As the 2026-27 High School Executive Officers gear up for an exciting year ahead, take a moment to learn more about the faces behind the blazers and the stories that brought them here.
How did you first get involved with DECA?
Abby: I joined my freshman year, right before SCDC, after my friend encouraged me to go to a meeting. I ended up competing a few weeks later at state and qualifying for ICDC!
Anna: I first got involved with DECA because my Foundations of Business teacher asked me to join. At the time, the chapter was only a year old and still very much in the process of forming and growing.
Chrysanthi: I was first introduced to DECA as a sophomore who was looking for another elective. In the first week of Sports Marketing class, my advisor played the ICDC promo video. I remember watching it and being so inspired to be part of an organization that was so much bigger than an after-school club.
James: I first got involved with DECA because both my older brother and older sister were involved before me, so in a way, I'm a legacy DECA student. I initially joined because I wanted to follow in their footsteps and experience what they had enjoyed so much, including the yearly trips. However, once I became involved, I found my own passion for DECA. I loved being surrounded by motivated, like-minded students who shared a desire to grow as leaders and make an impact. Those connections and experiences are what made DECA such an important part of my life.
Rachael: I joined DECA during my sophomore year of high school. I had recently moved from California to Nevada and was looking for a way to get involved and meet new people, so DECA seemed like a great opportunity. I had no idea how much it would impact my life. What started as a program I decided to try out became the community that shaped my entire high school experience.
Looking back, what’s a piece of advice you would give to yourself as a first-year DECA member?
Abby: Don’t stress! It’s okay if you don’t know or understand certain key terms; the whole point is to grow and reflect on your progress.
Anna: As a first-year DECA member, it is very easy to feel intimidated by those around you. My piece of advice: "You are worthy to be on that stage just like everyone else. Never let your energy be dimmed. Defeat is only a stepping stone to success."
Chrysanthi: I would tell myself to lean into DECA’s opportunities, knowing that confidence doesn’t come before action; it comes because of it. In doing so, I’ve grown, found community and developed confidence. Look for ways to encourage and empower others and take the initiative to do so. Beyond that, have fun and meet new people!
James: Looking back, I'd tell my first-year DECA self to stop being so afraid of failing. I was so worried about falling flat on my face that I didn't always put myself out there in the first place. I'd tell sophomore-year me to embrace a YOLO mindset a little more. The worst thing that can happen is you learn something, and that's not a bad deal.
Rachael: A piece of advice I would give myself as a first-year DECA member is to say yes more often. DECA has a way of opening doors, but it’s up to you to walk through them. Looking back, every opportunity that helped me grow started with a simple yes, even when I was nervous or unsure of myself. I would tell my past self not to overthink and to trust the process.
How has DECA influenced your future goals/plans?
Abby: It has influenced me to go into business! Ever since joining, I have found a deep love for marketing and management, and DECA has given me many paths to success in those fields.
Anna: DECA has greatly influenced my goals. Before I joined, I had no idea what career path I wanted to pursue, but once I started studying for role-plays and taking marketing classes, I knew business was the route for me, specifically financial advising.
Chrysanthi: When I first joined DECA, I was considering pursuing a business career, but I was unsure. By competing in the Entrepreneurship Individual Series event, learning from guest speakers and studying leadership to serve as a better officer, I decided to pursue a degree in Business Management in college. DECA allowed me to explore the business field, and now I’m grateful to be walking into college with a focus I’m already passionate about.
James: DECA helped me find my niche in business and marketing and gave me the confidence to chase bigger opportunities, including the chance to serve as the Southern Region's Vice President. To borrow a line from Laufey, "Keep on going with your silly dream, life is prettier than it may seem." DECA helped me realize that those dreams are possible.
Rachael: I’ve always loved being involved in youth organizations and public speaking. When I was younger, I volunteered a lot and always took the opportunity to speak in front of a crowd. DECA gave me an outlet for those interests and helped me turn them into real skills. I’ve had countless opportunities to speak in front of audiences and connect with people. Those experiences have strengthened my confidence and deepened my passion for public speaking. It’s a passion that I know will continue to be a part of my future, no matter what path I take.
What’s your favorite DECA memory?
Abby: Spending my Sweet 16 in Anaheim at ICDC! My chapter made this birthday so special for me, and being able to spend it with so many individuals who share a passion for business was so surreal.
Anna: My favorite DECA memory was winning association office. It felt absolutely surreal. My chapter was only two years old at that point, so when I won, we were all overjoyed. I had poured so much passion into it, and that moment made every bit of it worth it.
Chrysanthi: My favorite DECA memory was hearing my name get called at the Closing Session of ICDC this year. The whole conference was incredible, from meeting new members and getting to know association officers to team dinners and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. That moment was the culmination of a journey, and I’m so glad I got to experience it with the team that helped me get there, along with my home association’s advisors and members.
James: My favorite DECA memory is a tradition with one of my best friends. Since our first competition together in our sophomore year, we've taken the same picture at every DECA event. It's a small thing, but looking back at all those photos shows just how far we've come together.
Rachael: One of my favorite DECA memories was attending Power Trip in Virginia this past year. I loved getting the opportunity to explore Washington, D.C., and see so many places. What made the trip even more meaningful was getting to share it with my classmates, making it one of the many highlights of my senior year. It’s a trip I’ll always remember, and I can’t wait for Kentucky this year!
If you had to pick a fictional character as your DECA competitive events partner, who would it be and why?
Abby: Elle Woods, she is so enthusiastic and goal-oriented. I feel like having her as a partner would be great because she can come up with great ideas and sell them even better to persuade a judge! She also never backs down; even if an idea isn’t selling, she will do everything to make sure the judge understands why it's great.
Anna: Tom the Cat from Tom and Jerry, because no matter how many times he fails, he never gives up. Instead, he comes back with even more innovative ideas. That persistence is something I deeply admire.
Chrysanthi: Emily from Emily in Paris because she has genius marketing ideas on the show. Especially in high-pressure meetings when the client is unhappy with the pitch, she quickly pivots to another creative idea, which is perfect for the quick thinking needed in a role-play.
James: Nightwing. He's resourceful, quick on his feet and always knows how to adapt when things don't go according to plan—pretty useful skills in a competitive event. Plus, he's one of my favorite DC characters, so I think we'd make a pretty solid team.
Rachael: Tony Stark! I feel like he would use our 15-minute preparation to its full advantage to create a well-developed presentation. He’s creative, confident, and always ready with an idea. The challenge would probably be getting him to stay within the time limit!
Pick 5 emojis that represent you.
Abby: ❤️🔥✨‼️🤩🥹
Anna: ❤️💎😭🙌🐐
Chrysanthi: 🤗🫶🔥🥐🚴
James: 💃✨😳🙃😝
Rachael: 🍵📸🔷🫶🐶
If you could teleport anywhere for a day, where would you go and what would you do?
Abby: I would teleport to Colorado! My great-grandma lives there, so I would pick her up and go to Estes Park with her, exploring the mountains, the outdoors, and the town for the whole day.
Anna: I would time-travel back to the Gilded Age, specifically to witness the era's rapid economic growth and to see firsthand how the robber barons accumulated such extraordinary wealth and influence.
Chrysanthi: If I could teleport anywhere for a day, I would go to Paris because I’ve never been. The ideal day there would start with a sunrise sightseeing run, then try the viral hot chocolate with a croissant, go on a boat ride, take pictures, see the Eiffel Tower sparkling, and then eat more French food.
James: I'd teleport to the headquarters of Seven Brew Coffee and spend the day living the life of a CEO instead of a Brewista. I'd love to see how the company operates behind the scenes, sit in on big decisions and learn how a brand grows from a single stand to locations across the country.
Rachael: If I could teleport anywhere for a day, I would go somewhere I’ve never been before, probably Greece! I’d spend the day exploring, trying local food, walking through the city, and taking as many photos as possible.
What’s your current hyperfixation?
Abby: Bloom Energy drinks, specifically the Crisp Apple flavor!
Anna: Studying for my SIE (Securities Industry Essentials) Exam, my next step toward becoming a financial advisor.
Chrysanthi: Cooking, with my current favorite being at-home Cava bowls.
James: Definitely girl groups.
Rachael: Nee-Dohs!
If you had to give a TED Talk with zero prep, what would it be about? (Besides DECA)
Abby: Music theory, not the type where you learn notes and rhythms, but the theory that music soothes the mind and can help redefine us and help relax our brains.
Anna: "You Can't Do That Syndrome," exploring the idea that you can do almost anything you set your mind to.
Chrysanthi: Psychological skills, traits and development that set professionals apart from the greatest athletes of all time.
James: How you can learn way too much about a person from their coffee order.
Rachael: The importance of having something to look forward to.
What leadership quality do you value most in a team?
Abby: Goal-oriented leadership.
Anna: Sincere communication.
Chrysanthi: Impact-driven mindset.
James: Empathy.
Rachael: Authenticity.
