Wilbraham & Monson Academy's Elizaveta Biryukova '19 takes her opportunity to participate in DECA seriously; so seriously she campaigned for and won an election to be a state officer of the international organization.
DECA is an association that prepares high school and college students for leadership in the business field, such as entrepreneurship, finance, marketing and management.
"I like DECA as an organization," Liza said. "I thought the position as a state officer could prospectively help me with my public speaking skills as well as leadership skills so I decided to run."
Liza placed second in the entrepreneurship field at a district DECA competition in January. In February, she completed a test interview with current state officers. Liza passed the process and was allowed to run for state officer, winning the election at the state conference in Boston in early March.
"I'm glad people liked what I was representing," she expressed.
As a state officer, Liza was invited to attend this year's International Career Development Conference for DECA, which was held in Atlanta April 21-24. The event drew 18,000 people, including representatives from approximately 10 countries.
"We met a lot of people and got close with our team for next year," Liza explained. "I think it's important for people who you will be working with to have a good relationship."
At the international conference, Liza helped current officers and was invited to attend a leadership academy.
Liza added that WMA students who have an interest in the business field are welcome to ask her questions about DECA.