Jodi Straka helps DECA chapter win state honor

2014 May 13

Jodi Straka, a senior general management major from Highland , Wis., contributed to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Collegiate DECA winning "Chapter of the Year" at the state conference held March 5-9.

DECA is a professional business organization that focuses on regional, state and national competition, giving students opportunities to take their skills and apply them to real world scenarios.

"Chapter of the Year" is awarded based on five criteria: social intelligence, civic consciousness, vocational understanding, leadership development and overall competition success.

"When we were announced, the emotions were indescribable," said Brett Guendel, president of the chapter. "UW-Whitewater DECA has done a great job of maintaining the service events we consistently participate in, while also adding new ways to give back to the community."

The chapter also attended the national conference from April 23-26 in Washington, D.C. UW-Whitewater had the most finalists of any Wisconsin school.

"The national conference always focuses more on individual achievement and growth," Guendel said. "DECA pushes you to personal limits you never thought you would reach."