Through rapid-fire business pitches and whirlwind proposals, students in the Distributive Education Clubs of America sit at ballroom tables, anxiously awaiting their state conference placings. However, one absence is keenly felt—business adviser Katherine Dillon, who recently stepped down from her position for leave.
Without Dillon, leadership and teamwork took center stage as students attempted to navigate a difficult tournament independently.
“It wasn’t easy at times because sometimes I was like, ‘What would Ms. Dillon do here?” Vice President of Finance and junior Aditya Nair said. “It’s trying to figure out how to use what she’s taught us through previous years without her help. She’s been a big part of our growth as a chapter, so this tournament felt like starting over again.”
Despite working without an adviser, members learned to tackle business projects by relying on each other rather than Dillon. ‘Silent leadership’ roles were taken up by juniors and sophomores, according to DECA president and senior Harini Rameshbabu.
“Our board team came in clutch, trying to help out new members because we have a lot of first-years,” Rameshbabu said. “They did a really good job of making sure everyone was comfortable and knew what to do.
It just felt good to really help the underclassmen out and make sure they understand what DECA is.”
As the senior group graduates, new freshman and sophomore members will have to navigate the club without the guidance of the remaining leadership upholding prior teachings.
“Our new plans are figuring out what to do for the future,” Rameshbabu said. “Just trying to make sure that next year’s board will be okay and that new members will have a clear idea of what DECA is, even though Ms. Dillon won’t be here anymore.”
With many state finalists including juniors Claire Liu, Joshua Mo, Ken Sheng and Nair, as well as sophomore Shaili Chudasama, DECA looks to a bright future with a new set of leaders and more time for improvement throughout the rest of the year, according to Nair.
“I’m really proud of how everyone pulled through and worked hard, and we got results with a lot of finalists this year. We want to build a new generation of the business program, so that’s just how it is, and I’m very confident in them to make it in the future,” Nair said.
