Alumni

My name is Jeries Lutfi, and I can confidently say that the Hoover Business Academy and DECA played a pivotal role in shaping my academic and professional development. The incredible teachers I had during my time at Hoover sparked a deep interest in business and laid a strong foundation that has prepared me exceptionally well for advanced business coursework at the University of Notre Dame, where I am currently majoring in Accountancy and Computer Science with a minor in Theology. Through DECA, Internship Prep Day, and various Business Academy events, I gained invaluable experience that significantly boosted my public speaking skills and self-confidence. These opportunities not only helped me grow as a student and leader, but also ignited a passion for combining strategic thinking with purpose-driven work—something I carry with me every day.

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My name is Tani Oda, and without a doubt, my Hoover High School experience was unequivocally shaped by my participation in the Hoover Business Academy and DECA. The teachers, students, and resources that make up this program has had a lasting impact on my professional aspirations and vital foundational skills—something I will forever be grateful for. I currently attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, majoring in Business Management with minors in Ethics and Law & Legal Reasoning, with the goal of becoming a corporate attorney. Without the Hoover Business Academy and Hoover DECA, I would not have had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the dynamic world of business—an experience that ignited my passion for leadership, strategy, and advocacy in the corporate space.

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My name is Sarah Claire Sypeck, and my time spent in the Hoover Business Academy and the DECA program has helped shape me into the person I am today. The skills and knowledge I acquired have had a lasting impact on both my professional and personal life. Through the Business Academy, I have had the opportunity to have firsthand experiences in areas such as marketing, finance, leadership, and entrepreneurship, while also developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. These experiences not only prepared me for real-world business challenges but also helped me discover my passion for strategy, innovation, and making a meaningful impact through leadership. I currently attend the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where I am majoring in Integrated Marketing Communications with minors in Sports Administration and General Business. Additionally, I work for Ole Miss Athletics in their Communications department as a Content Strategy Intern. I have previously held positions with Ole Miss Athletics Marketing and Fan Experience, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and The World Games. These experiences have collectively strengthened my commitment to pursuing a dynamic career in the sports and business industries, where I can continue to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact.

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My name is Rati Venkatesan, and I am extremely grateful for the education I received through the Business Academy. As an Economics major at the University of Florida, many of the classes I took through the Business Academy, including Accounting and Business Management, are highly applicable to both my internships and classes to this day. As an aspiring corporate lawyer, Business Academy aided my ability to make deep connections with industry professionals as well as develop my professional presence on LinkedIn and at my university. However, the biggest asset for the Business Academy is the tight-knit community. You will spend four years surrounded by like-minded and hard working individuals as well as passionate teachers who will support you both professionally and personally. I can confidently say I would not be where I am today without the people I met and education I received through the Business Academy.

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I'm Carrington Wyatt, and my journey through Hoover High School was enriched by my participation in DECA. This academic platform unveiled to me the diverse dimensions of business, spanning from accounting and finance to the intricate realm of investing. This invaluable experience significantly propelled my entrance into the University of Alabama, where I embarked on a rewarding pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and Business Administration. Presently, I thrive in the dynamic Technology Industry as a Data Center Specialist, concurrently advancing my expertise through an MBA with a specialized focus on MIS. Firmly convinced of DECA's value, I attribute my academic and professional triumphs to the profound foundation it laid. 

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