Sylvia Ugarcovici, a senior and 4-year DECA member from Glenbrook North High School (GBN), is thrilled and honored to serve as a Vice President for the 2024–2025 Illinois DECA Association Officer Team!

Her DECA journey began freshman year after hearing “What the hecka is GBN DECA?!” on the morning announcements and deciding to check it out, unaware of how profoundly it would shape her high school experience and future aspirations. Drawn to the Marketing cluster, Sylvia has competed in Principles of Marketing, Apparel and Accessories Marketing, and placed Top 20 in the Integrated Marketing Campaign–Service Written Event with her two teammates at the 2025 ICDC. She is currently preparing an Entrepreneurship Start-Up event with her two teammates.

Over the years, Sylvia has been deeply involved in all competitive and leadership aspects of DECA, as a general member, mentor, Vice President, and now Co-President of her chapter. Currently, as Co-President, she collaborates with her board and advisors to strengthen GBN DECA both competitively and organizationally, creating meaningful opportunities for members to grow as leaders.

A longtime STEM enthusiast, Sylvia discovered her passion for Neuroscience in seventh-grade biology and dreams of launching a neuroscience start-up focused on research and treatment development for neurological disorders, such an exciting and rapidly expanding field. By combining her love for science and business, she hopes to make a difference and inspire others to see how DECA’s real-world skills can enhance any career path.

Although Sylvia takes pride in her business professional attire, she also loves her athleisure, and you’ll often find her at the gym, out for a walk, with family and friends, or grabbing a smoothie bowl from her favorite local spot. A passionate music lover, she’s played piano since age five and attends every concert she can. Some of Sylvia’s other favorites include: summer, planners, her digital camera, animals, and scenic outdoor adventures.

Sylvia looks forward to connecting with the State Officer Team and Illinois DECA members this year, taking on ILCDC in March, and hopefully pin-trading as much as she can in Atlanta. She’s ready to help make this year one of excitement, opportunity, and inspiration as Illinois DECA members “Go the Extra!”