This month, Executive Council Officers Angel Pina and Alexa Chavez are proud to highlight a dedicated BPA alum whose journey reflects the true power of growth, leadership, and lifelong connection to the organization: Engen Sundberg. Beginning as a high school senior in 2017 and continuing nearly a decade later as an active alumni leader, their path through BPA showcases an extraordinary commitment to service at every level, from local and state offices in Alaska to serving as national postsecondary president and a member of the BPA Board of Trustees. Now working as a payroll specialist at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, they carry forward the skills BPA helped cultivate: confidence, communication, and the ability to lead with purpose. From speaking in front of thousands at National Leadership Conferences to building meaningful connections through networking and shared experiences, their story highlights how stepping outside of one’s comfort zone can lead to lasting impact. Learn more about how their continued involvement demonstrates that BPA is not just an experience, but a lifelong journey of leadership, service, and transformation.

1. During which years were you an active member of BPA?
   I joined BPA as a high school senior in the fall of 2017 and am currently an active alumni member of BPA through the National BPA Alumni Division. So, that makes almost nine years and still counting! My roles include:
   1. 2018 secondary local chapter parliamentarian
   2. 2018-2019 postsecondary local president
   3. 2018-2019 Alaska BPA state vice president
   4. 2019-2020 Alaska BPA state president
   5. 2020-2021 Alaska BPA state vice president
   6. 2021-2022 National postsecondary vice president
   7. 2022-2023 National postsecondary president
   8. 2022-2023 National BPA Board of Trustees member
   9. 2024-2025 National BPA Alumni Division treasurer
   10. 2025-2026 National BPA Alumni Division NLC Committee Chair
   11. I have also served on a number of committees on all levels throughout those years.

2. What was your most memorable moment or achievement during your time in BPA, and why does it stand out to you?
   This is a tough question because I have loved every part of BPA. If I had to choose only one, my most memorable moment was serving as a two-time term as the National Officer (Dallas, TX and Anaheim, CA) because that gave me an opportunity to travel, connect with many students across the nation, and hear about member experiences, accomplishments, and fun stories they have accomplished throughout the year. It was my proudest moment as I was able to truly make a difference for BPA members and advisors alike. My other favorite memorable highlight would be networking with members from different states gathered at the National Leadership Conference by trading state pins to build a collection. It was a fun and meaningful way to connect with others and create lasting memories.

3. Can you share your current profession and how your experience with BPA helped shape your career path?
   I am currently a Payroll Specialist at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, one of the largest nonprofit social service organizations in the state. In this role, I am responsible for processing payroll and managing various related tasks and projects. BPA provided me with numerous opportunities to develop essential skills including networking, organization, leadership, teamwork, and confidence. These skills helped prepare me for success in my professional career. BPA pushed me beyond my personal limits, supported my growth, allowed me to discover my purpose, and transformed me into a better leader.

4. In what ways did your involvement in BPA prepare you for the future? Are there specific skills or experiences that have proven especially valuable?
   BPA has taught me countless lessons and provided many opportunities for me to develop and grow. It truly changed my life by leading a team on various tasks and managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously. The skills I gained through BPA have prepared me for success in my professional career, particularly in teamwork and effective communication. My passion and dedication to every aspect of this organization have helped me shape me into the leader I am today. Before joining BPA, I was a very shy person with little confidence and no experience in networking and public speaking. I had the opportunity to speak in front of thousands of members (at NLC for instance), and BPA pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I never imagined. I am truly thankful for BPA.

5. How do you continue to stay connected with BPA and how has your involvement evolved since graduating?
   After my term as a National Officer ended, I immediately became a member of the National BPA Alumni Division because I didn’t want my involvement with BPA to stop. I continued to stay involved by volunteering at SLC/NLC and participating in various activities. I plan to stay actively involved with this amazing organization for many years to come. I am currently serving as the NLC committee chair for the National BPA Alumni Division.

6. What advice or words of wisdom would you offer to current BPA members looking to make the most of their experience and plan for their futures?
   I highly encourage you to take full advantage of everything BPA has to offer from networking, conferences, competitions, workshops, and volunteering to professional and leadership development, just to name a few. Every experience is an opportunity to challenge yourself, increase your skillset, and discover your passion. If you have been thinking about running for a leadership position, STEP UP and DO IT! Yes, it will push you outside of comfort zone, but that is what BPA is all about! BPA helps you practice your skills and prepares you for a future career. Get ready for a lot of hard work, seize every opportunity, and be fully committed. It’s truly a life changing and rewarding experience after all.