CMU’s Riley Valdez placed second and seventh at the FBLA National Conference while balancing academics, leadership and athletics
Colorado Mesa University sophomore Riley Valdez used his knowledge and talents in computer science to place in two competitions in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Collegiate Leadership Conference. Valdez is majoring in computer science, while obtaining minors in both cyber security and Spanish.
Valdez recently joined the wrestling team at CMU and has been juggling school and FBLA. However, his work ethic didn't begin when he got to campus. The Centauri High School graduate competed in numerous events through FBLA in high school where he served as the president for two years. Valdez also achieved a national seventh place finish in the Computer Applications Production test during this time.
“As I go through my classes [at CMU], I continue to learn and grow a liking towards all things computers,” Valdez said.
On June 2, Valdez headed down to Dallas, Texas accompanied by other CMU FBLA competitors to compete in two events. He participated in the Foundation of Technology event where he placed seventh. Yet, Valdez’s major success came in the Foundations of Computer Science event where he placed second.
“To be called earlier had kind of discouraged me for the Foundations of Computer Science event as that was the harder one of the two. I had claimed my prize and headed backstage for pictures,” said Valdez, reflecting on placing in the Foundation of Technology event. “Shortly after, they called the Foundations of Computer Science event, and I was shocked to see that I was called again for that one.”
Valdez appreciated going to nationals as a group, rather than alone like he did in high school. He cherishes moments when he travelled and spent time with his chapter who also competed at the FBLA National Conference. While at the conference, students had the opportunity to visit workshops and learn more about their prospective careers and industries. Valdez took part in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) session where students learned how to use the software ethically and optimize prompts.
FBLA is in Valdez’s future here at CMU, although he has presented a new challenge to his busy schedule for the 2025-26 school year. Valdez has been preparing and working towards a goal athletically, as he plans to walk-on to the Men’s Wrestling team, after debating whether he was ready his first year at CMU. Valdez’s strong work ethic in his education and coursework should help propel him to success on the mat in his future collegiate career.
After graduating, Valdez has ambitions of working in the Computer Forensics field where he can take his skills to the real world.
“I have always loved doing escape rooms and doing puzzles that require thinking outside the box, and I think it is the closest thing to a virtual escape room that also has a powerful impact,” Valdez commented.
Colorado Mesa University is proud to host students like Valdez, who apply their skills outside of the classroom. Valdez is an example of many students and student-athletes that work tirelessly to achieve their goals.