Mrs. Le - 5 Years Teaching - 21 Years in Business
In 2017, I stepped away from my role as leader of the Strategic Programs Office at Cisco Systems to jump into the classroom and help students understand and pursue their full potential. Outside of school, I serve in my church, travel the world with my husband (and chaperone extraordinaire), and hang out with my adult children.
Ms. Smith - 5 Years Teaching - 7 Years in Business
Fresh out of college, I entered into the corporate business sector as a Data Processor at Sigma Gamma Rho Incorporated. In 2017, I transitioned from the office into the classroom as a business teacher with hopes to positively impact the academic experience of all students. In my spare time, I enjoy all things fitness and nutrition related, spending quality time with friends & family, and attending local events in the community.
Contact: ssmith30@wcpss.net
Ms. McKnight - 17 Years Teaching - 25 Years in Business
My first job out of college was as a chemical engineer. From there I moved into Human Resources Management, and then decided to start my own Natural Therapeutics practice. Eventually I decided to leave the business world and go into teaching. It was, and still is, my hope that sharing my education and experience will help convince students that they can learn and do anything, when they put in the effort. Outside of school I enjoy socializing with family and friends, exploring new restaurants, watching movies and crocheting
Contact: nmcknight@wcpss.net
CO-PRESIDENTS
Riya Shah Senior
Events:
-Integrated Marketing Campaign - Product
-Apparel and Accessories Marketing Roleplay
-Virtual Business Challenge - Knowledge Matters Finalist
Bio:
Hi guys! My name is Riya Shah and I am so excited for this upcoming year. DECA is full of talented individuals who can teach you so much about all aspects of business and help create long lasting connections. Besides DECA, I am the Student Body President of PC and play of the Panther Creek Softball team. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and reading. Contact: rashah@students.wcpss.net
Bhumika Bhadriraju Senior Events:
-Integrated Marketing Campaign - Product
Bio: Hi guys! My name is Bhumika and I have been a part of PC DECA since freshman year. Some of my hobbies include hanging out with friends, traveling, and working out. I'm so grateful to lead the PC DECA Board this year alongside Riya! Contact: bdbhadriraju@students.wcpss.net
Marketing Committee
Colin Ha: Vice President Senior Events: -Integrated Marketing Campaign Event Bio: Hey everyone, I'm Colin! I have been a part of DECA since freshman year and I have loved every second and moment of it. Besides DECA, I enjoy playing soccer, listening to music, and spending time with my friends and family. I am ready to make this year the best year for everyone! Contact: cpha@students.wcpss.net
Nitin Haridoss: Public Relations Director Senior Events: -Start-up business plan -Independent Business plan Bio: DECA has been a blast. I traveled to Atlanta, experiencing all the landmarks/monuments while improving my networking, presenting, and other business skills. Other than DECA, I run competitively for PC Track & Cross Country.
Contact: nharidoss@students.wcpss.net
Janet Anthony: Media Director Senior Events: -Franchise Business Plan -Start Up Business Plan Bio: Hey guys, my name is Janet Anthony! This is my 3rd year at DECA and I have made so many amazing memories in this club! In my free time, I like to read, listen to music, watch movies, and hang out with my friends. I am excited to see all the things that PC DECA will accomplish this year!
Contact: manthony@students.wcpss.net
Arnav Murthi: Website Director Sophomore Events: -Principles of Business Management and Administration -Innovation Plan Bio: Hey! I'm Arnav, and this is my second year being a part of PC DECA. DECA has been an incredible experience for me as I've met a lot of amazing people and learned a huge amount about Business and the related fields within Business, all while having fun at the competitions held by DECA. Outside of DECA. my favorite things to do include reading, hanging out with friends, and playing video games.
Contact: armurthi@students.wcpss.net
Sahana Ramesh: Chapter Newsletter Director Sophomore Events: -Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making Bio: Hi! my name is Sahana and I joined PC DECA last year as a freshman. I’ve had an amazing experience so far, and have developed both my presentation and leadership skills. Last year, my partner and I placed fourth at a State level, and had a great time at ICDC. In my free time, I enjoy travelling, baking, and spending time with friends and family.
Contact: sramesh8@students.wcpss.net
LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
Amil Elangovan: Vice President Senior Events: -Integrated Marketing Campaign Event Bio: Hey! I’m Amil. I’ve been in DECA for 3 years now since my freshman year and i’ve enjoyed every moment! My favorite things to do are watch basketball, run, and hang out with friends. Looking forward to leaving my mark on DECA this year!
Contact: aelangovan@students.wcpss.net
Karthik Annadurai: Upperclassman Director Senior Events: -Independent Business Plan Bio: DECA was something I wanted to try last year, and it was a ton of fun! It was nice to go to Atlanta this year and see what it was like to compete internationally! I am in the school’s marching band and I love to listen and play music.
Contact: kannadurai@students.wcpss.net
Jean-Luis Gracia: Underclassman Director Sophomore Events: -Innovation Plan Bio: Hey there! My name is Jean-Luis and I am the Underclassmen Director for PC DECA. I joined DECA last year and it was among one of the best decisions I have taken. It has been a thrilling ride throughout the last year and I look forward to how PC DECA takes it to the next level this year. Outside of DECA, I participate in Student Council, Catamount Chaos, and Catamount TV. Additionally, I love traveling anytime I can and of course, going to the movies.
Contact:jgracia-arroyo@students.wcpss.net
Anagha Kamat: Campaign Director Junior Events: -Innovation Plan -Start-Up Business Plan Bio: My name is Anagha and I've been in deca since freshman year. My favorite things to do are to listen to music, watch tv, and read! I'm so excited to make memories this year and I can't wait to compete!
Contact: arkamat@students.wcpss.net
Ishi Varshney:Community Service Director Junior Events: -Integrated Marketing Campaign Product Bio: This is my second year in DECA, and I cannot wait to compete alongside my partners and friends again. DECA has taught me leadership, business abilities, and many other skills necessary for the future. Outside of DECA I am involved in many school sports including soccer and track. I also like to hangout with friends and family!
Contact: ivarshney@students.wcpss.net
OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Pushti Laddha: Vice President Junior Events: - Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making Bio: Hey! i’m a junior and this is my second year in DECA. DECA to me means meeting new friends, making new memories and learning new things and my goal is to make it the same for all members!! Contact: pladdha@students.wcpss.net
Iniya Sivaraj: Attendance Director Sophomore Events: -Innovation Plan Bio: Hey! My name is Iniya, and this is my second year in PC DECA. During my first year, I had a wonderful experience and created a lot of new memories. My hobbies include, going out with friends, biking, and traveling. I am very excited for this year at PC DECA, and I can't wait to start another incredible journey! Contact: isivaraj@students.wcpss.net
Mahi Shinde: Logistics Director Sophomore Events: -Sports and Entertainment Team Decision Making Bio: Hey! I’m Mahi and I’ll be the Logistics Director for this team! I have been apart of PC DECA for a year now and I am loving it!! Out of school I play volleyball, and my hobbies are painting, drawing and baking :)
Contact: mpshinde@students.wcpss.net
Anvita Anaja: Strategic Planning Director Sophomore Events: -Travel and Tourism Team Decision -Restaurant and Food Service Management Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Anvita and I am the Strategic Planning Director for PC DECA this year! This is my second year being apart of DECA and I have had an amazing experience through networking, learning, and traveling. In my first year my partner and I were 4th overall in our state and had a great experience at ICDC in Atlanta! Outside of school I am apart of PC Debate, Ted-Ed, and Key Club.
Contact: aanaja@students.wcpss.net
HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
Anushri Wachche: Vice President Junior Events: -Hospitality and Tourism Operations Bio: Joining DECA has been such a great experience for me in high school! It has helped me meet so many amazing people and allowed me to discover my passions for the future. Other than DECA love playing tennis and dancing in my free time! Contact: aswachche@student.wcpss.net
Marianne Baquero: Conference Experience Director Junior Events: -Integrated Marketing Campaign-Service Bio: DECA is an amazing club to learn more about all different aspects of business. Since being a member I have grown my leadership and public speaking abilities. I have made many new friends through DECA and can’t wait for the start of DECA this school year! Contact: mbaquero101@gmail.com
Suhani Dadhania: New Member Director Sophomore Events: -Innovation Plan Bio: Hi I’m Suhani! I joined DECA last year as a freshman and I am so glad that I did. I had such an amazing experience and made so many memories. I love hanging out with my friends, traveling, and practicing taekwondo. I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish this year! Contact: ssdadhania@students.wcpss.net
Hrisha Khare: Member Experience Director Sophomore Events: -Innovation Plan Bio: Hey! I’m Hrisha and this is my second year in DECA. Last year I won first place at States for Innovation Plan and had a great time at ICDC in Atlanta! It has been an amazing experience that taught me so much and led me to meet lots of great people. Other than DECA, I enjoy dancing, reading, and spending time with my friends! Contact: hkhare@students.wcpss.net
CAREER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Lalith Reddy: Vice President Senior Events: -Start-up Business Plan Bio: DECA has given me the opportunity to come out of my shell and work as a team player. I can't wait to see the success of this year's DECA chapter, and I can't wait to experience it with all of you. If I am free, I am usually playing tennis or hanging out with my friends and family. Contact: lkreddy@students.wcpss.net
Sumi Bhandari: Workshop Director Senior Events: -Hospitality and Tourism Operations -Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Bio: I have competed at CDC twice and have won 1st both times. I also competed at ICDC and was a top 10 finalist. I love going to all the fun DECA events like the DECA dance and the concert. In my free time, I love to read, draw, and spend time with friends! Contact: sbhandari@students.wcpss.net
Aditya Nigam: Challenges Director Junior Events: -International Business Plan Bio: I enjoy playing basketball, working out at the gym, and hanging out with my friends. Most importantly, I love competing and winning in DECA. Last year, my partners and I placed 1st in States and placed top 20 in Nationals! Other than that, I love to play guitar, play with my dog, and volunteer. Contact: anigam@students.wcpss.net
Pratik Tanikella: Challenges Director Senior Events: -Innovation Plan -Start-Up Business Plan Bio: I’ve been apart of DECA for 3 years now and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. From traveling to competitions and working with other members in workshops and activities always a great time. Out of school I like hanging out with my friends and going hiking. Contact: pratiktanikella@gmail.com
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Tanisha Thulasidas: Vice President Junior Events: -Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making -Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making Bio: PC DECA is going to reach new heights this year, and I am so excited to experience it all. DECA has been so influential in solidifying my career path and I am so grateful for the friendships, experiences, and memories I have gained from it. Outside of DECA I am a two sport athlete with Varsity Cheerleading and STUNT, and active with other clubs like Debate, Student Council, and Catamount Lead! Contact: tthulasidas@students.wcpss.net
Marina Gao: Business Alliance Director Junior Events: =Innovation Plan -Integrated Marketing Campaign- Service Bio: Hello, my name is Marina! This year will be my third year in DECA, and I am super excited for all the opportunities 2022-2023 will bring. DECA has taught me so much from leadership to networking and real-world business skills. Outside of school, I enjoy dancing, reading, and photography! Contact: mygao@students.wcpss.net
Padmanaban Saravan: Business Alliance Director Senior Events: -Start-Up Business Plan -Independent Business Plan Bio: Hey guys, I am Pathu and this is my fourth year in DECA. I have loved DECA for the amazing connections, friends, and knowledge I have gained over the years. Something I really like to do in my free-time is watch Marvel Movies and spend time with my friends and family. Contact: psaravanan@students.wcpss.net
Kripa Patel: School Based Enterprise Director Sophomore Events: -Innovation Plan Bio: Hey! My name is Kripa and this is my second year at PC DECA. This club has lead me to make so many friends, memories, and experiences such as CDC and ICDC. Aside from DECA, I dance, travel, spend time with my friends/family, and participate in other clubs. Contact: kppatel4@students.wcpss.net
Saanvi Madishetti: Project Funding Director Senior Events: -Start-Up Business Plan Bio: Hey! My name is Saanvi and this is my second year in DECA! Outside of school, I love to sing and paint. I'm so excited for this new chapter of DECA and I wish everyone a great year! Contact: saanvimadishetti610@gmail.com
Dharan Kadakia: School Based Enterprise Director Sophomore Events: -Innovation Plan Bio: Hi! My name is Dharan and I’m a sophomore. I joined PC DECA last year and I had such a great time. I have learned so much and I plan to expand my business and presentation skills throughout the course of the coming year. In my free time, I watch basketball and play the guitar. Contact: dhkadakia@students.wcpss.net
Rishi Gottimukkala: Accounting Director Sophomore Events: -International Business Plan Bio: Hey, I'm Rishi. This is my second year in DECA and I absolutely love it! Joining DECA has major part of my high school experience that has truly been life-changing. Outside of school, I enjoy running, watching movies, and traveling. I look forward to great upcoming year with DECA! Contact: rgottimukkala@students.wcpss.net