Image courtesy of FC Digital Archives
Nyomi Herrera, a double major in Psychology and Finance, has taken on the role of SAM President after the graduation of most of the organization’s previous members. Her vision is to uphold the chapter’s legacy of excellence in business case competitions and professional development by recruiting younger, cross-disciplinary members to ensure its continued vitality.
Q: What is SAM, and what is your role within it?
“SAM is an acronym for the Society for Advancement of Management. The organization covers business aspects, such as finance, accounting, business, and international business. The points that we cover in our general meetings are catered to absolutely everyone and benefit any student who is going to be in the working force."
In her role as President, Herrera oversees and organizes events, ensuring the club remains active and engaging. She was particularly excited by the competitive nature of SAM's business case competitions and took the initiative to maintain the club's legacy at Flagler College.
Q: Why did you decide to take on the role of president of SAM as a freshman?
“I heard about SAM through a friend who was in it last year, and I thought it sounded great. It seems like a great opportunity for people to get together over a joint interest."
Herrera's extensive high school leadership background, including being the editor of her school newspaper and captain of model legislatures, prepared her well for this role. When she shared her past experiences and recruitment ideas with the organization’s faculty advisor, Professor Jorge Herrera (no relation), he appointed as her President.
Q: What are the main goals of SAM, and what initiatives are you leading to achieve them?
“SAM was reinstated because a lot of the members graduated last year. So, it had to be kind of built up from the ground up to get new members. Solidifying a younger group of members would be really helpful."
Herrera aims to keep SAM progressing while recruiting more members. She hopes that initiatives like speaking with CEOs and top speakers, along with clever marketing, will entice people to join the club.
Q: How are you working to increase SAM's visibility and membership, and what upcoming events or initiatives are you planning?
“I was in contact with Michelle Swestyn, and they are helping with marketing through Flagler business. We are lucky to have great support."
Herrera has received help from fellow SAM members to highlight the range of opportunities at Flagler through Instagram and flyers. They are organizing tabling events to give everyone a better look into potential future opportunities. A significant upcoming event is the case competition conference in March, where students work on a case to develop a plan for a theoretical business. SAM also plans to host workshops on analyzing business cases and raise awareness with the help of local CEOs and speakers.
Flagler SAM, spring '24 case competition
Q: What challenges have you faced since becoming president of SAM, and how do you balance these responsibilities with your academic and personal life?
“Everyone is super kind and wanting to learn, so it doesn’t ever feel daunting."
Herrera said she’s learned a lot from Professor Jorge Herrera, the SAM faculty advisor, whose guidance and passion for the club have inspired her. She acknowledges that while the role is time-consuming, she enjoys it and doesn't see it as a job.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next few years, and what are your long-term goals for SAM?
“I really would like to go to law school. That's been my plan ever since I was young. In the future, I want to have my own law firm."
Herrera hopes that her skills in SAM will contribute to her future successes. She aims to see SAM grow significantly during her time at Flagler and aspires to host large events and involve important speakers.
Q: Why should students join SAM, and what unique benefits does it offer to its members?
“SAM provides valuable skills and opportunities for all students, not just those in business-related majors."
SAM offers a chance to meet new people, network, and learn valuable insights into management in a fun environment. It also provides opportunities for business majors to compete and gain hands-on experience.
Q: What broader impact and legacy do you hope SAM will have on its members and the Flagler College community?
Herrera aspires to expand SAM's reach within the Flagler community and hopes that the work she and the members do will have a lasting impact. “Carrying on that legacy is a big goal. And keeping SAM as a really strong pillar at Flagler,” she said.
SAM at Flagler: A Brief History
With a history as a national organization extending back to 1912, SAM is committed to providing opportunities for its members to “improve the professional quality of their knowledge, performance, and leadership ability.”
The original charter’s members included 85 students when Flagler’s enrollment was much smaller than the student body today. That original chapter, which set the blueprint and bar for Flagler’s current active SAM students, was one of the most accomplished chapters in the country. They won nine national management case competition championships, numerous outstanding chapter awards, the Outstanding New Chapter in the Nation award, and several outstanding SAM regional and national student awards.
