Ana Valenzuela is a senior at Henry M. Jackson High School and excited to serve as the 2026-2027 Area 1 President and VP of Marketing. Now entering her fourth year in DECA, Ana has competed at every level of competition. She earned first place at Area in MTDM her freshman year, and has competed in IBP for the past two years, earning 7th place at SCDC in her sophomore year and finalizing at SCDC in her junior year.

Beyond competition, Ana has served as VP of leadership and chapter president, where she has organized competition-readiness workshops, mock competitions and community service campaigns. This year, her chapter was recognized as a chapter champion for their community service campaign for Alex’s Lemonade  Stand Foundation, where her chapter raised over $1,500 for childhood cancer research. Ana also enjoys working in her school’s SBE because she learns new skills, and works with fellow DECA members.

Outside of DECA, Ana enjoys baking, playing soccer, and spending time with friends and family. She is part of her school’s Key Club, and is a summer intern at Pacific Coast Banking School. After high school, she hopes to attend a four-year university to study marketing and later pursue an MBA.

Ana believes that whether or not you plan to pursue a business career in the future, DECA provides invaluable skills, experiences, and lessons that everyone should take advantage of!

Mia Huynh is an incoming Senior at Chief Sealth International High School in Seattle. She is ecstatic to serve as the 2026-2027 Area 2 President and Vice President of Marketing. Helping to start a DECA Chapter at her own school, she was Chapter President her junior year leading 30 members through Area and State level competitions while competing in HRM herself. As state officer, she is eager to brighten the horizon for Washington DECA and its members.

Beside the blazer, Mia has a strong passion for community, wherever you can find her, know that she will have friends around. With her engagement through Key Club and volunteering, she has been inspired to create a pop-up selling drinks and baked goods to raise funds for the causes in her community.

Mia believes DECA is an unforgettable experience that cultivates a special community, while helping to develop your skills that impact your future in every aspect.

Eva Sharma is a junior at Redmond High School and is excited to serve as the 2026-2027 Washington DECA Area 3 President! Being a DECA member since her freshman year, Eva has embraced every opportunity the organization offers, from competition to leadership to building meaningful connections with members across the state. She has competed in both written and role-play events, qualifying for the International Conference twice and earning first place at the WA DECA State Conference this past year.

Within her chapter, Eva served as the Director of Community Engagement, where she worked to strengthen member involvement and build a supportive and connected chapter community. Through DECA, she has developed confidence in her leadership abilities and discovered a passion for helping others grow, step outside their comfort zones and pursue opportunities they may not have thought possible.

Outside of DECA, Eva is deeply involved in her school and community. She serves as President of the Redmond High School Mock Trial team and leads the BricksFolios national summer business internship program that supports students exploring careers in business. She is also an active member of several organizations, including Red Cross Club, Indian Student Association, Debate, Philosophy Club, National Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society.

Looking ahead, Eva hopes to pursue a degree in business and one day start her own company. One quote that inspires her is from Maya Angelou: “People may forget what you said or what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” She believes leadership is about empowering others and creating environments where people feel encouraged and energized to grow, take risks, and believe in their own potential.

Eva believes DECA is more than a competition organization. It is a community that empowers members to grow as leaders, pursue their ambitions, and make a meaningful impact. She is beyond excited to serve Washington DECA members this year and help create opportunities that inspire others to dream bigger and reach further.

Vivian Zhou is a senior at Liberty High School and is honored to serve as the 2026-2027 Area 4 President and VP of Career Development. As a dedicated DECA member entering her fourth year in the organization, Vivian has experienced firsthand how DECA can open doors, build confidence, and create lasting connections. What began as an opportunity to try something new, quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of her high school experience. From competition to leadership, DECA has helped her grow both personally and professionally, and she is excited to help other members discover that same sense of purpose and belonging.

Throughout her DECA journey, Vivian has competed in a variety of events, including Principles of Hospitality and Tourism, Restaurant and Food Service Management, Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan, and Project Management Sales Project. One of her proudest accomplishments was earning 2nd place and glassing at ICDC 2024 in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism, as well as triple-qualifying for SCDC this year. Beyond competition, Vivian served her chapter of 200+ students as Liberty High School’s Public Relations Officer, while also contributing as a DECA International Content Creator and WA DECA Access & Inclusion Ambassador. In each of these roles, she works to strengthen chapter culture, celebrate member success, and make DECA more engaging and accessible for everyone.

Outside of DECA, Vivian loves to dance on her school’s State Champion drill team, where she has continued to build discipline, teamwork, and school spirit. She enjoys connecting with others, creating content, and finding ways to bring energy and positivity into the communities she is part of. After high school, Vivian hopes to study bioengineering or business and pursue a future where she can combine creativity, leadership, and innovation. To Vivian, DECA means growth, opportunity, and community, and she is excited to serve Area 4 and help members make the most of their DECA experience!

Ekampreet (Ekam) Singh is a junior at Kent Laboratory Academy and is honored to serve as your Washington DECA Area 5 President for the 2026-2027 school year. Entering his third year in DECA, Ekam proudly represents members while serving on the Finance Mission Team.

Ekam has competed at the Area and State levels in Start-Up Business Plan (ESB), where he discovered that DECA is more than competition – it is a place where members build confidence and learn how to turn ideas into action. He believes leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room, but about listening first and acting with intention to improve everyone’s experience. Ekam is passionate about helping shape a DECA experience centered on access, excellence, and energy for all members.

Outside of DECA, Ekam enjoys building technology projects, developing apps, creating robots, and exploring how thoughtful design and reliable systems can improve everyday life. He is actively involved in student leadership at his school and loves spending time outdoors, playing video games with friends, and traveling with his family. Ekam is also a massive fan of Formula 1 and motorsport racing.

After high school, Ekam hopes to attend the University of Washington to major in engineering and minor in business. His dream is to one day build a company focused on robotics and software that make communities more enjoyable, safe, and efficient.

Feel free to reach out to Ekam – he is always ready to talk business or debate race strategy.

Rohan Nune, Washington DECA Area 6 President, attends Richland High School and will be a junior this fall. A dedicated DECA member and student leader, Rohan previously served as Richland High School DECA’s Vice President of Career Development, where he helped members strengthen their professional skills, prepare for competition, and grow in confidence.

Through DECA, Rohan has developed a strong foundation in communication, leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving. He has challenged himself through role-plays, a 20-page written event, and pitch deck presentations, which have helped him become a more confident speaker, competitor, and leader. These experiences have taught him how to think creatively, present ideas effectively, and lead with purpose both in and out of the classroom.

Outside of school, Rohan loves the outdoors. Whether he is white water rafting, spending a week backpacking in the wilderness, or simply being outside, he values adventure, resilience, and the perspective that nature brings. He also loves spending time with his dog, Lucky. These experiences have shaped him into someone who values perseverance, teamwork, and service.

Rohan plans to attend college and pursue a career in medicine. He hopes to combine science, leadership, and service to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. He shares, “DECA has helped me grow as a leader, step outside my comfort zone, and turn ideas into action. It has opened doors for me to challenge myself and become the best version of myself.”

Preston Bauer is a junior at Enumclaw High School and is beyond honored to serve as the Area 7 President and Vice President of Leadership. He has been a dedicated member of DECA for three years and previously served as his chapter’s president during his sophomore year.

Outside of DECA, Preston participates in cross country and has a strong passion for running. He also rides horses and enjoys spending time outdoors. In addition, he dedicates his time to giving back to the community by volunteering at Penny’s for Heaven, a local thrift store, as well as with Backpack Buddies, an organization that helps provide food for children in need.

Looking ahead, Preston plans to pursue the pre-med path in college and study chemistry. He is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking—when he feels anxious, he reminds himself, “I am outstanding,” to stay motivated and confident during competition.

Preston lives by the quote, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” by Nelson Mandela. This quote resonates deeply with him because he believes everyone deserves equal access to education, as it can open doors to opportunities far beyond what one might imagine.

Through DECA, Preston is committed to helping others grow as leaders, take risks, and achieve their full potential.

Nick McCoy is a senior at Olympia High School. He has been involved in DECA since his sophomore year, competing in Professional Selling and Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan. He has served as Olympia High School’s VP of Finance, where he helped managed funds and support members and initiatives, before being elected as Area 8 President and a member of WA DECA’s State Officer Team. He serves Washington DECA as part of Team Horizon’s Leadership Team, focusing on connecting with members and driving meaningful improvement across the state. Nick loves hearing from members and doing his very best to make change to serve DECA.

As a leader of Washington DECA, Nick wants to give DECA members the same transformative experience he was able to have. DECA has taught Nick many different skills and opened him up to new opportunities. Without DECA, Nick would not have accomplished as much as he has been able to and he would be much less prepared for his future.

Outside of DECA, Nick can be found working out at the gym or snowboarding at White Pass. He also enjoys reading books and learning from others. Beyond high school, Nick wants to study finance and business, and eventually open a financial consulting firm to help individuals and companies solve their financial problems.

Nick loves to hear from members! He is available to contact via Instagram at @area8deca.

Madilyn Baldwin is a junior at Heritage High School and is honored to serve as your VP of Leadership. She has been a proud member of DECA for two years, where she has developed a strong passion for leadership, collaboration, and professional growth through hands-on experiences. Madilyn is a third-generation DECA member, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother.

Throughout her time in DECA, she has been actively involved in her chapter, participating in competitions through EBG and her school’s SBE. These experiences have helped her build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and better understand the impact of servant leadership. As VP of Leadership, Madilyn is excited to support members, foster connections, and help create meaningful opportunities for growth across her Area and state.

Outside of DECA, Madilyn is involved in her school’s track and volleyball teams. In her free time, she enjoys reading a great book and spending time with her best friend, which helps her stay balanced and inspired.

DECA has played a key role in shaping Madilyn’s confidence and leadership abilities, and she hopes to help fellow members discover the same sense of purpose, opportunity, and belonging through their own DECA journeys.

Nathan Raj is a senior at West Valley High School and is honored to serve as the Area 10 President and Vice President of Finance! He has been an active member of DECA for three years, competing in Financial Consulting and Community Giving. In his chapter, Nathan has served as the Community Service Chair and is committed to bringing individuals together and supporting his community in any way possible. DECA has taught him the value of dedication and community, pushing him beyond his comfort zone and driving his growth as a leader. As a State Officer, Nathan aims to enhance accessibility to resources and maximize the benefits that DECA provides to its members.

Outside of DECA, Nathan is deeply passionate about music. He plays the saxophone and is the Senior Drum Major at his school. He also enjoys organizing food drives for his school and toy drives for a local children’s hospital, successfully raising substantial donations each year. Additionally, Nathan enjoys spending time with his friends, trying new foods, and watching new movies or TV shows. He plans to pursue a degree in Public and Global Health at a four-year university and to one day become a physician.

One of Nathan’s favorite quotes by Norman Vincent Peale is, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Nathan aims to help others discover their potential, take chances, and dream big.

Nathan Sutton is a senior at Pullman High School and is excited to serve as the 2026-2027 Area 11 President. He has been a member of DECA for three years and has competed at Area, SCDC and ICDC. Junior year, he was the Vice President of Leadership for his chapter and has competed in EIB, PMCG, and HLM.

Outside of DECA, Nathan loves playing tennis and running. He has played varsity tennis for three years and ran a marathon in 2025. He also enjoys taking part in both Youth in Stem and Debate Club at his high school.

Nathan’s best experiences in DECA have come from the opportunities to grow as a leader, improve his public speaking, develop his analytical skills, and meet people from across the world. Because of these opportunities, Nathan’s goal is to help every member have the support they need to do well, and grow as members and people.