Meet Brittani Phillips, state FCCLA advisor

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Alumni in the College of Education and Human Sciences lead and serve their communities in exceptional ways. Brittani Phillips is the state Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) advisor. After graduating from Oklahoma State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s in human development and family science and option in family and consumer sciences education, she served as state FCCLA director for Nevada and Oregon before returning to Oklahoma.

“I believe wholeheartedly in the mission and purpose of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) and FCCLA,” Phillips said. “I know these courses and this organization are making a difference not only in the classroom, but also in our families, community, country and world.”

As state FCCLA advisor, Phillips advises the Oklahoma FCCLA State Executive Council and supports all state Oklahoma FCCLA programs, including competitive events, leadership conferences, curriculum and attendance at national FCCLA opportunities.

What personal experiences led you to be passionate about family and consumer sciences education?

I come from a family where FCS skills such as culinary arts, sewing, communication and finances are really valued. I actually enrolled in my first FCS class as a freshman and joined FCCLA because my mom made me! However, once I was in the classroom, I fell in love with it and haven’t looked back.

I grew from a quiet, shy student who rarely spoke to being elected the Oklahoma FCCLA State President and then National Vice President of Membership. The organization changed my life, and I developed a passion to inspire other teen leaders to find their voice and passion.

What do you wish more people knew about family and consumer sciences education?

I think often people think we are still just cooking and sewing, but we are so much more! We have educational pathways beginning in the middle school for students to graduate with certifications in various career areas and enter the workforce immediately or advance in post-secondary studies.

Also, FCS curriculum encompasses many careers. Many FCS majors choose to teach, but others work as Oklahoma Extension Services FCS agents, holding workshops and outreach programs directly in their communities.

What OSU experiences were most helpful for what you do now?

I loved my time at OSU and am so proud to be an alumna! My experiences with the Human Sciences Village Board and the Human Sciences Student Council helped me understand the large scope of FCS and human sciences. I was also very involved in my Panhellenic sorority, Phi Mu, as vice president and president, where I learned to delegate and lead others. Some of my favorite times were working on Homecoming events because I was challenged to manage a large project and handle curveballs with grace.

What advice do you have for students considering a family and consumer sciences education major?

You will never regret choosing this major! OSU offers one of the best family and consumer sciences education experiences in the nation. The coursework not only challenges you to grow and learn, but it is so much fun.

My best advice is to be as hands-on in your classes as possible. Go to class, make connections, ask questions and truly experience all FCS offers before you graduate. Volunteer with FCCLA and gain experience as an advisor before getting a classroom of your own. Also, consider joining the professional organizations Oklahoma Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (OAFCS) and the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) to begin making professional connections.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brittany Bowman | 405-744-9347 | brittany.bowman@okstate.edu