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: Brooklyn Williams, VP Communications (Graves County); Ivey Redd, VP Finance (Trigg County); Lauren Worley, President (Pulaski County); Parker Sellers, VP Membership (Pulaski County); Lilly P'pool, 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!
Click Above
Dates to Remember
2023 Kentucky DECA SCDC
March 5-7, 2023
Galt House, Louisville, KY
Want to Start a Chapter?
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 2021-2022 State Leadership Team
Kentucky State Advisor
Lisa Oakes is Kentucky DECA's State Advisor. She received her BS in Business Education from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL and 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
Lauren Worley is Kentucky DECA’s President. She is a Senior at Pulaski County High School where she is also involved in FCA, NHS, and her school’s Executive Council. She participates on her school’s golf, volleyball, and tennis teams. Her career plans include studying to be a pediatric cardiologist and knows that, through participation in DECA’s activities, she will enhance her communication skills and personal brand, but also allow her to explore entrepreneurship which will allow for exploration in the medical field as a pediatric cardiologist. Her top priority for Kentucky DECA is to grow our membership numbers as well as have a record-breaking number of members!
Vice President Of Communications
Brooklyn Williams is Kentucky DECA’s Vice President of Communications. She attends Graves County High School where she participates in activities including tennis, Pep Club, and the student leadership team. When she is not at school, you can find her on the tennis courts, hanging with friends, or spending time with her family at Kentucky Lake. After high school, she plans to major in Business Education at Murray State University. Her goals for Kentucky DECA include building our social media outreach for better communication with members.
Vice President Of Finance
Ivey Redd is Kentucky DECA’s Vice President of Finance. He is a Junior at Trigg County High School where he also participates in football. His career interests include Stockbroker, Digital Marketing Analyst, Investment Banking, and Business Lawyer. His goals for Kentucky DECA include sponsoring fundraising and community service opportunities to increase funding and community involvement among chapters.
Vice President Of Public Relations
Lilly P’pool is Kentucky DECA’s Vice President of Public Relations. She is a Senior at Trigg County High School where she is a member of her school’s volleyball team as well as being active in BETA, NHS, KYA, FCA and Pep Club. After graduation, she will be attending college majoring in Business and Agriculture and has a dream of becoming the first female Commission of Agriculture in Kentucky. Her goals for Kentucky DECA include better publicizing the purpose and mission of DECA while increasing the number of qualifying members advancing to competition at DECA ICDC.
Vice President Of Membership
Parker Sellers is Kentucky DECA’s Vice President of Membership. He is a Senior at Pulaski County High School where he is a member Student Council, FCA and Chamber Choir. Parker wishes to “be the change he wishes to see in the world” and help shape the future of the Commonwealth. His goals for Kentucky DECA include growing our membership to the highest level ever!
Contact Us
300 Sower Blvd. – 5th floor, 5 SW 04
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-4286, ext. 4269
