PresidentHey there, Iowa DECA!
My name is Noreen Diaconu-Voinea, and I am a member from Ames High School. As a four-year DECA member, I am deeply honored to serve as your 2026–2027 Iowa DECA State President.
As the first person in my household to attend high school in America, DECA was something entirely new to me. During my freshman year, I placed first at SCDC and qualified to compete at ICDC. That experience was the moment I knew DECA was where I belonged. I discovered that our potential is limitless. There is no limit to impact, connect, and empower others through this organization.
The following year, I had the privilege of serving as your 2025–2026 Vice President of Career Development, and now I am honored to continue that journey as your State President. Every time I look at my Iowa DECA name tag, I see more than my name, I see the trust, ambition, and potential of every Iowa DECA member. It is a responsibility I carry with pride, and I am excited for all that we will accomplish together throughout the year ahead.
Outside of DECA, I am the oldest of three sisters, a role that naturally introduced me to leadership from an early age. I speak both Romanian and Hungarian with my family, which is where my family originates from. In my free time, you can usually find me drinking matcha, playing guitar, snowboarding, playing in soccer games, or driving my convertible around Ames.
With my whole heart, I look forward to leading Iowa DECA into its next chapter. This organization has shaped me into the leader I am today, and I am dedicated to giving back to the community that has given me so much. If you ever have questions, ideas, or simply want to make the most of your Iowa DECA experience, please don't hesitate to reach out to me through social media or email. deca_noreen or president@iowadeca.org
Iowa DECA, our future isn't waiting for us, it's ours to create. Let's make this year our Next Big Thing.
VP of Community Service
Hello! My name is Kevin Du, and I am a senior at Cedar Falls High School. I’m so excited to serve as your 2026-2027 Iowa DECA VP of Community Service.
Joining DECA was one of the best decisions of my life. It’s because of the people I met through DECA that I gained self-confidence, sharpened my public speaking skills, and ultimately grew into the person I am today. This year, I hope to give back to the community that has given so much to me by fostering greater community involvement, building a stronger Iowa DECA brand, and raising money for important causes.
Alongside DECA, I participate in my orchestra, tennis, and my school’s Environmental Awareness Team. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends, watching movies, and playing pickleball!
I’m always happy to hear your thoughts and suggestions for how to improve Iowa DECA, so please do not hesitate to reach out to me at Communityservice@iowadeca.org. Whether you’re a newcomer to DECA or a seasoned veteran, I’m certain that this year has something to offer you. Together, let’s create the Next Big Thing!
VP of Career DevelopmentHello, Iowa DECA! My name is Elizabeth Wahlman, and I’m a senior at Gilbert High School. I am honored to serve as your 2026-2027 Vice President of Career Development. I am excited for the opportunity to support members across the state as they develop their skills, achieve their goals, and find their NEXT BIG THING.
A little about me: I am a fourth-year DECA member; I have competed in a wide variety of events, and I have attended ICDC every year I have been a member. One of my favorite parts of DECA is watching members grow in confidence as they discover their strengths. Outside of DECA, I play volleyball, enjoy traveling, and love watching Formula 1. I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and have lived in four different states: Missouri, Illinois, Arizona, and Iowa.
As Vice President of Career Development, my goal is to help every Iowa DECA member find their NEXT BIG THING.
Feel free to reach out to careerdevelopment@iowadeca.org with any questions, ideas, or comments. I look forward to what we will accomplish together this year, and I’m excited to help you make the most of your DECA experience!
VP of Marketing
Hey Iowa DECA! My name is Emma Deal, and I’m currently a junior at Gilbert High School. I am so excited and honored to be your 2026-2027 Vice President of Marketing! I joined DECA my freshman year and immediately fell in love with the organization. Since then, I have been given the opportunity to grow tremendously in many different aspects. My goal as an association officer is to give other members the same incredible experience I have had while maximizing their potential through Iowa DECA.
Outside of DECA I enjoy going for walks, playing pickleball, travelling, playing soccer, and hanging out with my friends! I am also an avid music listener and movie watcher. My favorite music genre is pop, and my favorite movies are rom-coms.
I am looking forward to serving as your Vice President of Marketing this year and can’t wait to watch Iowa DECA and all of its individual members grow! If you have any questions or just want to chat, please feel free to reach out on email or social media. marketing@iowadeca.org or deca.deal
I’m so excited to help you find your Next Big Thing!
VP of LeadershipHello Iowa DECA! My name is Allen Cai, and I’m a senior at Ames High School. I am extremely honored to serve as your 2026-27 VP of Leadership.
DECA has been an integral part of my life since I joined freshman year. I’ve met so many amazing people and established connections that extend far beyond DECA itself. Throughout my time in the organization, I’ve also grown so much in my leadership, communication, and confidence. During my term as state officer, I will strive to help our members grow into their next big thing by passing down what I’ve learned.
Outside of DECA, I’m involved in cross country, track, band, and robotics. I like to spend my free time hanging out with friends and playing pickleball and sand volleyball.
I want to reiterate that I am here for you. I want to give back to the community that has helped shape me in so many ways. I’m always available to help out, so feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions at leadership@iowadeca.org! Thanks for putting your faith into me, and here’s to another amazing year of DECA!