JAY IS A SENIOR AT WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL AND HAS BEEN IN DECA SINCE HIS FRESHMAN YEAR. DECA HAS IMPROVED HIS PUBLIC SPEAKING, BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE, AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS. AS THE PRESIDENT OF WHS DECA, HE PLANS TO FOSTER A THRIVING AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY OF FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS. OUTSIDE OF DECA, JAY LOVES TO PLAY BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, AND VIDEO GAMES.
Events: BMOR, PFN, SMG, VBCHM, IMCS, STDM, VBCAC, VBCRS
VIVEK IS A SENIOR WHO HAS BEEN IN DECA SINCE HIS FRESHMAN YEAR. THROUGHOUT HIS DECA JOURNEY HE HAS LEARNED MANY NEW SKILLS SUCH AS NETWORKING, FINANCING, AND TRYING OUT NEW THINGS. AS VP OF LEADERSHIP, VIVEK PLANS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF ICDC QUALIFIERS FROM ALL EVENTS SUCH AS WRITTENS, ROLEPLAYS, AND VIRTUAL COMPETITIONS. OUTSIDE OF DECA, VIVEK LIKES TO PLAY FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, WRESTLING AND VIDEO GAMES.
Events: BMOR, BOR, BSM, STDM
Anjika is a junior at Washington High School who has been a DECompetitor since her freshmen year. Through DECA, Anjika has been able to improve her public speaking skills, gain confidence, and build long-lasting friendships. As VP of Career Development, she hopes to help all competitors learn the skills which she has acquired through DECA, and assist every competitor in doing the best of their ability in every event they attempt through a variety of workshops, events, and feedback. Outside of DECA, Anjika enjoys reading books, watching television, and dancing.
Events: PHT, HTOR, PMCA, RFSM
Sanjana is a junior and she has been a part of DECA since her freshmen year. DECA has helped Sanjana gain confidence and network with many people and make lifelong friends. Her plan as VP of Marketing is to reach out to more people and encourage them to join DECA. Outside of DECA, Sanjana enjoys reading books and trying out new recipes in her kitchen.
Events: PFN, VBCAC, HTOR, FCE, PFL
RYAN IS A JUNIOR WHO IS CURRENTLY IN HIS THIRD YEAR AS A DECA COMPETITOR. IN ALL HIS YEARS COMPETING, HE STRENGTHENED HIS PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS, AND LEARNED MANY CRUCIAL SKILLS TO THRIVE IN THE BUSINESS WORLD. OUTSIDE OF DECA, RYAN LIKES TO READ AND PLAY VIDEO GAMES. AS AN OFFICER, RYAN HOPES TO DECREASE COMPETITION COSTS FOR ALL MEMBERS.
Events: HTOR, PHT, VBCAC, PMSP, HTPS
Bhavya is a junior at Washington High School, and is excited to serve as WHS DECA's VP of Hospitality. She joined in her freshman year as an apprentice, and continued on as a competitor in sophomore year. DECA has helped her gain confidence, public speaking skills, and business knowledge to effectively communicate with others in a professional manner. Bhavya looks forward to leading the incoming DECApprentices at weekly workshops and teaching them important business concepts and various soft skills. Outside of school, you can find her reading, watching TV, or eating Yogurtland.
Events: PBM, HTOR, PMCD
Kaviya is a junior at Washington High School and this is her second year in DECA. As a DECA member she was able to explore various business related fields and develop both her public speaking and professional writing skills. As the internal affairs director, Kaviya hopes to establish a deeper bond between DECA and the community. Outside of DECA, she loves reading and singing traditional songs.
PHT, HTOR, EIB
Abeer is a Junior at Washington High School who joined DECA as an Apprentice in his freshman year. DECA has provided Abeer with opportunities to grow professionally and develop his leadership skills. Abeer plans to prepare competitors for their roleplays through informative workshops, increased practice with competition, and regular check ins. Outside of DECA, Abeer enjoys playing fetch with his dog, Sunny; and plays Badminton.
Events: PMCD, BSM
Ronit is a senior at Washington High School and has been a part of DECA since his freshman year. He credits DECA for improving his public speaking skills, and finding a passion for finance and economics where he hopes to pursue a career. He plans to empower future DECA members to learn more about the corporate world and improve their confidence levels. Outside of DECA, Ronit enjoys playing tennis and video games.
Events: BFS, FTDM, MTDM, PFN, BMOR, BOR, FCE, SMG, VBCRS
Aavyan Paramel is a junior who has been in DECA since his freshman year. Some of his hobbies and interests outside of DECA are video games, badminton, and karate. His transformation into a confident communicator and adept networker can be attributed to DECA as it guided him through the intricacies of public speaking, forging new friendships, and exploring diverse career avenues. As an officer, Aavyan has ambitious plans to bolster Washington's chapter success by increasing qualifiers for ICDC in Virtual Business Competitions, Stock Market Game, and in the DECA video challenges. He's also set to revolutionize our virtual business experience through the VBC Minicon, offering innovative approaches for competitors, all while actively increasing the talent in DECA.
Events: VBCAC, VBCFA, VBCHM, VBCSP, VBCPF, PBM, PMFL, HTOR, SMG
Rewa is a rising junior at Washington High School and she joined DECA during her freshman year as a competitor. DECA has helped Rewa build confidence, public speaking skills, interpersonal skills through role plays, presentations, and much more. Additionally, the club has provided her excellent networking opportunities and helped her create enduring friendships. As a media director, Rewa plans increasing the club’s presence and engagement on social media as well as expanding it’s audience with unique content creation. Outside of DECA, Rewa enjoys photography, golfing, sketching, reading, working out, and spending time with her dog, Cashew.
Events: HTOR, PMK, PMCG, SEM
Currently a sophomore at Washington High, Samvit has been part of WHS DECA since he entered as a freshman. His involvement in DECA has led to the enhancement of his abilities in public speaking, the expansion of his interpersonal relationships, and a deeper understanding of business, marketing, and finance. Samvit's enthusiasm for programming and business has driven him to take on the role of Website Director, where he intends to consistently update, maintain, and execute his ideas to create an exceptional version of the website. Outside of DECA, you'll find Samvit engaged in activities such as playing the cello, participating in basketball and badminton, and listening to music.
Events: PMK, BMOR
Rishi is a sophomore who joined WHS DECA in his freshman year as an apprentice. He is currently in his first year as a competitor. DECA has helped him a lot already, from improving his public speaking skills to building new friendships. As fundraising director, he plans to run many fundraisers involving the whole chapter and to reduce costs for conferences. Outside of DECA, you can find him reading, playing video games, or helping out his Boy Scout troop.
PFN, PMSP
Ameya is a sophomore at Washington High School, and she is thrilled to be DECA's New Member Director! Having joined and succeeded in her freshman year as a DECApprentice, Ameya values the skills she has gained along the way, especially problem-solving and working with a team. As New Member Director, Ameya strives to develop a connection with all new members and expand their horizons by creating memorable and educational experiences. She recognizes that structuring a supportive environment is critical to watching new members thrive and can't wait to help cultivate a unique DECA experience for everybody. Outside of DECA, you can find Ameya listening to music, writing, or spending time with friends.
Events: PHT
Tamanna Gandhi is a senior at Washington, serving as the VP of Leadership for the Northern California District Action Team. Since joining DECA in her freshmen year, she’s grown her public speaking and leadership skills, gained valuable business knowledge, and formed a close-knit community. As VP of Leadership, she looks forward to organizing the NorCal Conference and attending mini-competitions to support chapters across the region. She is excited for her final year in DECA and can’t wait to see everyone grow and succeed! Outside of DECA, she enjoys listening to music, working out, and watching movies.
Events: PHT, SEOR, PSE, HRM, PMCD
Tamanna Gandhi is a senior at Washington, serving as the VP of Leadership for the Northern California District Action Team. Since joining DECA in her freshmen year, she’s grown her public speaking and leadership skills, gained valuable business knowledge, and formed a close-knit community. As VP of Leadership, she looks forward to organizing the NorCal Conference and attending mini-competitions to support chapters across the region. She is excited for her final year in DECA and can’t wait to see everyone grow and succeed! Outside of DECA, she enjoys listening to music, working out, and watching movies.
Events: PHT, SEOR, PSE, HRM, PMCD
Tamanna Gandhi is a senior at Washington, serving as the VP of Leadership for the Northern California District Action Team. Since joining DECA in her freshmen year, she’s grown her public speaking and leadership skills, gained valuable business knowledge, and formed a close-knit community. As VP of Leadership, she looks forward to organizing the NorCal Conference and attending mini-competitions to support chapters across the region. She is excited for her final year in DECA and can’t wait to see everyone grow and succeed! Outside of DECA, she enjoys listening to music, working out, and watching movies.
Events: PHT, SEOR, PSE, HRM, PMCD
A “Fremonter” nearly all his life, Mr. Vince Wu is an alumnus of Mission San Jose High School and is ecstatic to be the Washington High School DECA Advisor. Along with five other students, Mr. Wu re-founded Washington High School DECA in 2012 and is proud of all the success it has accomplished in the first couple of years. Upon graduation of high school, Mr. Wu attended the University of California Davis where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pure Mathematics. An adventurer at heart, he found his way to Florida after college and worked for Walt Disney World. It was during this time when Mr. Wu developed an interest in teaching and returned back to California to pursue his teaching degree at California State University East Bay and earned his Single Subject Credential in Mathematics. He also graduated with a Masters of Science in Education Curriculum with an emphasis in Mathematics. Mr. Wu has taught at both Horner Junior High School and Irvington High School teaching Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus AB. Currently, he is teaching Honors Geometry and AP Statistics at Washington High School and enjoys helping students find a connection and love for mathematics. He has received the California Retired Teachers Scholarship Award for Excellence and the California DECA Advisor of the Year. When Mr. Wu is not teaching or advising DECA, he can be found playing golf, snowboarding, biking, visiting theme parks, and rooting of his favorite Bay Area teams: the SF Giants, the SF 49ers, The Golden State Warriors, and the CAL football team.
Dr. Lisa-Marie Burns brings with her over 20 years of practical experience in multiple industries and functions. She has been in public education for the last 15 years, all in a CTE/Business capacity. Throughout her career, Burns has emphasized the importance of having a well-rounded resume, one that includes both higher education and practical experience; her dissertation addresses the need for teachers to have practical experience in order to bring 'curriculum to life' in the classroom. As a high school student she was enrolled in CTE/Business classes, and served as a member and officer of FBLA. These experiences continue to frame her career and professional philosophies. She is an advocate for CTE/Business education and has made it a personal mission to "change the stigma:" CTE/Business is not a necessary subject for today's youth. Many districts continue to downplay the role CTE/Business has in education and fail to recognize that all subjects are embedded in CTE curriculum and provide students with hands-on opportunities not normally found in traditional academic settings. Burns primary capacity with Fremont Unified/Washington High is that of Business Department Chair and Perkins V Coordinator and she was named DECA Business Person of the Year 2017.
Dr.Burns has expertise in all events especially Operations Research reports!
Fremont, CA 12/7/2024
Minicon is the biggest event of the year for DECApprentices and excellent practice for DECompetitors participating in NorCal and States. You get the opportunity to go head to head with students from Washington and Irvington DECA in exams and roleplaying scenarios! Top finishers will be awarded points. If you need any advice or help in selecting your events or signing up, please feel free to contact Mr. Wu or the rest of the officer team.
San Ramon, CA 1/17/2025 to 1/19/2025
Start off your DECA year with the Northern California District Career Development Conference! NorCal is the perfect opportunity to practice roleplays, assess your exam knowledge, and make long lasting friendships. Perform well, and you’ll be able to show off a DECA glass! You’ll be competing against all DECA chapters in Northern California, and have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals!
Anaheim, CA 2/26/2025 to 3/2/2025
The States Career Development Conference is your next step in the big leagues. You’ll spend a weekend in beautiful Anaheim, California, where you’ll compete against motivated students from all across the state. With the professionals you’ll meet, your business repertoire is sure to flourish. The State CDC is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Perform well at this conference and you may qualify for DECA ICDC!
Orlando, FL 4/24/2025 to 4/30/2025
The final competition of your DECA year is ICDC, the DECA International Career Development Conference. You’ll spend a week in beautiful Florida and compete against students with various talents, experiences, and backgrounds from all across the globe! You’ll meet some of the biggest names in business all while representing WHS DECA on the world stage!
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.
DECA Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit student organization with more than 215,000 members in all 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Canada, China, Germany, Guam, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spain. The United States Congress, the United States Department of Education and state, district and international departments of education authorize DECA’s programs.
DECA members partake in a variety of competitive events, from role playing interviews and giving speeches, to taking specialized tests and drafting reports, all meant to show proficiency and excellence in the vocational careers they have selected. These members learn valuable skills that will help them succeed in the corporate world and beyond.
Since DECA is a CTSO, the CA Department of Education requires all students to take a CTE course in order to be a member of DECA Inc. The CTE courses provided at Washington High School are Web Design, Marketing, Personal Finance, and Business Ownership. If a student cannot take a CTE course, the student can become a member of WHS DECA but cannot attend conferences like NorCal, States, and ICDC. The club will organize conferences like MiniCon for these members.
WHS DECA is one of thousands of high school DECA chapters. We are the fourth largest DECA chapter in the Northern California district and are part of California DECA. We regularly compete at Career Development Conferences, such as NorCal, States, and International. Today, we are the premier business organization at Washington High School and continue to grow exponentially.
With the implementation of the New CTE Rule, DECA will be divided into two tiers: DECApprentices and DECompetitors. DECApprentinces are members who aren't enrolled in a CTE course but would like to be still be a part of WHS DECA. These members attend one conference, MiniCon,and will learn the skills used in DECA. DECompetitors are members who are enrolled in a CTE course and as a result will have the opportunity to attend the 3 main conferences: NorCal CDC, States CDC, and International CDC.