Your 2026-2027 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 - Ved Shah
Ved Shah, a senior at Sunset High School, is excited to serve as Oregon DECA’s State President. Knowing he had a passion for business, Ved joined his school’s chapter as a freshman. Ved has qualified for ICDC in 2024, 2025, and 2026 in finance and entrepreneurship events.
DECA has completely changed Ved’s perspective, allowing him to meet new people, gain confidence as a business leader, and prepare for the careers that inspire him. Ved wants to pay this experience forward by strengthening chapter officer support, helping advisors run district competitions, raising awareness of Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), and reconnecting with Oregon DECA alumni.
Outside of DECA, Ved competes on a First Tech Challenge robotics team, pursues finance and software internships, and teaches coding as a CodeNinjas Sensei. He also leads the technology team for the India Cultural Association of Portland and serves on the Beaverton Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board. He loves to learn by asking questions, and his current ambition is to build a startup that simplifies financial analysis for investors across the world.
Vice President of Leadership - Mari Yonan
Mari Yonan is a rising senior at Bend Senior High School and is honored to serve the members of Oregon DECA. Over the past two years in DECA, she has gained valuable leadership experience and found deep purpose through her chapter and the connections she has built. DECA has given her the opportunity to step into new leadership roles and help ensure members have the resources they need to succeed. What began as a way to meet new people quickly grew into a deep passion for networking, competition, and turning business knowledge into real-world experience.
Outside of DECA, Mari is an active member of her school district’s Student Voice Council, where she collaborates with representatives across the district to strengthen student voice. She is also a member of National Honor Society, serving as the Junior Representative, and is the cofounder of her school’s Muse Club, which is devoted to creating supportive, empowering spaces where students feel they can be themselves. In addition, she competes on her high school ski team and plays lacrosse in the spring. In her free time, Mari enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, photography, and time with friends.
Mari is grateful for the opportunities DECA has provided and is excited to help create the same growth and success for members across Oregon DECA this year!
Vice President of Finance - Valeria Avila Vergara
Valeria Avila Vergara, a rising senior at South Medford High School, is both grateful and over the moon to serve as an Oregon DECA State VP for 2026-2027. Valeria joined DECA in her freshman year in hopes of finding a place to fit in and learn more about business. In doing so, over the past 3 years, she’s learned nothing less than passion, drive, and collaboration from DECA.
In addition to DECA, Valeria can be found cheering on her school and demonstrating panther pride as a varsity cheerleader. Friday Night Lights are her favorite! Along with that, Valeria is an active member of mock trial, always exploring strategies and new perspectives. She also served as Junior Class President, making it a priority to represent every voice equally. Valeria also loves to dedicate her time to her community, often spending Sunday mornings at animal shelters! Besides her extracurriculars, Valeria loves to spend her summer outside swimming, finding places to take chic photos, and trying all kinds of sweet treats with friends!
As newly appointed Oregon DECA Vice President, Valeria is committed to helping chapter officers feel heard and seen from every chapter, no matter how big or small. Her goal is to lead with heart, passion, and drive!
Vice President of Hospitality - Saili Mahanti
Saili Mahanti is a rising junior at South Salem High School. She is super excited and grateful to serve as Oregon DECA’s Vice President for the 2026-2027 term! Saili was first introduced to DECA her freshman year and has loved every minute of it since. She competes in both written and roleplay events, qualifying for ICDC in 2025 and 2026. She served as a Manager of Events for her school and through this Saili has been able to connect and help first year members, which inspired her to run for a State Officer position.
Outside of DECA, Saili keeps herself busy with tennis, playing for her school team and club.
She also participates in choir and student council, where she currently serves as the
Sophomore Class Vice President, creating events to engage her peers. Every Sunday, you can find Saili working at her local church as a childcare worker. Besides extracurriculars, you can catch Saili either at Chipotle or spending time with her friends!
DECA has truly become the highlight of her high school experience, and she can’t wait to give back as a State Officer this year! Feel free to reach out to her at any time!
Vice President of Career Development - Neha Gopalswamy
Neha Gopalswamy is a sophomore at Westview High School and is excited to serve as an Oregon DECA 2026-2027 State Officer! She joined DECA two years ago with an interest in business and quickly found a place where she could grow through competition, collaboration, and leadership. During her time in DECA, she has competed in entrepreneurship and business administration events and served as a chapter officer, experiences that have helped shape her confidence and perspective.
Outside of DECA, she stays involved in activities that allow her to stay creative, active, and connected. She has danced classical Indian dance for over 11 years, rows competitively, and enjoys reading and playing piano in her free time. Above all, she values spending time with her family and friends, who continue to motivate and support her in everything she does.
As a State Officer, Neha hopes to make DECA feel more approachable and supportive for every member. She is passionate about helping smaller chapters access meaningful resources, supporting new members as they learn the competition process, and strengthening connections across Oregon DECA. She is excited to give back to the organization that has helped shape her goals and looks forward to empowering members across the state!
Vice President of Marketing - Levi Pinkerton
Levi Pinkerton is a rising senior at Oregon City High School, and a part of the Oregon City DECA chapter! Joining DECA during his freshman year, Levi was excited to be able to network with students who share his passion for business and marketing. With the support of his amazing chapter and advisors, his passion for DECA reached new levels when he ran for Oregon DECA State Office.
Outside of DECA, Levi participates in his local Thespian Troupe 1907 to support his peers in
shows. He also serves as a teen mentor to elementary schoolers to be able to make sure that every kid fits in. Besides extracurriculars, you can find Levi running around with his camera, sharing the shots that he takes and the films that he makes.
As newly appointed Oregon DECA Vice President of Marketing and the first State Officer from his chapter, Levi is excited and dedicated to helping all Oregon DECA members. To help all chapters across the state of Oregon have the best experience possible. His goal is to make sure that chapters have the opportunity to be supported the best way they can.