State President Candidates
Ava Datta

Issaquah High School
Lucy Hadfield

North Kitsap High School
Sankari Kk

North Creek High School
William Thai

Lindbergh High School
Choose the candidate you want representing your voice and Washington DECA
Voting Delegate Process:
Before SCDC | Learn about the candidates by rewatching the Q+A Session, moderated by our current State President, on the @washingtondeca Instagram Live at 7pm.
Before SCDC | Ask your chapter president or advisor if you can serve as a voting delegate. Voting delegate allocations can be found here.
February 27 | Listen to the candidate speeches during the Opening Session at the Meydenbauer, or watch the livestream/recording.
February 28 | Meet the candidates at the Hyatt on the 1st floor near the shuttle area, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
February 28 | If you aren’t a voting delegate, tell your chapter’s voting delegates who you think they should vote for. Voting in-person is located at the Hyatt on the 1st floor near the shuttle zone from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Questions with Ava
What is your campaign platform?
My campaign platform is giving members more agency to personalize their DECA experiences! Through the ACE plan, I’ll provide chapters with more opportunities for ‘Advocacy’ in regards to their needs, create polls and gather input to understand the most wanted ‘Competition’ resources, and provide members with career ‘Experiences’ that align with their visions for the future. Like the state itself, the Washington Association is both large and diverse; I know that just one perspective on what is needed is not enough. I am confident that a personalized approach catered to YOUR competition, career, and community needs will help unlock even more of the potential that’s already spilling of Washington DECA!
How do you plan on leading your state officer team next year?
I plan on leading by listening! Each chapter officer has unique input on their area’s experiences. In order for a collaborative approach to thrive, I look forward to uplifting each voice to create a collaborative environment!
What is one thing you would like all members to know about you?
I want all members to know that as committed as I am to DECA, I also understand you are a person outside of competition! You have other hobbies, interests, and experiences, and I believe that DECA doesn’t need to exclude those things; the tenets of what we learn are a part of every aspect of life and career growth. I believe that through business, we can uplift every aspect of a member, whether that be through supporting varying career interest (trades, STEM, law, etc.) or through building the soft skills that will allow us to reach new heights in any chosen field!
Why should voting delegates vote for you?
Delegates should vote for me because I’ll make sure that see the changes. State president can feel like a distant platform that doesn’t end up effecting individual members very much, but through dedication and direct communication, I’ll ensure they see new career and competition development resources that cater to exactly what they need! I’m a driven candidate who can’t let her community down, and Washington DECA is one of the most significant communities I’ve been a part of.
Questions with Lucy
What is your campaign platform?
Lead with Lucy
How do you plan on leading your state officer team next year?
My leadership will focus on including all perspectives to foster a collaborative environment, encouraging creative decisions that benefit all parties involved. I will lead by example not words, bringing enthusiasm and dedication to every initiative we pursue. I will ensure every officer is supported and accountable, together we will launch new competition and leadership resources to strengthen Washington DECA.
What is one thing you would like all members to know about you?
I am a fierce and initiative driven individual, and when I find issues I come up with solutions and implement them. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I saw that there was virtually no support or advocacy for teens, leading me to connect with others to create an account that advocates and raises awareness for teenage cancer and supports people like me. In DECA, I will use these skills to support my peers and find adaptable solutions.
Why should voting delegates vote for you?
Voting delegates should choose to vote for me because I will make their voice heard, to me communication isn’t just about speaking, it’s about listening to what you, as a DECA member want from me as your next state president. I have demonstrated clear leadership skills and drive for advocacy. I am bold and resilient, I do not back down simply because something scares me, which makes me a successful leader.
Questions with Sankari
What is your campaign platform?
My campaign platform is committed to empowering every DECA member, from those just beginning their journey to those striving for greater achievements, to have the resources and support need to succeed. Initiatives like DECA Madness provide a second chance for members to refine their skills and compete, while the Judge’s Corner Podcast offers firsthand insights from experienced judges to enhance preparation and confidence. Highlighting Washington celebrates the hard work and accomplishments of our members, fostering motivation and recognition, while the Navigating DECA Newsletter keeps everyone informed, engaged, and connected. With these initiatives and a commitment to fairness through Evaluation Standards, I will ensure that every DECA member feels empowered, valued, and equipped to reach their full potential.
How do you plan on leading your state officer team next year?
I will lead with collaboration, dedication, and adaptability, fostering a team that creates meaningful change by leveraging each officer’s strengths in areas like membership engagement, conference planning, and advocacy initiatives. By building a dynamic and cohesive leadership, I will encourage innovation, growth, and excellence, while working proactively with advisors and chapters to address challenges. With a solution-oriented mindset, I will lead by example, inspiring others to do the same and ensuring Washington DECA thrives.
What is one thing you would like all members to know about you?
When I first joined DECA, I was uncertain about my path, but with the right support, I found my balance and confidence. That’s why I’m running—to ensure every DECA member has the tools, opportunities, and recognition they deserve. I am here to listen, offer support, and advocate for your growth, knowing that your success contributes to Washington DECA’s overall success, and I will work tirelessly to help you SHINE like the DECA diamond.
Why should voting delegates vote for you?
As a fellow DECA member, student leader, and athlete, I understand the challenges and pressures you face, and how important it is to have the right support. I am committed to ensuring that every member—whether new or striving for greater achievements—has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. With my leadership, you will feel valued, heard, and supported, knowing that I am here to advocate for your growth and success every step of the way.
Questions with William
What is your campaign platform?
Hello everyone! I’m your guy, William Thai, and my campaign is centered around what I call the three C’s: CONNECTION, COMPETITION, and CULTURE. Washington DECA is an amazing organization already, but I have visions to make it even better. For connections and competition, I aim to create an online platform where members from all over the state can connect and seek out competitive advice from one another. In terms of culture, I believe that Washington DECA can provide multiple platforms, such as allowing people to advocate about current issues affecting businesses, or having cultural meetings at conferences where members can meet new people and learn about other cultures.
How do you plan on leading your state officer team next year?
I plan to lead the state officer team with a major emphasis on teamwork and integrity. I hope to be able to share my values and ideas with the board while also being able to hear all of their ideas, as everything great that has been produced has required teamwork in some way or another. I also want to foster a welcoming environment with the board so that we can all have an amazing time serving Washington DECA and inspire others to run for state office.
What is one thing you would like all members to know about you?
One thing I want all members to know is that it is my goal to be seen as an approachable state president, where anyone can send me a question or a message and see it answered. Whether it be through answering your questions, hearing your ideas, or engaging in general conversation, I truly value connection and always love a good chat! I know there is a lot of hesitation when it comes to approaching state officers, and if I am elected, I want to make sure that none of that exists.
Why should voting delegates vote for you?
I believe that voting delegates should vote for me because I am taking what I see to be the most valuable takeaways from DECA, and attempting to implement initiatives that bring them out to their fullest. I want to experiment with big ideas and I truly believe that Washington DECA can grow better and larger as a result. As a state president candidate, I have the DECA experience in mind, and finding ways to improve it is my number one priority.