One aspect of DECA that students brag about is the community people meet. From virtual calls and challenges to conference interactions, student members love networking and making everlasting friendships. What makes this experience unique is that you get to learn from a diverse range of viewpoints from around the world.
Hear from Sahar Ali from Depaul University, Mariah Champion from Arizona State University and Nadine Delosama from Montclair State University on why diversity is important to them:
How important is it for an organization to be welcoming of others?
Sahar: I think it’s very important for an organization to be open and welcoming of others because organizations are the primary way students get involved and meet others. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, so being in a welcoming organization that fosters a community of like-minded individuals is the best way to mingle and grow.
Mariah: Organizations that welcome all people are so important, mostly because people join to find a place of belonging where they can exercise their talents and make friends. It is amazing to find an organization that welcomes people from any majors or backgrounds because you never know where you can find someone who can contribute greatly to your cause.
Nadine: An organization must give everyone the chance and feeling of being seen and valued. When people can be authentic, they will be more confident and willing to contribute. A "safe space" environment creates stronger and more genuine connections, innovation, motivation and opportunities for everyone.
What are the benefits of involvement in a community of various perspectives/backgrounds?
Sahar: Different backgrounds bring different and fresh perspectives. An individual’s growth needs to experience different mindsets and collaborate with people who aren’t replicas of themself but have similar goals and a drive to succeed!
Mariah: Learning about others and being educated about people’s perspectives on life is important in growing as a person. You can’t grow until you learn, and the best way to learn is to meet people and talk to them. It is amazing to say that you’ve met someone from a different city, country, race or other diverse background.
Nadine: Being involved in a diverse community allows one to see the world through so many different lenses/perspectives. It's like being able to experience different films/stories in one life, which is really important for our human experience as it fosters growth, compassion and our overall understanding of our experiences. It challenges us to think outside the box and be more adaptable, and growth/skills like that are definitely priceless and can be applied to any area of our lives.
What is one tip on how DECA members can promote diversity, equity and inclusion within their chapters?
Sahar: Don’t sleep on social events. Although DECA is heavy on professionalism and competition, there is a lot more to it than just that. Members who compete need to feel comfortable and like they have a whole community behind them, supporting them. I think well-established chapters do this, but ones that are just starting up focus only on the professional aspect, and it could be beneficial to foster that community before putting that professional pressure on them.
Mariah: My best advice is to bring culture to the chapter. One way is to ask their club members what they want to see (catering from their favorite/cultural spots nearby, asking everyone to potluck a dish from their background, etc.) and make sure they feel accepted by others in the chapter. Another way is to point out how being a part of DECA can help lead into fields not often dominated by marginalized communities, and you’re helping contribute to those fields and learning more about them.
Nadine: Be intentional in seeking ways to include others with experiences or backgrounds different from yours. Sometimes, the little things make a huge difference, like holding cultural events or just being open to learning about others' perspectives, even through a simple conversation and providing a safe space and an open mind. Most importantly, it creates an atmosphere where people feel safe speaking up and being authentic.
As we celebrate CTE month and Black History Month this February, we thank Mariah, Nadine and Sahar for sharing their viewpoints on the importance of diversity. Share your experience on how DECA has welcomed you into the community and tag @collegiatedeca.
