is a three-year DECA member and a junior at Maine South High School in Park Ridge. He is honored and thrilled to serve as Vice President for the 2025-2026 Illinois Association of DECA State Action Team!

Encouraged by his business education teachers, Riyad joined DECA his freshman year, not realizing how much DECA would help him grow. Riyad realized quickly that DECA wasn’t just any club, but a community that allowed him to express his passions for business, while also learning to become a stronger leader, teammate and critical thinker. Riyad currently competes in the Hotel Lodging Management Series (HLM) and is preparing for the Financial Literacy Project (PMFL) this year. One of his proudest achievements has been qualifying for ICDC in Orlando this past spring, where he also created one of his favorite DECA memories of pin trading! As his chapter’s Co-President, Riyad enjoys mentoring members, helping them prepare for roleplays and written events, and creating an inclusive environment where every member feels valued and empowered to succeed.

Through DECA, Riyad has enjoyed blending creativity with strategy, learning how to think on his feet, and strengthening his communication skills. His philosophy as State Officer is this: Every member deserves access to the resources, confidence, and preparation needed to succeed. Riyad’s goal for this year is to RISE Illinois DECA together; RISE stands for Resources, Inspiration, Skills and Empowerment; all fundamental aspects to help bring his philosophy for Illinois DECA to life.

Beyond DECA, Riyad is involved in a wide variety of activities. At Maine South, he is Co- President of Model UN, competes in Track and Field as a long and triple jumper, and is active in both National and Business Honors Society. Riyad also serves as a “Hawk Pride” leader, helping freshmen students feel welcomed to High School, by providing lessons and support for whatever they might need. On an entrepreneurial note, Riyad is the Co-Founder and Director of a Financial Literacy Organization, Money Makes Cents, where he develops, implements, and teaches financial literacy topics to teens through social media and classroom sessions.

Outside of school, Riyad loves traveling! He has visited 25 countries so far, with an ambitious goal of trying to visit 100 countries during his lifetime! Riyad is also a soccer referee, working with kids from PreK all the way through Eight Grade.

Riyad is honored and grateful to be serving the members of our association this year. He’s looking forward to running ILCDC, hopefully competing in Atlanta, but most importantly pushing Illinois DECA to “Go the Extra” and achieve new levels of success together!