I will always be thankful for DECA. DECA has been one of the best experiences of my life. DECA is my home. I will always and forever be grateful for my two older sisters Mariah and Rachael for introducing me to these amazing opportunities. When I first came into DECA, never did I know I would become what I am today! I was only a freshman looking to go to California and now I am the State President for Oklahoma DECA. DECA has opened doors for me when it comes to colleges, scholarships, and job opportunities. It has allowed me to network and create a circle of DECA friendships that I will cherish forever. I would have never known how special I was and how much of an impact I could have made. I have grown to be something I never knew I could be, which is a great leader. DECA has taught me skills I need for the fundamentals of life that no teacher, no school, no parent, would have ever taught me. DECA showed me how to embrace my strengths, work on my weaknesses, and become the best person and leader I can be. I will always and forever be grateful for DECA as it will always be a part of me.

-LaBraia Owens, Oklahoma DECA State President