EXECUTIVE TEAM
ARNAV DUA, PRESIDENT
INTRO
Arnav Dua is delighted to serve as your President for the 2024-2025 school year! He joined DECA in his freshman year to improve his business, communication, and leadership skills, all of which were greatly improved during the course of his membership. Now, as a senior, Arnav is looking forward to leading the competitions department and helping raise Irvington DECA to new heights.
DECA
Arnav has competed in the Marketing and Entrepreneurship clusters. In his freshman year at NorCal, he won glass for his roleplay event, ENT. At states, he finalized in IMCS and was recognized on stage during the mini-awards session for his roleplay event, ENT. During his sophomore year, he won first place at NorCal for both of his events - IMCS and BTDM. At States, he finalized for both of his events, winning 2nd place glass for BTDM and qualifying to ICDC.
PASSION
Apart from DECA, Arnav is part of other clubs such as Mock Trial. He is also interested in the law, aspiring to work in a Corporate Law firm in the future! He loves watching TV shows and hanging out with his friends. He also writes for the school newspaper and is the editor of the news section. He also enjoys traveling and visiting new countries.
AMANDA LAI, PRESIDENT
INTRO
Amanda is so excited to serve as your 2024 - 2025 President. Now a senior, Amanda first joined DECA as a freshman not quite knowing what to expect. After joining DECA, she has strengthened various skillsets encompassing research and public speaking, while creating lasting memories. Amanda can’t wait to help Irvington DECA and its community grow this coming year!
DECA
Amanda has competed within the Marketing and Business Administration/Management clusters in PBM, BMOR, BOR, PMCA, and HRM. In her freshman year, she placed first at States and 5th at ICDC in BOR. As a sophomore, Amanda placed second overall in BOR at States. And, she placed 5th in PMCA at States and received 2nd in the NPCF Social Impact Leader of Tomorrow Challenge in her junior year. Amanda loves the creativity and real-world application DECA events employ.
PASSION
Outside of DECA, Amanda has a variety of interests. She started dancing when she was 3, and often travels to attend competitions. Besides dance, Amanda loves photography, reading, trying new hobbies, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends.
SHREYA PRASHANTHA, PRESIDENT
INTRO
Shreya Prashantha is overjoyed to serve as your President for the 2024-2025 school year! Now a senior, she joined DECA through RISE and has competed since her freshman year. She is looking to develop technical skills in experienced and varsity members. DECA has improved her communication skills and fostered an analytical and innovative mindset. She is excited to create new memories and embrace this rewarding experience.
DECA
Shreya has competed in SEM, IMCE, BMOR, and FMS over her years in DECA, specializing in marketing events. She was a finalist for FMS at ICDC during her freshman year. In her sophomore year, she double-qualified to ICDC, placing 3rd in BMOR and 4th in FMS. She participates in the marketing cluster because it incorporates elements of other clusters to flesh out ideas.
PASSION
Outside of DECA, Shreya is actively involved in Culinary Club, FBLA, and Irvington's ASG. In her spare time, she loves photography, going on walks, and spending time with friends. She also enjoys binging reality TV and writing essays about avocados.
NIDHI RIJU, LOGISTICS
INTRO
Nidhi Riju is ecstatic to serve as your Vice President of Logistics for the 2024-2025 school year! She joined DECA Rise in 7th grade and has continued to be a part of DECA ever since, to improve her business, communication, and leadership skills. Now, as a junior, Nidhi is looking forward to leading the logistics department and helping create new memories from this rewarding experience.
DECA
In her freshman year, Nidhi competed in the Marketing cluster and achieved lots of success. At the NorCal competition, she won 2nd place in roleplay for the Marketing Management Team Decision Making (MTDM), and secured a spot as a Top 10 overall finalist in the Integrated Marketing Campaign Service (IMCS). Additionally, at SCDC, Nidhi won 2nd place in roleplay for MTDM, earning another glass trophy and qualified directly for the prestigious International Career Development Conference (ICDC). In sophomore year, at NorCal, Nidhi won 3rd place for IMCS and placed top 10 for MTDM. At SCDC, Nidhi placed top 10, once again, for MTDM and attended ICDC for PMCA. She loves the community that DECA provides.
PASSION
In addition to DECA, Nidhi enjoys various activities, having a passion for photography, camping, and debate. Above all, she values spending time with her family and friends.
BHUVIKAA GHAI, COMPETITIONS
INTRO
Bhuvikaa Ghai is thrilled to serve as your Vice President of Competitions for the 2024-2025 school year! Currently a senior, she joined DECA as a freshman Non-CTE member and participated in Diamond Entrepreneurship. She became a CTE member during her sophomore year and her enthusiasm for the club has grown since then. DECA has contributed to her personal, research, communication, and leadership skills. She is ecstatic to work with all the members and lead the competition department this year!
DECA
Bhuvikaa has competed in the hospitality and business administration/management clusters in PHT, HLM, HTOR, and BOR. In her sophomore year, she placed 2nd at Norcal, 2nd at States, and 2nd at ICDC in HTOR. She also placed 9th in Norcal and 4th in States in PHT, double qualifying for ICDC in her sophomore year. In her junior year, she placed 9th in Norcal for HLM and 3rd in States for BOR, directly qualifying for ICDC.
PASSION
Beyond DECA, Bhuvikaa is the LEO President, AHA Vice President, and more. In her free time, Bhuvikaa loves listening to music, spending time with friends, singing, and binging kdramas/movies. She also enjoys tutoring, dancing, and art (sketching mainly).
RIDHI KADAM, AUXILIARIES
INTRO
Ridhi Kadam is looking forward to serving as your VP of Auxiliary for the 2024-2025 school year! Ridhi began her DECA journey in 8th grade through RISE and ever since, she has been competing as well as participating in Irvington DECA’s Auxiliary Programs. As a lead for Diamond Consulting, Ridhi has improved her communication and entrepreneurial skills working alongside business executives in various industries. She cannot wait to make more memories with Irvington DECA and make a lasting impact on the chapter!
DECA
Throughout her time in DECA, Ridhi has competed in a variety of events from SEM, and IMCE in her freshman year to RSM and PSE/HTPS in her later years. Placing 3rd at NorCal for HTPS, Ridhi has honed in on her marketing and sales abilities throughout her years in DECA. By qualifying to ICDC through her PSE event, Ridhi has exhibited her intensie knowledge in the art of sales and persuation, a handy skill for other fields as well. Apart from DECA competitions, Ridhi has actively participated in Irvington Diamond Consulting where she's led a group of consultants while working alongside local businesses, providing these businesses crucial services such as market analysis, web development, social media expansion, and more.
PASSION
Other than DECA, Ridhi enjoys staying active through sports and hiking with her family. Ridhi also likes reading, specifically the niche genre of psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators. Although she’s bad at staying commited to TV shows, her favorite show at the moment is Psych, a cosy comedy-mystery she recommends to everyone; she’s binged all 8 seasons over six times!
RACHIT PARMAR, AUXILIARIES
INTRO
Rachit Parmar is excited to serve as your Auxiliary Lead for the 2024-2025 school year! First exposed to DECA in middle school, it has become an integral part of his high school experience. Rachit’s involvement in DECA has allowed him to grow into a better student, entrepreneur, and overall person. As a junior this year, he can’t wait to work with everyone and make new memories with Irvington DECA!
DECA
Rachit has competed in the Integrated Marketing Campaign for Services (IMCS), Marketing Management Team Decision Making (TDM), and Business Growth Plan (EBG) events. In his freshman year, he placed 2nd in MTDM at NorCal and States, making him and his partner the only Irvington freshmen to qualify for ICDC. During the 2023-2024 season, he placed 3rd overall at NorCal for IMCS, as well as in the top 10 SCDC for MTDM. He went on to compete at ICDC once again, this time in EBG.
PASSION
Apart from DECA, Rachit loves playing ultimate frisbee, binging crime drama shows, and practicing archery. You can always catch him on scenic hikes, where he enjoys taking pictures of birds and sunsets. He is also a debater and loves volunteering for social and environmental causes.
LOGISTICS TEAM
KEVIN MEDINA, DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS
SOPHIA KHAN, DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS
INTRO
Sophia is enthusiastic about serving as your Director of Logistics. Initially being exposed to DECA in seventh grade through the RISE program, Sophia found a genuine interest in business and excitedly joined DECA her freshman year. Since then, she has immensely expanded her business knowledge, improved upon her speaking and presentation skills, and made timeless memories. Sophia is looking forward to contributing towards the growth of the chapter and making this year a memorable one for all members.
DECA
Sophia has competed in the Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Business Administration clusters since she initially joined DECA, and now specializes in Hospitality and Tourism. In her sophomore year, she joined the Varsity DECA program. That same year she was a finalist in both HTPS and HLM at the NorCal conference and was a finalist in HLM at SCDC. Sophia enjoys Hospitality and Tourism because it combines several elements of the previous clusters she’s competed in.
PASSION
In addition to DECA, Sophia is active in the MSA, Photography Business Club, and Junior Class Council. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking extravagant meals for her family, drawing, listening to music, playing piano, spending time with friends and family, and learning Arabic. Her main goal in life is to become financially free one day and to be able to travel the world. So far, her favorite places she’s visited are New York City and Saudi Arabia.
INTRO
Kevin Medina is beyond excited to fulfill the Director of Logistics role! He became a part of DECA in his sophomore year and is continuing his participation as an officer in his junior year. He regards joining DECA as his most impactful decision in high school: gaining better communication skills, improved teamwork, business knowledge, unforgettable experiences, and even more from his time in DECA. He is looking forward to sharing these benefits with the rest of the chapter and further supporting the growth of Irvington DECA.
DECA
Kevin has competed in the entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing clusters for the ETDM, FOR, and SEOR events. In his first year of joining DECA, he placed third 3rd for FOR at NorCal, 2nd for ETDM at States, and finalized for ETDM at ICDC. In his second year, he placed 2nd for ETDM and SEOR at NorCal as well as 1st for SEOR at States. Kevin enjoys the wide diversity of concepts involved in ETDM but also the more organized and methodical approach to ORs.
PASSION
Disregarding DECA, Kevin is the vice president for Quiz Bowl, with a general interest in trivia, and an ICC representative for ASG. Not to mention, he also finds pleasure in learning about science, philosophy, and psychology. His free time mainly consists of watching YouTube videos to learn more about these various interests, playing video games (particularly Overwatch), and watching a variety of TV shows or movies. Occasionally, he likes to go on relaxing jogs to the park, listen to music, and read.
AUXiliary TEAM
MAANYA LODHA, DIRECTOR OF RISE
INTRO
Maanya is super excited to serve as your 2024-2025 Director of RISE! Starting from the RISE program herself, DECA has been such a full circle opportunity for her to explore new business concepts, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and build lasting friendships. Now, as a senior, Maanya hopes to provide the younger generation of innovators a space to pursue their business endeavors.
DECA
Maanya has competed in a variety of Marketing and Project Management events such as IMCP, BTDM, BSM, and PMSP. In her sophomore year, she won 3rd in IMCP at States, qualifying to ICDC. As a junior, Maanya double-qualified to ICDC, placing 3rd in PMSP and 5th in BSM at States. At ICDC 2024, she placed in the top 20 for PMSP. Her favorite part of conferences is trying all the new food places in the area (and winning of course).
PASSION
Outside of DECA, Maanya enjoys dancing, reading, photography, and spending time with friends. She is also a part of Indopak and loves obsessing over Bollywood movies in her free time. Her dream job is to be an editor of the New York Times Games.
COMPETITIONS TEAMS
RITIKA SURANA, DIRECTOR OF VARSITY
POORV PATIL, DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS
INTRO
Ritika Surana is honored to serve as your Director of Varsity for the 2024-2025 school year! Having competed since her freshman year, she's now entering her fourth year as a DECA member, having learned valuable skills in public speaking, thinking on her feet, and preparing engaging presentations. She is excited to renew the varsity program this year and foster more underclassman involvement within the club!
DECA
Ritika has enjoyed competing in finance events, including PFN, FCE, and ACT since her freshman year. In the past, she's placed third twice at NorCal for FCE. In ACT, she placed 2nd at NorCal, 3rd at States, and 8th at ICDC. She has learned a lot about finance and looks forward to sharing her knowledge with Irvington DECA members this year!
PASSION
Outside of DECA, Ritika has a passion for Biomedical engineering and research. She has completed multiple research projects and loves learning about the newest and coolest biotech gadgets. She loves to read, bake (even though her success rate is around 50%), binge Brooklyn 99, bike, and listen to music in her free time.
INTRO
Poorv is beyond excited and honored to serve as your 2024-2025 Director of Competitions! Initially joining DECA for fun and to learn about business, Poorv has since grown extremely invested in DECA, and it has shaped his high school experience. Competing in DECA has improved Poorv’s communication skills and ability to think on the spot, and he looks forward to sharing what DECA has to offer with the new members. He’s excited to reach new heights with Irvington DECA!
DECA
Poorv has primarily competed in the Marketing Cluster, with his expertise in events like BSM, IMCS, and IMCE. He’s placed 7th at NorCal and finalized in SCDC for BSM, IMCS, and IMCE, earning a testing award for his performance on the Marketing Exam. Poorv especially enjoys roleplay events that challenge him and force him to think on the spot.
PASSION
When he’s not having fun at DECA conferences, Poorv loves traveling, hiking, and flying his drone. He loves swimming, rafting, boating—pretty much anything to do with water. He loves spending time with his family and friends.
PRASHANTH PRABHALA, DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS AND CONSULTING
INTRO
Prashanth Prabhala is delighted to serve as your Director of Competitions and Consulting for the 2024-2025 school year! He began DECA in his freshman year, primarily competing in Marketing and HT events. He is looking to develop competition skills in new members and drive Irvington DECA to success! As a junior this year, he can’t wait to work with everyone and make more memories with Irvington DECA!
DECA
Since joining DECA during his freshman year, Prashanth has actively participated in every conference, showcasing his talent and dedication. Specializing in various clusters, Prashanth has consistently achieved impressive results. In his sophomore year, at ICDC 2024, he secured a spot in the Top 20 as an Overall Finalist in the Restaurant and Food Management (RFSM) event and placed within the Top 10 for Roleplay 2 in RFSM. At the SCDC 2024 conference, he earned 2nd Place Overall in RFSM during the Grand Awards and clinched 1st Place in RFSM Roleplay 1, in addition to being an RFSM Finalist. He also was a finalist in the Integrated Marketing Campaign Service (IMCS) event alongside his partner. During his freshman year in 2023, Prashanth made a mark at SCDC by achieving 9th Place Overall in the Professional Hospitality and Tourism (PHT) event during the Grand Awards, becoming a PHT Overall Finalist, and ranking within the Top 10 for PHT Testing. Additionally, at the NorCal CDC, he was an IMCS Test Finalist and placed 6th Overall in RFSM.
PASSION
Apart from DECA, Prashanth is involved with other clubs on campus such as Competitive Programming Club. He likes math and computer science, and loves conducting research! Prashanth likes to sing Carnatic music, a style of Indian music and he plays the saxophone.
SAHIL MEHTA, DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS
INTRO
Sahil Mehta feels rambunctious to serve as your Director of Competitions for the 2024-2025 school year! Since joining DECA in his freshman year, Sahil has been dedicated to honing his business, communication, and leadership skills, which have significantly developed through his active participation at both state and international conferences. Now, as a junior, Sahil is eager to lead the competitions department and help propel Irvington DECA to new levels of success.
DECA
Sahil has competed in the IMCS cluster during his freshman year and focused on the Innovation event in his sophomore year. Last year at States, Sahil won 1st place in the Innovation written event and received a prize for testing at NorCal. He is committed to continuing on a new and innovative path as he moves forward. Sahil also qualified for ICDC, showcasing his dedication and skill in DECA competitions.
PASSION
Outside of DECA, Sahil has a wide range of interests. He has been passionate about art for over 10 years and regularly participates in art competitions. Sahil is also keen on learning about architecture, spatial design, and urban planning. Beyond his creative pursuits, he enjoys trying new foods, relaxing by the beach, exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, and spending quality time with his friends and family.
ADVISORS
PANHA TEP, ADVISOR