Minzie Choi, a senior at Geneva High School and a four-year DECA member, is ecstatic and deeply honored to represent Illinois DECA as President of the 2023-2024 State Action Team. 

Although she attended her first DECA meeting her freshman year just so that her friend had someone to go with, DECA quickly became an integral and defining part of Minzie’s high school experience. Minzie has competed in Hospitality and Tourism TDM, Business Law and Ethics TDM, and is competing in Human Resources Management Individual Series in her final year. She has competed at regional, state, and national level competitions, earning awards and philanthropic recognition along the way. DECA has fostered some of Minzie’s closest friendships and has given her the greatest opportunities to develop not only as a business professional but also as a leader. She is the current Co-President of her high school chapter and was VP of Philanthropy the year prior. She thoroughly enjoys working with her officer team and fellow Co-President as they get to collaborate, formulate new ideas, and take initiative to assist emerging leaders within their high school. 

As Illinois DECA President, Minzie looks forward to helping fellow IL DECA members reach their full potential. Having personally experienced the way DECA integrates itself into real life, she is excited to share with others just how DECA can impact their future for the better, and the numerous opportunities that ensue for those who participate. Her favorite DECA memory was attending the 2023 International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida, and placing Top 20 internationally in her event. It was there she developed lasting friendships with her travel mates, developed a love-hate relationship with the Velocicoaster at Universal Studios, and learned that Birkenstocks can indeed remain intact after enduring a torrential Florida downpour. 

In addition to DECA, Minzie is an officer for three National Honors Societies at her high school, is a member of Geneva’s Student Ambassador League, and is an independent tutor for young students. She plays center for her travel ice hockey team, attack for Geneva’s Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse team, and is first chair violin in her High School’s Symphony Orchestra. Having two little sisters with Type 1 Diabetes, Minzie also advocates for the increasing awareness of Type 1 and other diseases/illnesses that significantly impact not only a person but the community that surrounds them. 

In midst of balancing demanding athletic, academic, and extracurricular schedules, Minzie’s favorite past time is traveling to see her friends in and out of state, trying new restaurants and dessert locations (she highly recommends “Graham’s” ice cream in downtown Geneva if you haven’t been already!) and watching her youngest sister’s hockey games. 

Minzie is looking forward to serving Illinois DECA at the highest level and providing Illinois DECA students with every opportunity to be successful. She believes that every Illinois member has the potential to compete at the international level, and can’t wait to cheer on all those who will get to “Experience the Difference” between good, and greatness!