"DECA has empowered me to become a confident public speaker, think quickly under pressure, and gain valuable experience about presenting in front of professional figures. Through my role as the founding secretary of iUP DECA, I have also sharpened my leadership skills, learning how to effectively support and guide a team. DECA has given me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and grow both personally and professionally in ways I never imagined!"

- Afrah Mohammed (Secretary '24-'25/President '25-'26)

"DECA has opened up new opportunities, helped me network, and taught me long-lasting attributes that will help me in my future career. I was lucky enough to serve as founding EVP and that experience taught me how to take initiative and work together as a group to build something from the ground up! I met so many great people through DECA!"

- Mali Xayavong (Vice President '24-'25/'25-'26)

"DECA has impacted me by giving me the opportunity to expand upon my knowledge of business and marketing. It has also given me the opportunity to connect with like-minded people and make me feel more involved as a student."

- Daniel Hall

"Being apart of the DECA club/team has impacted me in such a positive way! I love how there are many hands-on and in-person meetups that give me the opportunity to learn more about the world of entrepreneurship and business, while connecting with the other students. Being able to compete in this years district and win in my series also helped me further my communication abilities and strengthen my confidence. I'm so glad I joined this club!"

- Tia Ola (Webmaster '25-'26)

"For me, DECA has been an amazing program that has helped me with my communication skills. I have always been shy and timid so I never volunteer to go to events or talk to others. This year was actually the first year I have ever attended any school events, and all the ones that I have attended are DECA events. Going to the DECA events and participating and partnering with other people to complete tasks and activities has really helped me boost up my communication skills. Participating in DECA has given me the courage I needed to make myself participate in other events and even lead presentations, which is something that I never imagined I would do! DECA has truly helped me in so many way, and I haven't even mentioned how amazing all the officers and members are! I look forward to whatever iUP DECA is thinking of doing next, because I know it's gonna be great."

- Keishia Celerina Faerron Medina

"DECA has been an eye opening experience. I really didn’t know how much I liked Marketing till DECA. It has even helped me create a marketing plan for my job!"

- Kai Jimenes

"I've found my family here, and it's implanted so much knowledge, positivity, and social skills as well!"

- Mia Puga-Murray

"It has given me an opportunity to get new ideas for my business and has interested me in entrepreneurship. Even though I joined DECA like a week ago, I am enjoying it and aspire to attend every meeting."

- Zander Box

"DECA has impacted me in so many ways including thinking and speaking skills, the different areas of business, and it has allowed me to network and meet so many like-minded people. As a first-year competitor in the DECA CDC, I have gained a lot of experience this year in all of these aspects. Overall, DECA has truly made a huge impact for me!"

- Priso Ndumbe (V.P. of Member Engagement '25-'26)

"DECA was one of the biggest learning experiences in my life. I learned so much about business in a month than I think I'd ever in a year. The competition was so fun, and I got to meet so many different people. Definitely going back next year!"

- Giuliana Russell