RALEIGH, N.C. (April 16, 2025) – Wake Tech's Collegiate DECA students are international champions!

DECA is a student-led organization focused on preparing emerging leaders in the fields of marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

Aidan Keyes, a Business Administration student, brought home a first-place award, or "DECA Glass," from the recent Collegiate DECA International Career and Development Conference held in San Francisco. Keyes won in the Restaurant & Food Service Management individual event, which included a written test and practical application of a scenario through role play and presentation skills.

"I've been a part of DECA for my entire college career and even participated in high school, and I never expected to place first on the international stage," Keyes said.

In addition to Keyes, Noor-ul-aien and Harshita Sahu each received medals for winning fifth place in the Event Planning category.

In all, nine Wake Tech students competed in a variety individual and team events in the areas of business management, entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality and tourism, and marketing. During the three-day conference, students also attended professional development workshops and networked with students from other chapters worldwide.

Other Wake Tech students who competed are:

• Fiorella "Elle" Ruiz and Sehyun Park - Business Ethics
• Justin Gonzalez Padilla - Corporate Finance
• Christelle Espinosa - Fashion Merchandising and Marketing
• Malexis Barinotto - Human Resource Management
• Jose Briones Avila - Travel and Tourism

Keyes, who helped establish Wake Tech's DECA chapter two years ago, said the organization has made him a more confident and prepared leader.

"DECA has been a great way to learn new skills, grow as an individual as well as a team, and make new friends across the country," he said. "I founded the Wake Tech DECA chapter because I loved to compete. But over time, I came to also love helping students who otherwise would never have the chance to attend something like a DECA conference."

Dr. Jessica Kelley, assistant professor Geology, and Dr. Andras Paul, assistant professor of Mathematics, are the club's advisors.

November 2025

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