Annie Qu, a third-year DECA member and senior at Neuqua Valley High School, is unbelievably excited to serve Illinois DECA in the highest capacity as a Vice President on the 2022-2023 State Action Team.

Although her first year in DECA was completely online, Annie took any chance to compete, quickly developing a passion for the organization that has shaped her into the professional and leader that she is today. Annie competes in Quick Serve Restaurant Management, earning awards at both the state and international level. DECA has taught Annie to engage her fellow peers and leaders in her ideas, whether it’s in competition or within her chapter, and refine her collaborative leadership style, culminating in her current role as chapter president of Neuqua Valley DECA, where she works with a driven executive board and dedicated advisors to increase accessibility to DECA and demystify what makes the competitive format daunting at first glance.

During her time on the State Action Team, Annie looks to expand resource accessibility and applicability to both new and experienced members/chapter leaders alike. She hopes to empower the Illinois DECA community to succeed in competition and in leadership, not only through provision of accessible opportunities, guidance, and resources, but also by facilitating meaningful and memorable interactions amongst members, leaders, and with the state action team throughout the upcoming year. Her own fondest DECA memories and closest DECA connections have been formed over a wait for a midnight Doordash order in the Whitley lobby or over embarrassingly devastating losses in spoons (don’t worry, she’ll get her first win this year!). Annie believes that DECA, at its core, has always been about strengthening community and hopes to make a place for everyone in the larger, Illinois DECA community, so we can share these fun (damental) experiences.

Outside of DECA, Annie serves as an executive officer for her school’s Model UN team and for Rho Kappa Honor Society. She’s involved in her local political community, having worked in both campaign settings and in communications. Annie also spends her time co-chairing a voter registration effort, volunteering as a teacher’s assistant, or organizing various online, international book clubs.

When she’s not searching for the perfect playlist to capture a Gilmore Girls fall or scrolling through Pinterest, Annie loves absorbing any and all forms of art, media, and literature. She’s been painting and reading for her whole life, but still struggles with setting realistic Goodreads goals. In college, Annie plans to take an interdisciplinary approach to economics and pursue a major in Political Economics, where she’ll apply both qualitative and quantitative analysis to break down the convoluted issues that span across global political, cultural, and economic spheres.

Annie looks forward to translating Illinois DECA’s ambition into success and to ensuring that every member is equipped with the resources and confidence to see the bright lights of the international stage. She’s excited to work with her fellow state officers and connect with you all to help Illinois DECA get the edge this year!