Hopkinton’s Sreya Ravi (third from left) poses with fellow Business Professionals of America post-secondary executive officers.

Sreya Ravi had such a positive experience with Business Professionals of America at Hopkinton High School that she remains closely tied to the organization today.

A sophomore at Northeastern University, Ravi is serving as executive vice president of BPA’s post-secondary division, a national leadership role.

She is a living example of the organization’s mission to empower student leaders to discover their passion, which in her case, is business administration and health care leadership.

But Ravi said she learned a lot more than a potential major after high school graduation.

“There are so many unmatched opportunities in learning, professional growth and service,” she noted. “Before BPA, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and career.”

Through competitive events and opportunities in student officer positions, Ravi said she not only discovered her interests in the business world, but also picked up skills like public speaking, time management and conflict resolution.

In high school, Ravi served as a Hopkinton chapter leader and Massachusetts state president and now is involved nationally while a university student.

Ravi said, “I have only grown more passionate about what BPA offers. Its presence across chapters in Massachusetts schools and Hopkinton has had a tremendous impact on student business education.”

Scott Mathie is leadership development specialist for BPA’s executive council. To achieve her position on the executive council, Mathie said Ravi had to showcase her skills and qualifications through a rigorous selection process and then be presented to members as a candidate.

“Sreya then had to answer questions, connect with members and showcase her ideas for the next steps of the organization and be elected,” Mathie explained. “Sreya now holds a position that less than 1% of members achieve.”

One aspect of BPA is the opportunity for students to travel to leadership conferences where they compete and attend sessions in different business-specific categories like finance, health care administration, digital communication and design, management information systems and more.

They also give presentations and run campaigns for office.

Mathie noted the competitive aspect of the program allows students to have experiences where they prove their knowledge, receive feedback from industry professionals and then adjust and compete again.

“With the added layer of competition and receiving awards, students have great opportunities to strengthen their skills,” Mathie said.

Ravi noted she has travelled with BPA to Texas, California, Oklahoma and Ohio.

This year’s state conference will be held in Norwood from March 2-3.

The national conference is in Chicago from May 10-14.

State director Makenzi Tiberii noted at the college level, BPA gives students exposure to real-world professionals through competitive events, professional training and workshops catered specifically toward students receiving higher education, “so the focus is much more distinct and intense.”

“Students are also able to network with like-minded individuals from across the state and nation, which provides them with necessary skills when working amongst people from all different backgrounds,” Tiberii said.

Ravi noted that her continued involvement with BPA has allowed her to get to know people of all ages as well as other college students with different majors, interests and backgrounds.

Most of all, BPA has helped her to grow in confidence. Ravi recalled “shaking in front of two judges” at first in high school, to now feeling it is “second nature” to speak in front of large crowds.

Tiberii praised Ravi’s ability to collaborate and bring her personal experiences with BPA forward to offer “constructive routes for improvement” and evaluate several different perspectives.

Because Ravi is immersed in several other activities, Tiberii indicated she provides insight to the board, and her communication skills help her adjust in numerous environments.

“We are lucky to have her involved in BPA,” the state president said. “Sreya is an exceptional individual and leader who is always pushing the organization forward.”

“Sreya has demonstrated a confident drive to better the organization for all members through asking thoughtful questions, strategically knowing where to push to innovate, and where to reinforce tradition,” Mathie added.

In addition to her tasks for BPA, Ravi keeps busy as a college student working toward a combined bachelor of science in business administration and health science with a concentration in health care management and consulting, as well as a minor in music.

She also is working in a Strategic Initiatives co-op at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Development Office until June.

When not studying or working, Ravi enjoys music and dance activities at Northeastern and prioritizes sleep and working out.

She cites Hopkinton High School teacher Doug Scott as a “mentor” who sparked her interest in the program and who continues to guide and support her.

Ravi said that when students “age out” of BPA, they never leave as the same person they were when they first joined.

“And when they take their next step,” she said, “they are ready and prepared to be successful in a world-class workforce.”

Added Mathie: “By the end of her term, Sreya will have left BPA better than she found it, and I cannot wait to see what she continues to accomplish!”