Recently, National Officers Alexa and Angel had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Cory Carson, a dedicated BPA alumnus and current Alumni Representative on the Board of Trustees. Here’s what he shared about his journey, career, and continued involvement with BPA.

1. During which years were you an active member of BPA?
   I was an active student member from 2007 to 2009, and then served as the Michigan state parliamentarian during the 2009–2010 membership year.
   
   
2. Can you tell us more about your time as a state parliamentarian for BPA?
   Becoming state parliamentarian was a huge learning experience. I didn’t know much about parliamentary procedure before being elected, so I had to learn quickly. It was exciting to play a role in planning the State Leadership Conference for more than 1,800 students. Helping shape that experience for others was both challenging and rewarding.
   
   
3. What was your most memorable moment in BPA?
   One of my most memorable—and most challenging—moments came during my senior year. The year before I had placed in the top 10 nationally in Presentation Management Individual, but the following year I barely made it through states. That setback taught me resilience, attention to detail, and the importance of learning from failure. Those lessons shaped me professionally and helped me grow into who I am today.
   
   

4. What is your current profession, and how has BPA influenced your career?
   I’m currently a food safety and quality assurance manager, responsible for developing programs that protect millions of people every day. My plant alone feeds around 10 million people daily. The skills I gained through BPA—communication, leadership, problem solving, and especially confidence—are essential in leading my team and ensuring the safety of our products in a challenging manufacturing environment.
   

5. Do any parts of your day-to-day work resemble your BPA experiences?
   Not directly, but BPA gave me the foundation I rely on every day. For example, I learned how to build impactful presentations and communicate with confidence. Those skills carry into my professional work, whether it’s problem solving, presenting ideas, or leading a team. BPA also taught me how to handle setbacks and grow from them, which is something I use daily. On a personal note, BPA helped me break out of my shell—I used to be shy and introverted, but now I’m an extrovert who enjoys meeting and connecting with people.
   

6. How have you stayed connected with BPA as an alumnus?
   Right after graduation, I began giving back by judging at regional and state conferences in Michigan. That grew into larger roles, like running the grading room at the State Leadership Conference. More recently, I’ve become involved nationally, judging events at NLCs in Anaheim, Chicago, and Orlando. I now work closely with BPA staff, helping manage the competitive events headquarters at Nationals. I also serve as president-elect of the Alumni Division and was elected as the alumni representative on the Board of Trustees, where I help shape the future of BPA for current and future members.
   
   
7. What excites you most about the Alumni Division right now?
   The Alumni Division is in an exciting rebuilding phase after the challenges of COVID-19. We’re focusing on growth, connection, and giving back—not just financially, but through service, mentorship, and professional development. For example, we’re developing educational sessions where alumni can share their expertise with current members, giving students additional tools to succeed.
   
   
8. What advice would you give to current BPA members?
   Step outside of your comfort zone. The best growth comes from doing things that feel uncomfortable at first. You’ll discover new skills and passions you didn’t know you had. Networking is also huge—BPA gives you the opportunity to connect with people who may become lifelong friends or professional contacts. Even years later, you’ll bond with others over shared BPA experiences. Finally, remember that every skill you learn in BPA—whether it’s presenting, problem solving, or leading—will carry into your future career, even if you don’t follow a traditional “business” path.