A few weeks, ago my fellow State Executive Council officers and I had the opportunity to participate in a leadership conference called “The Emerging Leader Summit” or “ELS.” I wasn’t quite sure what I was signing up for but I’m so glad I took that step to join in and get involved.

It was such an amazing expierence as I got to connect with so many other Officers from all over America and see what their DECA life is like. The conference had so many great people join to talk for us about how to improve not only our leadership skills but to assist those around us as well. We learned that everyone has a different leadership style and that each of those come with different strengths and weaknesses, if we find those weaknesses we can improve them and become an overall better leader. It was also really helpful to see the leadership styles of the other SEC members, as it gives insight into how we can work the most productively together. I am so glad I got involved and had the opportunity to learn all that I did from TEAMTRI and the other amazing speakers. I loved this conference and I can’t wait to do it again next year and to join in on more conferences like it.

-Katie Shipp

OK DECA VP of Marketing