Your 2024-2025 State Officer Team
Oregon DECA Officers are elected by their peers at the State Career Development Conference and represent Oregon’s membership. The State Officer team develops a program of work aligned to the strategic goals of DECA. Throughout the year the team interacts with the membership to implement and enhance DECA programs. Oregon DECA State Officers are available to attend your events.
Meet The Team
President - Nilani Maheswaran
Nilani Maheswaran will be a senior at Westview High School this fall and is thrilled to serve as Oregon DECA’s 2024-25 State President! As a member of DECA throughout high school, Nilani has enjoyed learning real-life skills through competitive events and connecting with students all over the country. DECA has taught her a multitude of important lessons and shaped her future career aspirations significantly. She has enjoyed exploring and competing in a variety of events in business management, marketing, and hospitality- winning first place at SCDC and attending ICDC for three years. Channeling her passion to give back to the DECA community, Nilani had the amazing experience of serving as the Vice President of Hospitality last year and is thrilled to continue her service this term as State President.
Outside of DECA, Nilani is dedicated to competing and coaching other students in debate, as well as leading her local Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board. She hopes to attend college next year and further pursue her interests by studying business or pre-law. Nilani is also active in her school’s choir program, participating in the advanced vocal ensemble and student-led a cappella group. In her free time, she enjoys discovering new restaurants, going for runs, and spending time outdoors with friends. Nilani is beyond excited to continue serving Oregon DECA this year and looks forward to connecting with members across the state!
Vice President of Leadership - Ananth Namboothiry
In addition to participating in DECA, Ananth runs a non-profit organization called PDX concierge, which aims to distribute resources to the food insecure and elderly. Beyond community work, Ananth is an avid member of his school’s speech and debate team (as both a competitor and a mentor), the model United Nations club (MUN), and the varsity racquetball team. Aside from these, Ananth enjoys music and loves to perform in concert with his saxophone, flute, and piano while collaborating with other artists in fusion bands. Besides extracurriculars, you can probably catch Ananth doing the New York Times mini crossword or hanging out with friends!
DECA has been eye-opening for Ananth, showing him an experience allowing him to make new friends, learn business and leadership principles, and ultimately win glass! In his role as VP of Leadership, Ananth’s goal this year is to bring this DECA dream experience to all Oregon DECA members
Vice President of Finance - Javier Quintana
Javier Quintana is a student at Phoenix High School, Class of 2025—Vice President Of Finance for Oregon DECA.
This will be Javier’s third year competing in DECA. He plans to take advantage of the opportunity to be a state officer by using the resources available to him to help smaller schools in the state have more opportunities for success. He wants to support and encourage a high level of performance at state competitions and better prepare students to become emerging leaders. Javier plans to put his efforts into obtaining business and law degrees after graduation.
Apart from DECA, Javier is a student representative for the Phoenix Talent School Board and Oregon School Board Association. During the 23-24 school year, he started a fundraiser called “Love For Lahaina” which helped those affected by fires in Hawaii similar to his community. Javier is a leadership student at Phoenix HS and a very active member of his community. Javier is also very active through being involved in many sports including Track and Field, Basketball, and Skiing.
Vice President of Hospitality - KB (Kirabella) Licitra
Kirabella has competed in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism both at SCDC and ICDC. She loves how this event combines her love of business with her outgoing personality. Kirabella has also competed in Restaurant & Food Service Management and Integrated Marketing Campaigns.
After graduation, she hopes to attend New York University and find a way to combine business with medical sciences. Outside of DECA Kirabella loves attending sports as a cheerleader and varsity football games. She is a member of the schools leadership team where she serves as the media chair planning school assemblies and organizing fund raisers.
Striving to create a strong sense of community, Kirabella works as a peer leader for Source of Strength in her community. In addition, she is co-founding a non-profit called Full Stop for Hatfield Future project of Oregon. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Vice President of Career Development - Ethan Wang
Ethan Wang is a junior attending Westview High School and is excited to be serving as Oregon’s Vice President of Career Development. Hearing about DECA from a family friend, Ethan joined DECA in his freshman year. From then on, Ethan has met countless role models and mentors who’ve inspired him to take on more responsibilities and pushed himself as a leader. His experiences interacting with other DECA members, whether that be from his chapter or across the country, has given him unforgettable memories and taught him life lessons which define the most impactful parts of his high school years.
Outside of DECA, Ethan participates in a couple of other activities. At his school, Ethan plays both varsity tennis and racquetball. Ethan also serves on the Statewide CTE Advisory Council, where he acts as a voice for students to help improve CTE programs across the state. Ethan also works with fellow state officer Ananth in running PDX Concierge, a non-profit that specializes in providing food resources to those facing challenges obtaining them. Ethan also enjoys supporting his local community by volunteering with the Oregon Chinese Coalition where he gets to spread and learn more about his culture. In his free time, Ethan loves to go out and explore but more importantly wind down. Whether watching a movie, listening to music, or taking a nap, dedicating time to recharge is essential to Ethan.
As a newly appointed state officer, Ethan’s committed to bringing the wonderful experiences that DECA has provided him to everyone who participates in DECA.
Vice President of Marketing - Avlene Virk
During her last 3 years in DECA, Avlene has qualified for ICDC in Sports and Entertainment Operations Research, Integrated Marketing Campaign – Service, Restaurant Service Food Management and twice in her favorite event – Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research. Through these events Avlene has been able to discover more about herself. In the future she hopes to pursue a career in either business or hospitality.
Outside of DECA, Avlene loves to stay connected within her community. She serves on the teams of multiple clubs, including HOSA, Key Club, and Link Crew. She also co-founded her school’s Asian Club, plays varsity tennis, and enjoys volunteering and performing cultural dances at various local events.