Meet the Advisors

Our DECA advisors are the heart of our chapter’s success. They guide, mentor, and inspire members every step of the way — from planning projects to competing on the big stage. Their experience and dedication help us grow as leaders and achieve our goals.

Meet your 25-26 DECA board!

Meet the dedicated leaders behind our DECA chapter! Our board members work hard to make every event, project, and competition a success. They’re here to support members, foster teamwork, and help everyone reach their full potential in business and leadership.

  • Young man in a black suit and blue tie smiling outdoors in front of a garage.

    Joey Fairchild

    President

    Email: 1047294@lwsd.org

    Joey a 2025 International DECA competitor. He leads his chapter with a focus on teamwork, project management, and professional growth, helping members prepare for competition and develop leadership skills. Outside of DECA, Joey works at Dunn Lumber, where he’s known for his strong work ethic and commitment to great customer service — qualities he brings to every project and team he’s part of.

  • Tarini Krishna

    President

    Email: 1067275@lwsd.org

    Tarini is a senior dedicated to leadership, entrepreneurship, and driving positive change. As Co-President of Juanita DECA, she oversees chapter operations, mentors members, and coordinates initiatives that promote engagement and excellence within the program. She hopes to pursue her interests in economics and innovation in the future.

    Beyond DECA, Tarini enjoys traveling, working on creative ventures like her startup projects, and baking.

  • Delilah Crum

    VP of Leadership

    Email: 1047151@lwsd.org

  • A young man with wavy brown hair sitting by an airplane window, looking outside with a slight smile, wearing a blue hoodie that says 'the future is here' with a yellow and black logo for '20 broken planet'.

    Charlie Pepper

    VP of Career Development

    Email: 1047300@lwsd.org

    A 2025 International Finalist in Sports and Entertainment Operations Research, he mentors younger members and helps expand DECA’s industry connections. Charlie studied business and economics through the Oxford Scholars Programme in England and recently participated in a leadership and finance immersion program in New York, deepening his passion for global business and entrepreneurship.

    Outside of school Charlie has been playing football for around 4 years. He also enjoys traveling hiking and watching the NFL and NHL, especially the Seahawks and Kraken.

  • Sanjana Lingamallu

    VP of Career Development

    Email: 1057541@lwsd.org

  • Oorvi Sharma

    Director of Career Development

    Email: 1056611@lwsd.org

  • Akshat Khatnani

    Director of Career Development

    Email: 1053609@lwsd.org

  • Avi Shrivastava

    VP of Marketing

    Email: 1099641@lwsd.org

  • Joanna Shyu

    Director of Marketing

    Email: 1053576@lwsd.org

    Joanna is a Sophomore who is passionate about creativity, leadership, and bringing ideas to life. As the Director of Marketing, she helps lead promotional initiatives, coordinates social media outreach, and showcase her chapter’s achievements throughout the community. She is interested in combining design and strategy through roles such as marketing and project management.

    Outside of school, Joanna has been a dancer at the Pacific Northwest Ballet school for 10 years, spending up to 18 hours for practice after school. You can also talk to her about piano, the newest music releases, and the Crumble Cookie flavors of the week.

  • Ryan Mertel

    VP of Communications

    Email: 1047238@lwsd.org

  • Aarush Kasliwal

    Director of Communications

    Email: 1059019@lwsd.org

    Aarush Kasliwal, a Cambridge sophomore, is thrilled to be your DECA Director of Communications for the 2025–2026 school year. Aarush aims to utilize the most effective communication methods to keep you informed about all things DECA. He aims to create an exceptional DECA experience for you, whether it’s answering your questions or sending out weekly emails with important updates.

    As a loyal cricket and Formula 1 fan, Aarush can be found watching matches and daydreaming about his dream cars outside of school (when not drowning in homework). Additionally, he also enjoys playing long rallies of badminton, listening to music, and spending time with friends. Aarush looks forward to an amazing year with the JHS DECA board, advisors, and members who make DECA a truly special experience.

  • Hayden Alexander

    VP of Outreach

    Email: 1055914@lwsd.org

    Hayden is a Junior,  She is a driven high school student with a strong interest in business, marketing, and community engagement. As the Vice President of Outreach for her DECA chapter, Hayden plays a key role in building connections between DECA and the local community, organizing outreach initiatives, and helping to grow chapter membership and involvement. 

    Outside of DECA, Hayden is involved in ASB, Key Club, and NHS. She also enjoys listening to music, traveling, and thrifting.  With aspirations to pursue a career in business management, Hayden is excited to continue making an impact through innovation and leadership.

  • Connor Dederman

    VP of Outreach

    Email: 1043583@lwsd.org

  • Rasa Dastbaz

    VP of Finance

    Email: 1047966@lwsd.org

  • Evan Fleming

    Director of Finance

    Email: 1047953@lwsd.org