As our primary student brand ambassadors, DECA executive officers represent over 292,000 student members to a variety of key stakeholders, including fellow members, advisors, education administrators, business partners, public policymakers and more. Executive officers commit to serving DECA for the year in which they are in office. While challenging, an officer’s term also brings personal and professional growth.
The candidates below are running for executive office and hope to serve as the leaders of DECA’s High School Division for the 2025-2026 school year.
DECA members attending the International Career and Development Conference in Orlando, FL, can attend the Meet the Candidate Session on Monday, April 28. All members can meet the candidates and ask them questions about their platform. Drop in anytime between 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in WA Lobby Reg Concourse.
The new Executive Officer Team will be announced during the ICDC Grand Awards Session on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Candidate for High School Division President
Asher Leventhal
Asher Leventhal has proudly served Nevada DECA for four years, including roles as Vice President of Marketing, Board of Trustees representative, and a two-time ICDC Top Ten finalist in the Virtual Business Challenge Fashion track. He treasures not only his achievements but also the inspiring people he has met and the positive impact he has made. To him, DECA’s true value extends beyond titles, emphasizing that leadership is about action, vision, and the power to motivate others. This belief guides Asher’s commitment to creating change.
This year, he aims to broaden international advocacy for Career and Technical Education through creative social media campaigns, strengthen officer collaboration, and improve DECA’s new member experience. Nevada DECA has shaped Asher’s character, fueling his pride and gratitude for the personal and professional growth it has provided. Above all, he remains dedicated to empowering fellow members worldwide to pursue excellence and growth. With unwavering determination, Asher looks forward to inspiring others, knowing that a genuine leader’s role transcends positions and rests in meaningful actions.
Check out Asher's short answer responses here.
Devin Klock
Devin Klock is running to serve as the DECA High School Division President for 2025-2026. A dedicated four-year DECA member from Colorado, he held the position of 2024-2025 Colorado DECA President and served as the 2023-2024 Colorado DECA District 9 Representative, where he led the state officer team, focusing on communication, initiative, and fundraising. Devin’s passion for leadership and service has been shaped by his experiences as a youth advisor for Pueblo Communities That Care, founding A Kindness A Day, and advocating for bipartisan solutions in government. In competition, he has excelled in Entrepreneurship and Apparel and Accessories, showcasing a strong entrepreneurial mindset. Through DECA, he has discovered a passion for mentoring members and helping chapters thrive. Devin hopes to enhance DECA’s impact by strengthening membership engagement, expanding advocacy efforts, and fostering collaboration among members globally. Outside of DECA, he participates in choir, drama, and local government, always striving to make a difference. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, debating policy, and celebrating the holiday season—especially winter, his favorite time of year!
Check out Devin's short answer responses here.
William Cosme
William Cosme is the Puerto Rico DECA Leadership Vice President for 2024-2025. A dedicated DECA member for three years, William is committed to creating opportunities for all DECA members. William has gained valuable leadership experience through his roles as a two-term Local Leadership President, Regional President, and now State Leadership Vice President. Thanks to his advisor’s guidance, he developed a passion for mentoring new members, engaging in leadership activities, and expanding his network. As a competitor, William has showcased his skills in Marketing Fundamentals, Public Oratory, and Integrated Marketing Campaign - Product. His experiences have reinforced his belief in the power of communication and strategy in the business world. Beyond DECA, William is the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce of University Chapters of Puerto Rico, a Coast Cleaner Captain, and a dedicated FCCLA member. With aspirations to one day serve in the Chamber of Representatives of Puerto Rico, he wants to study finance and public relations. In his free time, William enjoys reading, working out, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends. His passion for leadership, community service, and professional growth guides him.
Check out William's short answer responses here.
Candidates for Central Region Vice President
Caedmon Case
Caedmon Case, from the Ignite Academy South DECA chapter in central Kentucky, is a driven leader involved in a wide range of activities. This past year, he served as Kentucky DECA's Vice President of Membership and currently leads Madison Southern and Ignite South Academy's DECA Chapter as President. Throughout his four-year DECA career, he is a two-time state champion and a three-time ICDC qualifier. He is running for Central Region Vice President to help provide other members with the same amazing experiences he has had. Caedmon is passionate about the networking opportunities that come from DECA and is excited to have the opportunity to serve this organization. Caedmon plans to help improve the central region by implementing his "C A S E" initiative: The “C A S E” initiative stands for Create, Add, Succeed, and Excel. All of these initiatives will lead to members' deeper involvement in DECA, larger memberships for associations, and great emerging leaders from associations across the central region. When not wearing his DECA blazer, Caedmon is also a varsity soccer player for Madison Southern, Editor-in-Chief of the Madison Southern Newspaper, and an active member of their Pep Club. With three years of experience in the insurance industry, he has worked at Craig Loftis State Farm, Inc. In his free time he loves to spend time with his family and friends. After High School Caedmon plans to attend the University of Kentucky and major in Business Management. He is eager to show the central region that the Best Case, is to Vote for Case.
Check out Caedmon's short answer responses here.
Cullen Watanuki
Cullen Watanuki is a four-year DECA member from Arlington Heights, IL, with a strong passion for leadership and service. Throughout high school, Cullen has served as Illinois’s Vice President of Leadership Development and his chapter co-president. In these roles, he has worked to expand opportunities for members, foster collaboration, and drive innovation within every member. As your next Central Region Vice President, Cullen aims to strengthen connections between all the Central Region associations, ensuring that every member's voice is heard. In Cullen’s current state officer role, he has created Leadership Councils to mentor members across Illinois, oversaw Illinois’ membership surpass 5,000 members, and created the first ever Rising Leader team where members can work simultaneously with the state officers achieving the goals of Illinois DECA. Outside of DECA, Cullen is a committed Varsity athlete and captain of his swim team, active member on his school district advisory board, coaching his childhood swim team, and as a peer tutor. Cullen is beyond excited to help the Central Region soar to new heights!
Check out Cullen's short answer responses here.
Maryam Shankhan
Maryam Shahkhan is a servant-minded individual with a passion for public speaking, leadership, and innovation. As a high school junior from Minnesota, she has dedicated three years to DECA, where she’s witnessed the power of leadership to inspire and uplift. Serving as the Central Region Vice President, Maryam is committed to building an inclusive community that amplifies the stories of all DECA members. She believes the sky is not the limit for a DECA member’s potential and is dedicated to enhancing meaningful opportunities for growth. Previously, as Minnesota DECA President, Maryam focused on building connections and encouraging members to find their voices. She is especially passionate about empowering underrepresented voices, particularly young women, to pursue their dreams and lead with purpose. She hopes to inspire others to recognize their potential and lead with confidence. An adrenaline seeker at heart, Maryam is always looking for new challenges. When not immersed in DECA, she’s coaching peers in public speaking, competing in speech and debate, mentoring youth, or training on the Taekwondo mat.
Check out Maryam's short answer responses here.
Olivia Thorenson
Olivia Thorenson is a passionate, driven leader with an aptitude for business, endless optimism, and zest for overcoming obstacles. Currently a Senior at Mandan High School in North Dakota, Olivia is involved with National Honor Society, the Mandan Kachinas Dance Team, and of course, DECA. She serves as a State Vice President, a chapter Executive Vice President, Manager of Braves Design School-Based Enterprise, and chapter Social Media Manager.
Olivia strongly believes that one of DECA’s most valuable aspects is its propensity to equip and empower young people, a demographic often not taken seriously for their ambitions.To Olivia, it is of the utmost importance all members receive support, resources, and encouragement so that students may be as successful as they desire to be, in DECA and in life. Exemplifying this ideal, during her North Dakota State Vice Presidency, Olivia has gone above and beyond her expected responsibilities, creating a popular, weekly short-form content series, “Tips, Tricks, & Tours,” which provides insight into chapter activities, shares competition pointers, and interviews North Dakotan business professionals.
Check out Olivia's short answer responses here.
Candidate for North Atlantic Region Vice President
Brenda Sacramento Cortes
Brenda Sacramento-Cortes is a dedicated DECA member from Bedford High School in New Hampshire, where she has been actively involved since her freshman year. She served as her chapter's Vice President of Hospitality during her first year as an officer, successfully coordinating a fundraiser that raised $2,400 — an achievement that strengthened her leadership and organizational skills. Brenda went on to serve again during her last year as Officer at Large making sure any last minute task is completed, while being New Hampshire State Officer.
Brenda's DECA journey has been fueled by her passion for helping members step outside their comfort zones, take risks, and embrace the countless opportunities that DECA offers. She believes in the power of collaboration and works to ensure that every member feels supported, whether they are preparing for competition, launching a new project, or exploring leadership roles. Brenda is committed to strengthening communication across chapters and states, fostering regional collaboration, and empowering members to maximize their momentum. She looks forward to serving and making a lasting impact.
Check out Brenda's short answer responses here.
Hannah Heidari
Hannah Heidari is a fourth-year DECA member from Rhode Island passionate about empowering leaders, fostering connection, and inspiring innovation. DECA has shaped Hannah into a confident leader, competitor, and mentor, inspiring her to give back to the organization that changed her life. As her Association’s Vice President and now President, she has strengthened RI DECA by supporting emerging chapters, revitalizing social media, and significantly growing membership. As a two-term Chapter President, she created an inclusive community where every member gains confidence in competition and leadership, deepening her passion for servant leadership. As North Atlantic Region Vice President, Hannah strives to strengthen communication, increase collaboration among associations, and ensure every member feels supported through her monthly meetings initiative. She believes passion in DECA is a domino effect—when leaders are empowered, they inspire others. By working hand in hand, she hopes to build a stronger, more connected DECA community. Hannah is a four-time ICDC qualifier and a finalist in Quick Serve Restaurant Management. Outside of DECA, she enjoys exploring coffee shops and going to the beach.
Check out Hannah's short answer responses here.
Maya Pujara
Maya Pujara is a candidate for DECA North Atlantic Region Vice President for 2025-2026. Now in her third year of participation, Maya has served as a Connecticut DECA officer from 2023-2025, representing over 2,500 members across the state. Through DECA, she has developed a passion for advocacy, collaboration, and empowering others to reach their full potential. Maya has worked to expand membership, increase chapter engagement, and create resources that help members thrive both at the competition and in all other endeavors. She believes in the power of innovation and communication to drive social change and is committed to making DECA more impactful for all. Outside of DECA, Maya can be found curled up with a good book on a rainy day, mentoring youth at her community center, singing along to a Noah Kahan song, or exploring New York City with her friends.
Check out Maya's short answer responses here.
Candidate for Southern Region Vice President
Brock Sykes
Brock Sykes is a three-term association Officer for Louisiana DECA and is currently serving as the Louisiana DECA Vice President of Marketing and Communications. He is a Junior at University View Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he has been a three-year DECA member. Brock’s love and passion for DECA started in his freshman year when he ran for Association Office. During his three years as a member and an officer, he quickly fell in love with all things DECA has to offer. Brock’s favorite parts about DECA are networking, traveling, and making life-long connections with like-minded members. During Brock’s terms as an association officer, he impacted his association, leading him to run for executive office. Brock is eager to take his years of experience and leadership to the DECA Southern Region! Brock hopes to serve as the next Southern Region Vice President, to make an impact bigger than himself, while creating an environment of continuous learning and expansion of all things DECA!
Check out Brock's short answer responses here.
Grayson Collins
Grayson Collins is a determined and dedicated leader with a driven passion for business and advocacy. As a senior from Hoover High School in Hoover, Alabama, and a four-year DECA member, he is eager to use his experience to create meaningful opportunities and connections with all members. Serving as the Southern Region Vice President, Grayson plans on encouraging members to advocate, create more job and internship opportunities for all DECA members with businesses, and create check-ins with Southern Region Associations to ensure they have the resources to thrive throughout the year. Formerly serving as the Alabama DECA District Three Vice President, Grayson got the chance to make personal connections with all members and advisors of Alabama DECA while being a part of the largest year for growth and membership that Alabama has had yet! Beyond the blazer you can find Grayson serving his local community, capturing sports photography pictures, being an advocate for children with disabilities, and taking every leadership opportunity given to him.
Check out Grayson's short answer responses here.
Mason St. Jean
Mason St. Jean is a four-year DECA member from Beech High School in Hendersonville and is a proud Beech DECA member–he joined DECA in his freshman year and quickly grew to love the organization. He has qualified for Tennessee's state career development conference for the past four years and the ICDC for the last three. He served as his DECA chapter’s New Member Director and helped Beech become the second-largest chapter in the state of Tennessee.
Mason was also a captain on his varsity football team and loves football and competing with others. He enjoys spending his free time with family and friends and strives to find opportunities to network and meet new people. Mason served as the 2024-2025 Tennessee DECA Vice President of Hospitality. During his term, he embodied hospitality and connected DECA members across the state of Tennessee. Mason also runs a student mental health organization that has reached 35,000 people in his community over the past two years and loves showing every student that they have a purpose.
Check out Mason's short answer responses here.
Candidate for Western Region Vice President
Kirabella Licitra
Kirabella Licitra is a Senior at Bend Tech and served as Oregon DECA’s 2024-2025 Vice President of Hospitality. Throughout her three years in DECA, she served as president for the chapter she founded at Bend Tech Academy. Kirabella enjoys all DECA leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities. Whether in Oregon or internationally, she loves connecting with a diversity of students. DECA events have created some of her favorite memories, and she hopes to help students have the same opportunities that she had. She is passionate about connecting with members, celebrating their achievements, and bringing DECA’s spirit with her wherever she goes. She channels her passion into strengthening DECA’s impact on its members, creating a unified, inclusive, and dynamic strong community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, mentoring and coaching youth, cherishing time with loved ones, and continuously growing as an emerging leader.
Check out Kirabella's short answer responses here.
Patrick Lester
Patrick is a driven and passionate leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep commitment to making a difference. Whether he’s inspiring others through his Motivational Monday series, leading initiatives in DECA, or working toward his future in sports business, Patrick thrives on creativity, leadership, and impact.
Beyond his professional ambitions, Patrick is someone who values balance and connection. He enjoys going on long walks to clear his mind, playing video games to unwind, and spending time with friends, whether it’s shooting hoops, tossing a football, or just hanging out. He believes life is about the moments shared with others, and he makes it a priority to uplift those around him.
With a strong work ethic and a natural ability to lead, Patrick approaches every challenge with resilience and determination. He doesn’t just aim to succeed, he aims to leave a legacy. Whether through business, mentorship, or personal growth, Patrick is dedicated to shaping a future that’s meaningful, impactful, and true to who he is.
Check out Patrick's short answer responses here.
Praveena Mahendran
Praveena Mahendran is a proud four-year DECA member, dedicated to empowering others through her leadership and using her passion to enhance DECA’s impact on others. Serving in her dual role as the Washington DECA Area 3 President and Vice President of Finance, Praveena simultaneously works to represent the 2,400+ members in her district and leads statewide philanthropic efforts benefiting the 16,000 members in her association. Praveena also sits on the student-led leadership committee for Washington DECA’s Access & Inclusion Board and has served as a previous two-time chapter officer.
Reflecting on her DECA journey, Praveena is overcome with immense gratitude for the dynamic DECA community she's been shaped by, quickly learning that leadership has always been about creating a space where actions speak louder than titles. Guided by this understanding, Praveena is committed to shaping a Western Region where collaboration isn’t just a concept but a deliberate force that empowers every member to lead with purpose, transforming potential into real, lasting impact
Check out Praveena's short answer responses here.
