UTAH DECA

STATE OFFICERS

2026 – 2027

Akon Atem - President - Copper Hills High School

Hi, What’s Blooming!

I’m Akon, a flower appreciator, project seeking, DECA lover! If you asked me what DECA has done for me, I could tell you about the role plays, the countless hours spent on a written event, and the competitions. Yet the greatest gift wasn’t a skill; it was becoming who I am because of these experiences. Confidently presenting myself has led to so many connections, and I can’t wait to meet more of you! DECA is such an opportunity you shouldn’t pass by. I hope this year you give yourself the same opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, make connections, find people, and discover your capabilities! Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from DECA is sometimes you just need the right place to bloom.

Alise Callantine- Region 1 Vice President - Bonnevile High School

DECA has changed my life more than I could have ever imagined. My whole life I have been called “bossy” and I always had to be the one in charge. DECA has been able to put those traits to use in a valuable way. I have learned that I love business and DECA is the first step towards my future career. I am so excited to serve as a state officer, I hope to do for our members what DECA has done for me.

Shruthi Kamalanathan - Region 2 Vice President - West High School

Hello Everyone! My name is Shruthi Kamalanathan, and I am your DECA Region 2 VP!

I’m so excited for another year of DECA! DECA has given me so many amazing opportunities, helped me discover new interests, and introduced me to some of my closest friends. I hope everyone gets to experience the same opportunities, memories, and friendships that DECA has given me. Here’s to an amazing year!

Elizabeth Kesler - Region 3 Vice President - Mountain Ridge High School

Hey Utah DECA! I’m Elizabeth Kesler, and I adore DECA.

I have been participating in DECA for 3 years now, and I knew from my first second of competing that I wanted to do it as much as I could. What really drew me to DECA was the opportunity to take my business skills and interests and put them to the test in challenges and competitions! It has been an incredible experience, and nothing in my life has taught me more than DECA.

Parker Woodward - Region 4 Vice President - Mountain View High School

Hey y’all, my name is Parker Woodward, and I am a senior, and this is my third year as a member of DECA.

My favorite part about DECA is the opportunity to meet and visit people from all over the world at events and get to know more about them and where they come from.

My favorite DECA memory comes from my sophomore year when my chapter went to Orlando, Florida, to compete at ICDC. It was such an amazing experience competing, networking, and having the best time with my fellow chapter members at Universal Studios.

Taylor Baldwin - Region 5 Vice President - Crimson Cliffs High School

Hi! I’m Taylor, and this is my third year doing DECA.

Joining DECA is one of the best decisions I have made in high school. It’s not just a club; it’s an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to develop skills you will use for the rest of your life. You’ll meet interesting people and make friends from all over Utah and around the world! Some of my favorite high school memories are from chapter activities, meetings, and competitions. I am so excited to see how this year in DECA unfolds!

Eden Jones - Technology Officer - Mountain View High School

My last two years in DECA have been truly unforgettable. DECA gives me so many opportunities to learn and grow, not only as a student but also as a leader and businesswoman. DECA is for everyone and teaches you things that you can learn nowhere else. I adore the wonderful community that DECA provides, and I want to share that feeling with everyone that I can. I cannot wait to serve the members of Utah DECA this year as I continue to learn and grow myself.