As Pride Month begins, it serves as an important reminder of the diversity within our organization. This month presents us with an invaluable opportunity to showcase inclusivity further and demonstrate support for our LGBTQ+ members and allies in the community. Here is the story of one of our members.
Jewel Shier (he/him and she/hers), a 2024-2025 Arizona Collegiate DECA Association Vice President, emphasizes the significance of members of LGBTQ+ representation in leadership roles.
“At first, I didn’t think as a gay and non-binary person I would fit into a career in business,” he begins.
He describes how his instructors helped him feel more confident in his leadership abilities and business knowledge and ultimately convinced him to join our organization. After joining, he realized that he could be the one to break the mold and empower others by being a member of the LGBTQ+ community in leadership.
“Seeing minorities you identify with in positions of power indeed creates great encouragement, and I’m proud to be that for people,” he remarks.
As an Arizona Collegiate DECA Association Vice President, Jewel is responsible for serving the association, helping to organize and plan four conferences, working with corporate sponsors and maintaining the association's social media.
Jewel’s journey shows us that there is an immense amount of power of representation in leadership. By embracing the skills of our LGBTQ+ members in leadership roles, we can foster a more inclusive environment and empower the next generation of leaders to take a leap forward and aspire for leadership positions regardless of their identities. This month, let's continue to showcase stories like Jewels and highlight our diverse and inclusive Collegiate DECA community.
