Meet the #BeTheOne Social Media Team

Oct 8, 2024

The DECA Inc. Communications team is excited to announce the 2024-2025 #BeTheOne Social Media Team! Team members will help grow the DECA brand by showcasing their one-of-a-kind DECA experience through TikTok Videos and Instagram Reels.

Learn more about this year's team with their personal bios and fun facts:

Reneece Burleson, TX | @reneece_deca_

Hello I’m Reneece and I am a senior this year. Some things I enjoy are vlogging and trying new foods or activities with my friends. Some DECA facts about me are that I am the president of my chapter, and I compete in Business Services Marketing. I am so excited for this year and I’m honored to work with this amazing team!

Fun Fact: I love photography, specifically taking photos at events or gatherings.

Lumyria Desma, NC | @ilove1umy

Hi! I’m Lumyria Desma, and I’m 16 years old. I first joined DECA during my freshman year, and I've loved it ever since. I love singing, listening to music and hanging out with my friends, but I have a huge passion for creating content especially if it’s funny. I’m so excited to see what this year has ahead of us for the #BeTheOne Social Media Team.

Fun Fact: I pretty much grew up in Japan.

Lukas Fluegge, WA | @lukasf.48

I have enjoyed every minute of DECA since I began in my Freshman year. From my first area competition to Anaheim ICDC, one of my favorite parts has been capturing the journey. I am thrilled to serve as Media Officer for the Liberty DECA officer team and on the #BeTheOne Social Media Team. Outside of DECA, I like to spend my time on the field playing baseball. I also enjoy visiting local ponds to fish with friends or walking with my dog. I can't wait to see what this year has in store!

Fun Fact: I enjoy playing guitar in my free time.

Samantha Glicklich, NV | @samantha.deca

My name is Samantha Glicklich, and I am a Junior in High School living in Las Vegas, Nevada! As a third-year DECA member, my goal is to show incoming high schoolers the impact that DECA has not only had on my life but the impact it CAN have on theirs. Outside the DECA classroom, I love traveling and photography, having been to 25 countries and taking my camera on every journey. In the future, I plan on working in Crisis Management and PR, helping many get back on their feet after the world throws something their way. I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside so many brilliant young people and show DECA members across the globe how they can #BETHEONE!

Fun Fact: My last name means “Luck” or “Happiness” in both German and Yiddish! You can say that happiness follows me wherever I go.

Hailey Hwang, NY | @hailey_hwangg

Hi! My name is Hailey, and this is my third year as a member of DECA. Last year, I was part of the ICDC DECA Inc. social media team, and I am thrilled to be part of the #BeTheOne Social Media Team this year! I am from Long Island, New York, and I am a junior at Syosset High School. Additionally, I am the head of marketing at Syosset High School DECA. I enjoy snowboarding and playing volleyball and am so excited to create content for DECA!

Fun Fact: I am the team braider for my Volleyball team.

Keion Jalinous, MA | @keion_rj

Hey! My name’s Keion Jalinous, and I live in Weston, Massachusetts. I’m half Filipino, and growing up, I used to watch Shark Tank all the time—looking back, I realize it was the spark that ignited my passion for business. I've started several businesses over the past few years in high school (I’m currently a junior). While most of them didn’t result in anything too great, those experiences taught me a lot and solidified my decision to pursue business. I’ve been involved in DECA since my freshman year—my sister kept encouraging me to join—and last year, I was thrilled to place in the top 10 at nationals, which was a huge reward for all the hard work I put in. I’m really excited to be part of this team, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.

Fun Fact: Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed about going to Japan, and I'm going on a Senior trip with my friends in a year.

Steven Kim, ON | @stevven.k

I am a Grade 12 student at St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School, and I’m thrilled to join the #BeTheOne Social Media Team this year. Having previously served on the ICDC Social Media Team in 2024, I am ready to make a difference in the year-long council. In my role, I hope to create dozens of videos that are wildly engaging, wonderfully creative and perhaps a little bit crazy. When I’m not out capturing his next film, I can be found scrolling through thousands of profiles on LinkedIn, hustling at a nearby tennis court or scuttling around at a nearby business case competition. I am excited to shatter records in the DECA Inc. Social Media Team's inaugural year of operations.

Fun Fact: I've spoken at a wedding, performed an impromptu speech at a bar mitzvah and belted a song at a school concert (despite having zero singing experience...)

Asher Leventhal, NV | @asher.deca

Hi my name is Asher Leventhal, and I’m from the outstanding Nevada DECA! As I enter my fourth year in DECA, I look back on my time in this organization with admiration and pride for the people I’ve met and the impact I’ve had as a leader. I previously served as Nevada DECA’s Vice President of Marketing and Board of Trustees representative and have been a two-time ICDC Top Ten finalist! However, the most important thing DECA has given me isn’t a title or an award—it’s a dedication to leadership. This organization has taught me that leadership is never positional and that anyone can make a difference. This year, I hope to increase international CTE advocacy efforts through social media and empower members worldwide to achieve extraordinary things!

Fun Fact: I am a MASSIVE reality television fan and hope to compete in my favorite shows someday.

Tiffany Ling, VA | @deca.tiffany

Hi everyone! I’m Tiffany Ling, a current high school senior in Northern Virginia and 4-year DECA member. I am my chapter's Vice President of Career Development and love all things written events. I’m super interested in business/economics and am looking to pursue it in college. I’m excited to be on the social media team this year and can’t wait to make content for you all!

Fun Fact: I’m an avid How I Built This podcast listener.

Matthew Ma, PA | @deca.matthew

My name is Matthew Ma and I am a senior at Conestoga High School. During my 4 years as a DECA member from District 9, I’ve competed in BSM, IMCE, and ENT, winning 4th place at SCDC. Beyond the blazer, I run a consulting firm and direct musicals at a local theatre. In my free time, I enjoy playing piano, traveling with my family and playing Fortnite.

Fun Fact: I have a world record.

Tran Nguyen, NC | @tranbguyen

My name is Tran Nguyen. I'm a Vietnamese-American, and I'm currently a Junior at Apex Friendship High School. I am 16, and my birthday is in November, making me a Scorpio. My favorite color is blue, which is very fitting for DECA, and my favorite food in the entire world is sushi. I work at a local ice cream shop, which is ironic since my favorite dessert is ice cream. I enjoy going out to various events and meeting new people! In my free time, I like photographing others and hanging out with friends.

Fun Fact: I am double-jointed in the thumb.

Kaushik Nidigattu, SC | @riverbluff_deca

I am a senior at River Bluff High School. I am a four-year DECA member who has attended the past 3 ICDCs. I love to talk about hotels and run the Instagram for the River Bluff DECA account. I also love creating digital media and can't wait to help on the #BeTheOne Social Media Team.

Fun Fact: I lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for 5 years and watched the Steelers play football every week.

Caitlin Pham, WA | @area10deca

I am a four-year DECA member serving my second term as the Washington DECA Area 10 President and VP of Leadership! I began as a self-proclaimed "inept Instagram user," having never used Instagram before my term started. Over numerous mistakes, typos, and Google searches for the "where is the post button," I have slowly grown to enjoy working with social media. In my spare time, I enjoy working my job at a local library, singing along to Disney karaoke sessions and playing fantasy football.

Fun Fact: I have never successfully completed a New York Times crossword without hints or Google, not for lack of trying. One day!

Caroline Schaper, MO | @caroline.schaper

I am Caroline Schaper, a senior at Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, Missouri. This is my second year representing Kirkwood High School DECA. I am very passionate about marketing, design and entrepreneurship. DECA has provided me with opportunities to hone my problem-solving and public speaking skills while fueling my competitive spirit. I am committed to fostering a sense of community and encouraging fellow peers to step out of their comfort zones to be able to see their full potential in real-life situations.

Fun Fact: I dream of owning my own business one day and DECA has created the perfect platform to start that.

Krish Sharda, CA | @krish_sharda

Hi! My name is Krish Sharda, I'm a Junior at Amador Valley High School with a passion for business. I love exploring innovative ideas and strategies, especially in the areas of entrepreneurship and marketing. Along with my academic pursuits, I actively engage in leadership roles and content creation, focusing on using social media to connect and inspire others. Whether through my involvement in business clubs or creating impactful online content, I’m always looking for opportunities to learn, grow and make a difference.

Fun Fact: I've moved over 9 times throughout my life.

Ava Stacker, GA | @ava.deca

Hello everyone! My name is Ava Stacker and l'm a 4 year DECA member from the state of Georgia! I started creating content at the early age of 6 when I would steal the family iPad and make funny but cringey YouTube videos. Today, I'm here making content for one of the BEST organizations in the nation. I’m proud to say I’m a part of the #BeTheOne Social Media Team!

Fun Fact: I like to juggle.

Nikita Suresh, TX | @deca.nikitasuresh

Hi, I’m Nikita Suresh from Texas! I’m passionate about business management and finance and love using my creativity to share the amazing experiences DECA offers. As a member of the #BeTheOne Social Media Team, I’m excited to showcase the impact of DECA on students and the opportunities it creates. I can’t wait to collaborate with everyone and bring our ideas to life!

Fun Fact: I’ve moved more than nine times in my life, which means I’m basically a pro at packing and making new friends.

Olivia Thames, WI | @liv_thams

I am a junior at Hamilton High School, located in the cheese state of Wisconsin! I’m excited to embark on my third year as a DECA member and my second year as the VP of Communications at my chapter. Last year, I had the amazing opportunity to join the Wisconsin SCDC Social Media Team and later, created content for the ICDC Social Media Team! I compete in Restaurant and Food Service Management during competition season, but when I’m not competing or creating, you can find me on the tennis court or catching a soccer match. My passion for content creation started with DECA, and I can’t wait to give back to this amazing organization on an international level again!

Fun Fact: I have a collection of old Nike ads used as wall decor.

Nathan Tishgarten, GA | @deca.nathan

My name is Nathan and I’m so excited to be on the #BeTheOne Social Media Team! I’m currently a senior and chapter president at South Forsyth DECA, one of the largest local chapters in the world. This is my 4th year in DECA, but outside of this organization, I love playing guitar, designing t-shirts/graphics and listening to music!

Fun Fact: I love to go to concerts.

Brianna Tran, WA | @briannatranyt

I’m currently a Senior at Renton High School. I started creating content on YouTube because I love making videos to capture the moment and look back on. I mainly upload vlogs, lifestyle, study and beauty content on my channel. I’m part of the IB Diploma programme at my school so my YouTube channel is a fun creative outlet outside of all the academic things I like to be involved in.

Fun Fact: I hope to become a Clinical Psychiatrist one day.


Be sure to follow this year's team members to follow along as they create content telling their unique DECA story.

Questions?

Caitlin Roberts
Communications Coordinator
caitlin@deca.org

Caitlin Roberts is DECA's communications coordinator. In this role, she manages integrated communications efforts across the organization. Caitlin serves as DECA’s frontline communications agent and manages content creation and publishing for DECA's social media accounts and DECA Direct Online.

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