2019-20 ND DECA Leadership Team
Meet the Team
As a team, it is our mission to effectively prepare DECA members with materials involving 21st Century Skills in business to guide them to success.
We are excited to serve the members of North Dakota and help create lasting resources to make our chapters stronger at the local level. If we can do anything to help you or your Chapter get more out of your DECA year, please reach out! We want to hear from you.
Team Resources
Goal 1
MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT
- Provide tools to members to better run their chapter.
- Host an effective, energetic, and informative Fall Leadership Conference.
- Use social media to keep members motivated throughout the year.
Goal 2
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Promote the use of DECA skill sin order to benefit the community.
- Involve local businesses in DECA activities, conference, and chanpter meetings.
- Promote DECA in the community and school.
Goal 3
COMMUNICATION
- Create social media connections.
- Communicate with local DECA Chapters.
- Improve chapter to chapter communication.
Isabelle McLean
President
isabelle@nddeca.org
Why did you choose to be a member of DECA?
I chose to become a DECA member because my sister was involved and really enjoyed it. I saw how it positively impacted her and prepared her for the world outside of high school.
What do you like best about being a state officer for North Dakota DECA?
Being able to contribute to and have an impact on an organization that I truly care for. I feel like I am apart of something great and important.
What do you like best about being a member of DECA?
Learning new skills and applying them to my daily life.
Have you had any unique opportunities because of your DECA experience?
Yes. I have had opportunities to go to Atlanta and Orlando for competition. I got the chance to go on stage at nationals, something I could only dream of.
What organizations or athletic activities do you participate in?
I participate in tennis, SHAPE club, Key Club, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy and DECA.
Wyatt Birst
Vice President
wyatt@nddeca.org
Why did you choose to be a member of DECA?
I chose to become a DECA member because DECA allowed me to learn and to experience the marketing and business field for a possible career.
What do you like best about being a state officer for North Dakota DECA?
I love working with this officer team and planning breakout sessions for our members.
What do you like best about being a member of DECA?
DECA created an environment for me to gain new friends; hopefully, they are lifelong friendships.
Have you had any unique opportunities because of your DECA experience?
I have been able to travel to Atlanta and Florida; also, I have been able to contact DECA, local, and legislative leaders.
What organizations or athletic activities do you participate in?
I play soccer, inclusive football, inclusive bowling, inclusive track, and inclusive bowling. I am in National Honors Society, Peer-to-Peer, and the Bismarck-Mandan Student Chamber.
Ryan Hermes
Vice President
ryanh@nddeca.org
Why did you choose to be a member of DECA?
I chose to become a DECA member because I thought it would be a fun way to meet new people and travel! Also, I joined DECA because people in my school told me it was fun and that I would be good at it.
What do you like best about being a state officer for North Dakota DECA?
I enjoy making memories with the other state officers and meeting the members of North Dakota DECA.
What do you like best about being a member of DECA?
Going to ICDC 3 Times and traveling to new places!
Have you had any unique opportunities because of your DECA experience?
My freshman year trading pins at a table with other people and coming home with 6 different state hats from ICDC.
What organizations or athletic activities do you participate in?
Cross Country, Wrestling, Track, DECA, Student Council, NHS Drumline
Natalie Lemnus
Vice President
natalie@nddeca.org
Why did you choose to be a member of DECA?
I chose to become a DECA member because I have always had an interest in business and was excited to learn material that could help me start my own business someday.
What do you like best about being a state officer for North Dakota DECA?
Spending time with the other officers.
What do you like best about being a member of DECA?
Getting to compete and travel with friends.
Have you had any unique opportunities because of your DECA experience?
More people in my community recognize me as a DECA member and are more apt to contribute in fundraisers. Also getting Universal closed off to just DECA members at ICDC in Orlando.
What organizations or athletic activities do you participate in?
Volleyball, Peer Facilitating, Student Council
Diya Panda
Vice President
diya@nddeca.org
Why did you choose to be a member of DECA?
I chose to become a DECA member because I love business and networking with others! DECA was the first thing I joined high school and I instantly fell in love with the competition and the people in it.
What do you like best about being a state officer for North Dakota DECA?
I get to meet some amazing people and I truly believe that I am making a positive impact on North Dakota and its community through DECA.
What do you like best about being a member of DECA?
I love all the networking opportunities that being a DECA member provides.
Have you had any unique opportunities because of your DECA experience?
I have been able to travel to amazing places because of DECA and being able to start the Grab Bag Program at Red River.
What organizations or athletic activities do you participate in?
Student Council, Dance, Rider Rope, Swimming, Helping Hands, NHS, NTHS and Rotary Club
Gary Wu
Vice President
garyw@nddeca.org
Why did you choose to be a member of DECA?
I chose to become a DECA member because of a great marketing class. My marketing teacher pushed me to do my best in projects, and I realized that I could compete. I would encourage everyone to be a member of DECA and see what they can benefit from the opportunities.
What do you like best about being a state officer for North Dakota DECA?
I like the way the officer team can make changes state-wide. Each year new officers can help impact the organization in whatever way that needs to be done for each year.
What do you like best about being a member of DECA?
Being a member of DECA truly teaches us how to become better leaders and students. Combining real life elements along with the role-play situation really helps DECA members learn the world of marketing.
Have you had any unique opportunities because of your DECA experience?
Yes, any trip that I have went on comes with unique opportunities and memories. Bonding with the officer team and just experiencing all of the locations really results in a unique experience.
What organizations or athletic activities do you participate in?
I participate in tennis, student council, choir, NHS, and most importantly, DECA.