Stepping into the role of a DECA chapter officer can be a rewarding milestone, but also can be an intimidating experience. Whether you are a new officer or a seasoned president, the best way to strengthen your chapter is by learning from the experiences of others. To support your leadership journey, we asked some current chapter officers about their experience and what advice they would share to California DECA members. 

Think Towards Your Community 

Transitioning into the role of a chapter officer emphasizes shifting from personal growth to chapter development. When you step into a DECA leadership position, it is important to remember that you aren’t just aiming to qualify for ICDC, but you are also working towards improving your entire chapter’s DECA experience. As Vice President of Marketing Raina Rizwan from West Ranch High School explains, “strong leadership involves making an effort to connect with the people in your chapter. Being a new DECA member last year, I felt most welcomed when chapter officers personally reached out and talked to me.” Building connections especially with novice members is critical to the success of an officer and truly helps build a welcoming environment for your chapter. 

Expand Your Connections 

Being an officer also means looking beyond your school to work with members. Whether it is collaborating with a fellow chapter on a fundraiser or simply learning about different experiences by speaking to other members at conferences, take advantage of every DECA connection. Lynbrook DECA President Shreshta Ramji explains, “DECA offers a special chance to connect with individuals at an international level, and some of my closest friends in DECA have been people I met from different states or countries!” Building these friendships can not only strengthen your personal connections, but can also expand your chapter network. 

Leadership Beyond Titles 

As an officer, it’s important to not get hung up on titles. Leadership often goes beyond the outlined responsibilities of your position. For instance, you might take extra time outside of practice to explain performance indicators to a novice competitor or help organize unexpected logistic issues before SCDC. Vice President of Marketing Diego Saravia from Granada Hills Charter emphasizes this as he explains, “DECA taught me that leadership isn’t just about having a title. It’s about helping people around you become more confident and successful.” As you continue your DECA journey this year, consider how you want to support your entire chapter and not just the title you want to take away. 

This DECA season, remember being an officer goes beyond your own individual success. By shifting your focus towards your members, embracing connections, and stepping beyond your title, you can empower your chapter to become the Next Big Thing.

Post by: Katie Ong | California DECA VP of Leadership