Kentucky DECA
Preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing,
finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.
Left to right: Aiden Corder, VP Membership (Somerset); Brooklyn Williams, President (Graves County); Riley Thompson, VP Public Relations (Trigg County)
CTE -- it's the WAY TO BE!
Click to the right to see how Kentucky CTE and CTSOs are helping students be prepared for the workforce today and in the future!
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Dates to Remember
October 11, 2022 – Region 4/5 Fall Workshop @ EKU, Richmond
October 19, 2022 – Region 1 Fall Workshop @ MSU, Murray
October 26, 2022 – Region 2/3 Fall Workshop @ WKU, Bowling Green (tentative)
December 8-12, 2022 – Central Region Leadership Conference @ Milwaukee
January 25, 2023 – Region 1 Conference @ MSU, Murray
January 27, 2023 – Region 4/5 Conference @ EKU, Richmond
February 1, 2023 – Region 2/3 Conference @ WKU, Bowling Green (tentative)
March 5-7, 2023 – Kentucky DECA SCDC @ Louisville
April 22-25, 2023 – DECA ICDC @ Orlando
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How Has DECA Made a Difference?
DECA's influence on Ashton Little began when she was a freshman in high school. She states, "I was an extremely shy freshman and the thought of running for office was nothing I ever considered. My advisor (Debbie Harris, Somerset High School) and friend convinced me and somehow, I stood in front of my region and gave that speech. To my surprise, I received the office, and I can honestly say my life was never the same." She credits Regional Coordinator James Rollins with encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone, meeting people and speaking to those with whom she was not familiar. Her experiences that she realized through DECA helped her meet her best friends and changed her career path. She says further, "I am thankful to this organization and the people within it for giving me the opportunity to find the things I love the most." Her advice to current DECA members is to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone and give 110% to this organization. She states, "You will only get out what you put in. You are getting more out of the process of being involved in DECA than you know and the connections, skills, and networks you make will carry you for a lifetime." Ashton was a Kentucky DECA member from 2015-2019 and stays involved as an Intern and Judge. She is currently enrolled at Eastern Kentucky University where she is majoring in English and Marketing with the goal of becoming a high school teacher and DECA Advisor or Professional Member.
About Kentucky DECA
DECA is a unique organization that develops skills needed to succeed in the Business and Marketing field. Skills in areas such as advertising, promotion, selling, finance, and distribution are emphasized. Management and entrepreneurial concepts involving creative problem solving, effective leadership through goal setting, consensus building, project implementation, and many others are also included to help students succeed in a Marketing or Business career. DECA helps a student focus on and apply classroom learning to specific careers in fields such as Business Administration, Fashion, Sports and Entertainment, Retailing, Finance, Hospitality, Travel/Tourism, and many more.
GET TO KNOW US
Your 2022-2023 State Leadership Team
Kentucky State Advisor
Lisa Oakes is Kentucky DECA's State Advisor. She attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, later transferring to Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville where she received her BS in Business Education. She received her MA Ed in Business Education from Eastern Kentucky University. She has been involved in education in a variety of venues including:
*Business and Marketing Teacher - George Rogers Clark High School, Winchester, KY
*Vocational Computer Teacher - Saguaro Correctional Complex, Eloy, AZ
*Director of Education - Anthem College, Las Vegas, NV
*Adjunct Instructor - ITT Tech and Eastern Kentucky University
She enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her family (especially her grandchildren).
President
Brooklyn is a Senior at Graves County High School where she is a member of the varsity Tennis team, FEA, FBLA, and Pep Club. She is an alumni of the Governor's Schools for Entrepreneurs and the Hugh O'Bryan Youth Leadership program. In the future, she plans to attend Murray State University and major in Business Education. She is excited to travel around the state and meet other passionate Kentucky DECA members!
Vice President of Public Relations
Riley is a Senior at Trigg County High School where he participates in Baseball, Cross Country, and Track. He is also a member of BETA, Black Hole Club, Teen Court, KYA and TSA/STLP. Upon graduation, he plans on attending University of Kentucky and major in Management. His goals for Kentucky DECA include sending as many individuals to ICDC as possible and further information everyone on the importance of the DECA mission statement.
Vice President of Membership
Aiden is a Senior at Somerset High School in Pulaski County where he is a member of the Tennis team, Solar Car team, and National Honor Society. He is a proud alumni of the Governor's Scholar Program and plans on attending Murray State University when he graduates. Having been a member of DECA since his Freshman year, Aiden looks forward to finishing his DECA high school career strong and meet his goal of increased membership for Kentucky DECA. His wish is that all members have positive DECA experiences as he has had.
Contact Us
300 Sower Blvd. – 5th floor, 5 SW 04
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-4286, ext. 4269
