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We look forward to seeing you in Ft. Lauderdale on November 13-15 for the Fall 2025 Convention! The FCA Room Block for The Westin Fort Lauderdale is now open through October 8, 2025. Book your room today! |
We are currently accepting Student Poster Proposals for Presentations for the 76th Annual Convention |
FCA 2025 ConventionProgram Book (coming soon) |
2025 Convention Sponsors |
State Senator Dwight M. Bullard hails from an esteemed educator, community activist and legislator family. In 1981, Dwight moved to Miami, where he was raised in the community of Richmond Heights. After graduating high school, he continued his education at Florida A&M University where he received his B.S. in History Education. From 2000 to 2017, Sen. Bullard was a teacher at Coral Reef Senior High School and in 2008 he was sworn into office as representative of District 118 and was reelected subsequently. In 2012 Senator Bullard was elected to the Florida Senate where he served as Vice Chair of the Transportation and Agriculture committees and maintained membership on Education and several other committees. In his time in the Senate, Bullard worked to stop online bullying, bring tuition equity to aspiring citizens and raise the minimum wage. Bullard served in the Florida Senate until 2016. In 2017, Bullard was hired as the Political Director of the New Florida Majority and recently became Senior Political Advisor of the newly formed Florida Rising. In 2019, he became President of the South Dade NAACP. Bullard now serves as the Sr. Political Advisor for Florida Rising. In this capacity, he works to bring political education and awareness to underserved and often marginalized communities. He also works to push policy to positively impact those same communities. His work now much like his previous roles looks to uplift people in a way that makes them the masters of their own destiny. He continues to amplify the voice of those often unheard. | Silencing the Outside Noise: Prioritizing People over Politics Learning Objectives:
The keynote address will lay out the historical context that has led to the current state of affairs. Participants will learn the tools that will help them navigate the sociopolitical landscape, but rooted in the knowledge they've acquired over years of practice. |
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Victoria Portela, Co-Founder My Buddy Bench Project
Victoria Portela is a passionate teen changemaker and the co-founder of the nonprofit My Buddy Bench Project, an initiative dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusion, and mental well-being among children. A multi-talented student, Victoria has been enrolled in magnet programs for Art, Robotics, and Forensic Science, showcasing her diverse interests and creativity. She began volunteering at just 4 years old, and her love for helping others—especially children—continues to drive her work today. When she’s not leading community projects or excelling academically, Victoria enjoys expressing herself through cooking and sharing her talents with those around her. | Mary Portela, Co-Founder My Buddy Bench Project Mary Portela is a dedicated mother, philanthropist, and entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of experience as a successful business owner in the marketing and advertising industry. While she’s proud of her professional accomplishments, her greatest passion lies in giving back to the community and being an active, supportive presence in her daughter's life. Mary has spent years volunteering and supporting causes close to her heart. Most recently, she became the full-time co-founder of the My Buddy Bench Project (MBBP)—a nonprofit dedicated to promoting kindness, mental health awareness, and inclusion for children. Through MBBP, Mary has combined her professional expertise with her love for service, leading programs that empower youth and create lasting social impact. | Buddy, Kindness Ambassador & Therapy Dog
Buddy is a lovable 6-year-old rescue from the Humane Society in Naples and a Certified Therapy Dog who brings comfort, joy, and connection wherever he goes. As the official mascot and volunteer of the My Buddy Bench Project (MBBP) nonprofit, Buddy plays a special role in promoting kindness, inclusion, and emotional support for children. With his gentle nature and big heart, Buddy is not just a companion—he's a role model for all Kindness Ambassadors, embodying the compassion and friendship the project stands for. Whether he's visiting schools, comforting students, or simply offering a wag and a cuddle, Buddy reminds everyone that a small act of kindness can make a big difference. |
Small Bench, Big Impact: How a Youth-led Buddy Bench program Supports Mental Health and Peer Connection In this presentation, you hear from the mother-daughter duo and co-founders of the My Buddy Bench Project, Victoria and Mary Portela, sharing their journey of turning a simple bench into a movement that promotes kindness, inclusion, and their passion to shine a positive light on mental health awareness amongst children. Drawing from real-life stories and community impact, they will explore how societal norms and pressures often leave young people feeling isolated or unseen—and how intentional spaces for connection can transform not just school culture, but a child’s sense of identity and self-worth. Attendees will walk away with insight into the power of proactive empathy and youth-led engagement, and how to apply these principles within school counseling and mental health settings. |