Northwood University’s DECA chapter secured multiple Top 10 finishes at the 2025 International Career Development Conference (ICDC), held April 5-8 in San Francisco, California.
Competing among the best collegiate DECA students from around the world, four of the five Northwood competitors advanced beyond the initial round of competition. Three went on to finish among the Top 10 in their respective categories.
The following students placed in the Top 10 worldwide in the following categories:
- Jess Bromberg of Pinconning, Michigan — No. 7 in Business Research, No. 13 in Human Resource Management
- Lauren Waiss of Sturtevant, Wisconsin — No. 4 in Advertising Campaign
- Alex Kinney of Midland, Michigan – No. 5 in Entrepreneurship Operations
“I’m extremely proud of how our students have once again represented Northwood on the international business stage in San Francisco,” said Northwood DECA Advisor Patrick McElgunn. “Going 4-for-5 in the first round of DECA’s International Career Development Conference, and then turning around the next day to secure three Top 10 finishes, speaks to the hard work and dedication of our team. It also further solidifies Northwood’s standing as a global leader in business education.”
DECA is a nonprofit organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. McElgunn noted Northwood’s DECA chapter’s success was made possible, in part, by support from Northwood University’s Project 100 — a unique initiative in which 100 alumni, employees, and friends contribute funds to support student-led projects and activities each semester.
Thanks to Project 100, Northwood DECA was able to expand its annual DECA Day event in October into its largest fundraiser yet. Proceeds from the event were put toward travel costs for ICDC, significantly reducing expenses for students.
“Project 100 funds were instrumental in helping Northwood DECA compete in San Francisco,” McElgunn added. “We never want travel expenses to be the reason a student can’t compete and represent Northwood on an international stage. The alumni support through Project 100 made it possible for our students to shine — and the best part is that the impact of those funds will continue for years to come as we benchmark that money to help grow our DECA Day fundraiser moving forward.”
Northwood DECA continues to provide students with hands-on leadership and business experience, sharpening skills in communication, analysis, and strategic thinking through competitive events and professional development opportunities. For more information about Northwood’s DECA chapter, visit northwood.edu/student-life/organizations/deca or email .
