In the world of business education, DECA stands as a beacon of opportunity and empowerment for young individuals aspiring to make their mark in the industry. For one ambitious student, her journey through DECA has been nothing short of transformative, shaping her into a resilient leader ready to conquer any challenge that comes her way.From a young age, junior Fatimah Naraghi harbored a deep-seated passion for business and entrepreneurship, drawn to the prospect of breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Upon joining DECA at Ames High School, she found a community that embraced her ambitions and provided a platform for growth and development.
As Fatimah progressed through the ranks of DECA, from a member of her local chapter to serving as Vice President of Marketing at both the state and national levels, she embraced every opportunity to refine her leadership skills and make a lasting impact. Competing in DECA competitions provided her with a stage to showcase her talents, earning recognition for her achievements and solidifying her commitment to excellence.Yet, her journey was not without its challenges. Faced with adversity, both personally and within the DECA community, she encountered moments of doubt and uncertainty. However, it was during these times of struggle that she discovered her true strength and resilience.“As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the future,” Fatimah said.
“DECA has been more than just a club; it has been a transformative journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and leadership development,” she continued. “Through DECA, I have found my passion, honed my skills, and forged lifelong connections. As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the invaluable lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the unwavering support of my DECA family. With a heart full of gratitude and excitement for the future, I am ready to embark on the next chapter of my journey, empowered by the spirit of DECA and fueled by my dreams.”
Fatimah has been not only the first in Ames but in Iowa to get the CRVP position for DECA. Through perseverance and unwavering determination, Fatimah emerged stronger, with a new found perspective on life and leadership. Balancing the demands of DECA with academic responsibilities and personal commitments required careful planning and prioritization. Yet, she navigated this delicate balance with grace and determination, finding solace in her involvement in cheerleading and moments of self-care amidst the whirlwind of DECA activities.
Looking towards the future, Fatimah remains steadfast in her pursuit of a career in marketing and entrepreneurship, fueled by the invaluable experiences and lessons learned through DECA. With boundless ambition and a relentless drive to succeed, she is poised to make her mark in the business world, armed with the skills, knowledge, and unwavering support of her DECA family.As she reflects on her journey through DECA, she is filled with gratitude for the opportunities it has provided and the lessons it has imparted, and as Fatimah loves to say: “Empowered women, Empowered Women!” With a heart full of determination and a vision for the future, she is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, empowered by the spirit of DECA and fueled by her dreams.
