As the 2026-27 Collegiate DECA 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?
Angela: I first joined DECA at the end of my freshman year of high school. I had recently switched into the marketing program, and when I heard about the opportunity to travel, I decided to give it a chance. That year, I fell in love with everything DECA had to offer. The stressful nights, the excitement of competing and the feeling of finally finding something that truly inspired me. I quickly found my passion, and DECA has been a huge part of my life ever since.
Maddie: One of my high school teachers asked me to be a founder of my high school chapter during my sophomore year. I wasn’t totally hooked on DECA until I went to Power Trip, though, and since then, I have been obsessed with DECA.
Myles: I first got involved with DECA back in high school at Alexandria Area High School! They were having free pizza, which sounded quite appealing. Once we started learning about DECA, practicing role-plays, connecting with members and seeing the real-life benefits, I was instantly hooked!
Niya: Through a community service initiative my high school chapter hosted.
Xavier: I first got involved with DECA through my 9th-grade CTE Explorations marketing class, since my teacher is also the Taunton High School DECA Advisor. I was encouraged by friends to give it a shot, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I did.
Looking back, what’s a piece of advice you would give to yourself as a first-year DECA member?
Angela: I would tell myself to do it scared, do it tired, do it unsure or simply do it for the love of the game. When I first joined DECA, I was the shyest person in the room and probably the worst public speaker you’d ever meet. DECA taught me that growth does not come from playing it safe and that you should always be the one to stand up for yourself because no one should believe in you more than you believe in yourself.
Maddie: As cheesy as it sounds, do not doubt yourself and enjoy every moment, including the stressful ones.
Myles: Don’t be afraid to fail. I’d tell myself to give it my all no matter what, knowing that in the early stages of my DECA journey, failure would be my greatest teacher.
Niya: Take time to prepare for competition and take tons of practice tests!
Xavier: Looking back, if I had one piece of advice to give myself as a first-year DECA member, I would tell myself not to change a single thing. I believe everything happens for a reason, and things will play out exactly how they are meant to! Don’t be too hard on yourself.
How has DECA influenced your future goals/plans?
Angela: DECA influenced my future goals by helping me find the path that finally clicked. I have always wanted to serve others, and before business, I thought that meant going into the medical field. I did not yet know exactly what my passion was, but I knew I wanted to do something that helped people. Through DECA, I found my drive to connect people, create opportunities and use business to make an impact. That passion eventually led me to sign my LLC during my first semester of college and start building something of my own that could serve everyone.
Maddie: DECA completely changed my life. Throughout high school, I planned to go into architecture and graduated with an engineering degree. I am now pursuing PR management to work in sports. DECA also brought me to Transylvania University, which I will forever say is the best decision I ever made.
Myles: It helped me develop a passion for sales and marketing, which is what I recently graduated with at Alexandria Technical and Community College! I may not know what the future holds, but I do know that my career, in some way or another, will involve sales and marketing.
Niya: DECA has taught me many leadership skills and has solidified my desire to work in sales and help solve people’s needs.
Xavier: DECA has influenced my future goals and plans by opening opportunities to discover unknown passions, such as using photography to network. Because of DECA, I am now a full-time freelance photographer, working across a wide range of industries. I plan to continue working in my current media marketing career.
What’s your favorite DECA memory?
Angela: My favorite DECA memory was during my senior year of high school, when we had to create carnival games for a fundraising event. We picked up a TV box and turned it into a Nerf gun booth. We spent the whole night taping cardboard together and figuring out how to crush Jolly Ranchers efficiently enough to fit into a cotton candy machine. To this day, I drive over the TV box-shaped spray paint outline on the asphalt in front of my house, and it reminds me of the people who showed up for each other. To me, that is such a pivotal part of DECA. Not just what happens inside the competition, but the community built in the moments before them.
Maddie: My favorite DECA memory has to be Engage 2025 in Tampa, Florida. I had the best time with my soon-to-be officer team.
Myles: I’d say my favorite DECA memory was my second Engage conference down in Tampa, Florida! Not just because it was a lot warmer than Minnesota, but also because it was great to connect with and hang out with members from all across the country and beyond!
Niya: Seeing my chapter members bond and thrive at ICDC in Louisville!
Xavier: My favorite DECA memory is the 2025 Engage Conference in Tampa, Florida. This conference is special to me because of the opportunity to participate in an EDUTour at Raymond James Stadium and the very fun designated networking night at Splitsville Tiki + Social.
If you had to pick a fictional character as your DECA competitive events partner, who would it be and why?
Angela: Woodstock from Snoopy because he is an unassuming character who is always there for Snoopy. Everyone needs a Woodstock in DECA, someone who keeps them grounded before a role-play, celebrates the happy highs and helps them grow through the learning curve lows.
Maddie: The Fairly OddParents because they can make any wish come true in a second. This would be perfect for role-plays, as they could make poster boards and other materials and help with any information we might need.
Myles: Michael Scott from the American version of the TV show “The Office”. Michael and I would hit it off instantly; not only that, but he is a standout guy who is very creative and can help the event stand out from the rest. Plus, he’d also make it really fun!
Niya: Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds, because he would remember all the KPI’s and have data to back them up.
Xavier: Duo from Duolingo as my DECA competitive events partner because he is very smart and always has great marketing strategies that are relevant to hit specific target markets.
Pick 5 emojis that represent you.
Angela: 🔷🍪🍒🌉🃏
Maddie: 😭🤭🦭☀️✈️
Myles: 😂🐈⬛💐🦭🤝
Niya: 😛🐐😭🙏🧍
Xavier: 🔷📸🦭🤼🍕
If you could teleport anywhere for a day, where would you go and what would you do?
Angela: I would teleport to France to learn classical baking techniques from the place that shaped so much of what we know about pastry today. I have always loved the idea of showing care and connecting with others through food. There is something special about learning the foundations behind recipes that have brought people together for generations.
Maddie: If I could teleport anywhere for a day, it would have to be Japan. I would explore all the historical sites. I love anything history-related, so I would want to learn as much as possible. It would be so cool to explore all of the street food and markets. Plus, I really want to see a cherry blossom in real life.
Myles: I’d teleport to New York City! First, I’d get a bagel with lox, and then I’d do some sightseeing. Catch the Staten Island Ferry, go for a stroll through Central Park, visit the Plaza and eat some authentic New York-style pizza. Of course, I’d have to get a Nathan’s famous hot dog before ending the day off by seeing a show on Broadway!
Niya: I would go to Greece and explore Santorini. #mamamia
Xavier: I would go to Tomorrowland in Belgium. Tomorrowland is one of the world's most prominent EDM festival brands. I would love to do photography there!
What’s your current hyperfixation?
Angela: My micro-book collection.
Maddie: The backrooms and the story behind them.
Myles: Vintage clothing.
Niya: My Lego Trevi Fountain.
Xavier: Learning high-end video editing.
If you had to give a TED Talk with zero prep, what would it be about? (Besides DECA)
Angela: Starting before you feel ready and trusting that confidence is something you build along the way.
Maddie: How ankylosaurs are the best dinosaurs.
Myles: "Holding the hand that hurts you," or in other words, learning to embrace yourself.
Niya: Any notorious true crime case.
Xavier: Photography. I could talk about photography all day!
What leadership quality do you value most in a team?
Angela: Showing up.
Maddie: Collaboration.
Myles: Communication.
Niya: A support system.
Xavier: DECACATION.
