Western DECA member places first at international conference in Kentucky

As demonstrated at the annual International Career Development Conference, Western shows that collegiate DECA is thriving. 

Open to all students with varying interests and career goals, DECA at Western helps members develop professional skills in areas such as entrepreneurship, marketing, hospitality and tourism, finance, and business management. Through competitions and workshops, students learn how to network, build professional connections, deliver presentations and solve problems in workplace settings. 

Vice President of Operations Gabbi Smith placed first overall at the ICDC in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 18 in the Sales Management and Leadership event, which included over 60 participants. She won a trophy called ‘DECA Glass’. At an international DECA Inc. competition, the most prestigious award is considered the Glass. 

“I felt good enough about how I did that I might get top 10. But I never expected to win first,” Smith said.

At ICDC, Smith completed a 100-question marketing knowledge exam and competed in two rounds of case competitions. 

In the first case, she acted as a sales manager for a manufacturing company and in the second, she took on the role of an accounting manager for a laundry business. In both circumstances, the companies were struggling with low sales and Smith was tasked with finding realistic solutions for each scenario.

“Honestly, I wasn’t that nervous for the competition. I have been doing DECA for so long, I know what to expect. I don’t get nervous until they start calling out everyone’s names at the award ceremony,” Smith said.

Smith described the environment at ICDC as professional and friendly. There was no hint of aggression or jealousy among the competitors. 

“People are pretty outgoing and eager to meet others, so there’s a lot of networking,” Smith said.

After years of experience in DECA, Smith knows how to encourage newer members and help them learn the ropes in state competitions. Although she studies environmental policy rather than business, she values DECA for the professional and communication skills it offers.

That sense of support is what draws new students to DECA at Western, even those without prior business experience. 

“She’s so excited for you to be a part of the team and grow your skills,” DECA member Philomène Hudry said. 

While Smith entered college with years of competition under her belt, newer members like Hudry joined simply looking to challenge themselves and meet new people.

Hudry joined the club during her sophomore year to push herself out of her comfort zone. She described the club culture as “uplifting, inclusive and family-oriented.” 

While the rest of the team competes individually, Hudry competes in a duo with fellow club member, Caitrin McKinney. 

“Caitrin and I bounce off each other. It doesn’t feel like either of us are pulling our weight more than the other,” Hudry said.

The whole team prepares for competitions by running through ‘mock tests’ once a month, which consist of practice trials and prompts.

Members of DECA described their experience in a similar way: They initially felt intimidated by the knowledge barrier in high school but after arriving at Western, they were encouraged to join the club just to try it out. 

They soon realized it was far less intimidating than expected and ended up having a lot of fun. Many also discovered that, regardless of their major, the skills learned through the club are applicable to any field of study.  

“I was definitely nervous about joining DECA at first,” Sammy Reid, vice president of communications, said. “I wasn’t a business major yet, so I didn’t know what I’d be doing. But then I got there, and everyone was super supportive.”

Reid emphasized that the club fosters an environment where no one is judged based on their level of business knowledge.

As DECA at Western continues to grow, members hope the organization will encourage more students, regardless of major or experience level, to step outside their comfort zones. For many students, the club has become more than just a competitive business organization, it has become a place to build confidence, professional skills and community. 

Those interested in learning more about DECA at Western can keep up with their updates on Instagram.  

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