By Aditi Gaddam, @deca.aditi | Lightridge High School, VA
Women’s History Month is a time to honor the beneficial influence and valuable contributions of women in the past while also making space for future leaders to grow. As our community continues to grow, the demand for confident, driven young leaders is growing by the day.
DECA strives to support all members regardless of background, and it also creates powerful opportunities to empower young women. Through exposure to Career and Technical Education through DECA, the next generation of impactful women is equipped with the knowledge, experience and confidence to make a positive impact in our community.
1. Creating Confidence Through Leadership Experiences
DECA emphasizes its opportunities to help the younger generation develop leadership skills. From being part of chapter officer teams to competing in various events, DECA members are constantly motivated to embrace new experiences, push their boundaries and explore the unknown, all to go the extra mile.
For young women, DECA experiences can cultivate confidence and provide a platform to find their voice and develop a sense of leadership from a young age. When surrounded by a network of peers, mentors and advisors who provide encouragement and support throughout their journey, female leaders grow personally and professionally while learning lifelong skills.
2. Inspire the Next Generation
The impact of DECA leaders can go beyond their own success. As young women learn about the importance of leadership and take action to achieve their goals, they can create a cycle of success for future generations through their influence. They inspire others to learn from them and follow their actions, ultimately learning to lead and innovate.
By setting examples, this can empower the organization, ensuring that future generations of DECA members grow as well. Seeing other young women succeed can inspire others to desire the same and strive for success.
3. Expanding Opportunities Across Career Pathways
Many industries continue to face gender disparities, regardless of the progress that the community has made. Through DECA, more and more young women are encouraged to explore career paths in business, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship.
DECA gives its members a chance to learn about these careers through leadership experiences and competitions. This helps them develop the skills they need for their future jobs. Young women interested in pursuing such careers can get further empowered, as this not only builds technical skills but also perseverance. Many can also begin exploring careers that might not have been an option before.
DECA strives to be an organization that develops personal growth, leadership skills and experience, overall empowering the future of young women.
