation, it became a movement. That real-world application helped us stand out and place in the state competition.

Q: Who supported you along the way?

Mahin: I’m incredibly grateful for my partner Devansh—he brought creativity and dedication to every part of the project. Our advisor, Ms. Nasim, supported us every step of the way and pushed us to improve. My parents were a constant source of motivation, and our friends cheered us on the whole time. It was truly a team effort.

Q: Beyond the award, what kind of impact did your project have?

Mahin: That’s my favorite part. We didn’t stop at the competition—we kept going. We shared flyers with students, hosted small sessions, and used social media to spread our message. One of the most meaningful moments came when a student we helped used what they learned in their own competition project—and they ended up placing at the International Career Development Conference. It was incredible to see our work help others succeed.

Q: What’s next for you and the project?

Mahin: Right now, we’re focused on preparing for Nationals. I’m excited to compete and also learn from others. Long-term, I want to keep advocating for financial literacy and education access. I plan to major in political science and hopefully work in a space where I can influence education or public policy—somewhere I can give back and make a difference.

Q: Any final thoughts or thank-yous?

Mahin: Absolutely. This whole journey was a team achievement. I’m so thankful to Devansh, Ms. Nasim, my parents, and my peers. Their support made all of this possible. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I can’t wait to represent our school and state at Nationals.

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