Oklahoma DECA tells state board membership growth, collegiate chapters near charter status

Oklahoma DECA advisers updated the Oklahoma CareerTech State Board on Wednesday, reporting membership growth and a push to expand collegiate chapters across the state.

Pax Cavan, the Oklahoma DECA chartered association adviser, said the organization ended the year with 1,688 members and is working to increase chapter and member counts after COVID‑era declines. "We ended the year with 1688 members," Cavan said during the board presentation.

The advisers outlined plans for both high school and collegiate participation. Subaha Kebria, state DECA president, described a slate of student events and training camps aimed at preparing members for competition and professional networking. Mariam Amin, collegiate executive vice president, said collegiate DECA in Oklahoma grew to eight chapters and 53 members this year, enabling an application to DECA Inc. for designation as a collegiate chartered association once the 50‑member threshold was met.

Advisers also previewed national and international events: the Collegiate International Career Development Conference in Austin, Texas (April 19–23) and the high school ICDC in Anaheim, California (April 25–30). Presenters said those conferences provide competitive events, executive officer elections and industry networking that help students build resumes and professional connections.

Board members praised the presentation and asked about international participation and elevator pitches for student recruitment. Director Hagan and board members encouraged the advisers’ outreach efforts and noted state support for CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) activities.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation. The DECA advisers left the board with board members’ endorsement and a commitment to continue coordination with CareerTech staff on chartering and outreach.