While it may be hard to imagine now, our time with DECA will eventually end. For many high school seniors, that moment may feel like it’s arriving all too soon. However, for some students, their DECA experience is far from over - it’s simply evolving.
Across the world, former high school DECA members have found new opportunities to grow, compete and lead through Collegiate DECA. Meet some of these inspiring students who have continued their DECA experience in college and discover how you can do the same!
Caleb Tork from Xavier University
Before stepping into the Collegiate DECA community, Caleb’s journey with DECA began at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, where he was an active member throughout all four years of high school. His passion for business and leadership led him to compete in DECA’s competitive events for two years, honing his critical thinking, strategic decision-making and professional presentation skills.
When Caleb arrived at Xavier University, there was no Collegiate DECA chapter for him to join—so he created one. During his sophomore year, he took the initiative to establish and build the foundation for Xavier’s chapter, working to create opportunities for fellow students to develop their professional skills, expand their networks and engage in meaningful competition.
Natalie Deck from Purdue University
Natalie was a high school DECA member for three years, joining as a sophomore at Westfield High School in Westfield, IN. During her time with the chapter, she took on numerous leadership roles, driving significant growth while focusing on her competitive success.
Now a senior at Purdue University, Natalie serves as the president of Purdue Collegiate DECA. With no active chapter at the beginning of her senior year in 2024, she and a team of dedicated students took on the challenge of reactivating it this year, ensuring future students have the same opportunities for leadership, competition and professional development that shaped her own DECA journey.
Isabella Enamorado from Louisiana State University
Isabella was a proud member of her high school DECA chapter at Denham Springs in Louisiana for three years. She played an active role in fundraising efforts for MBA, helping raise over $500, and served as Vice President of Leadership for her chapter and Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Louisiana DECA.
Now at Louisiana State University, Isabella has taken on the challenge of founding the Collegiate DECA chapter there. She and her team have been working hard to establish a strong presence on campus while also giving back to the high school DECA association in her home state.
Bryce Gillingham
Bryce is a senior at Buchholz High School, a powerhouse DECA chapter boasting over 1,000 members. But what truly sets him apart is his extraordinary initiative—despite being a high school DECA member, he is dual-enrolled at Santa Fe College in Florida, where he co-founded the Collegiate DECA chapter. Next year, as he embarks on his journey at the University of Florida, he is determined to reactivate the Collegiate DECA chapter there, expanding his impact on our division.
YOU from the University of XYZ
We heard you’re interested in joining Collegiate DECA - fantastic news! As you embark on this exciting new chapter in college, we’re thrilled to welcome you into our community. Collegiate DECA offers endless opportunities for leadership, competition, networking and personal growth, empowering you to develop skills that will set you apart in your future career. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, test your skills in competition or take on leadership roles, there’s a place for you here.
Once you’ve settled into your new home on campus, we encourage you to take the leap and become part of something bigger. Your Collegiate DECA journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see all you will accomplish!
