Join your DECA Executive Officer team on October 13, 2026, for the first career exploration panel of the year!
We're thrilled to host four executives who each took different paths into finance, including hedge funds, wealth management, corporate controls and entrepreneurship.
During this panel, we'll discuss what these careers look like day-to-day, real-world industry trends, skills to start developing, and leadership insights. At the end, participants will also have the opportunity to ask their own questions.
📅 Tuesday, October 13, 2026
⌚ 7:00 - 8:00 PM EDT
🔗 Zoom Link
Meet Your Panelists:
Gabrielle Lewis: Head of Partnerships & Strategy at Zakara Capital, 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and Co-President of the Columbia University Black Alumni Council.
Rita Cheng: CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth, #2 on Investopedia's 2023 Top 100 Most Influential Financial Advisors, and a member of CNBC's Financial Advisor Council.
Lillian Turner: DECA alum and Top 20 ICDC finalist, founder of Daring Greatly Wealth, and Chair of the Financial Planning Association's National NexGen Board.
Kenneth Cooke: Global Leader of Finance Data & Controls at Scotiabank, former Senior Vice President at Goldman Sachs, and past National Chairman of the National Association of Black Accountants.
All DECA members are welcome to join! Whether you're looking for an edge in competition or are curious about a career in finance, these four have answers.
