During the spring semester, seven Middlesex Community College business students competed at the 2025 DECA Regional Competition held at Stonehill College. The only community college among four-year institutions, Middlesex earned one gold and two silver medals.
“I learned so much from the experience, and I honestly wasn’t expecting to win first place – but I’m so, so grateful I did,” said Emily Weinberg, an MCC business student, of Lexington. “I gained a lot of confidence in my ability to present ideas effectively and handle unexpected challenges. I also realized that you can bring your own personality and unique skills into your pitch, and the judges will appreciate it.”
Weinberg enjoyed the hands-on experience DECA provided to take her learning beyond the classroom. In addition to strengthening her critical thinking, public speaking and problem-solving skills, she gained mentorship and professional growth opportunities from the opportunity.
Meily Sy, an MCC information technology and user support student from Cambodia and now living in Lowell, received a silver medal for her event in human resources management. Calling the experience both challenging and rewarding, Sy appreciated receiving real-time feedback from judges who are professionals in their fields.
“Their insights helped me refine my approach to human resources issues, from conflict resolution to employee engagement and recruitment strategies,” Sy said. “As a DECA competitor, I was drawn to MCC’s commitment to career readiness, leadership development and industry connections. MCC offers experiential learning, networking opportunities, and business competitions that allow students to apply their knowledge in practical settings.”
An MCC business administration from Groton, Christian Tims felt inspired by his classmates’ knowledge and abilities. While working on their individual events, the group helped each other build confidence and hone their skills to be competitive against other colleges.
“MCC’s DECA was not only able to compete but excel, and I am incredibly proud of what this group has accomplished,” Tims said. “MCC’s diverse educational paths, drive and teamwork propelled us. We came with an underdog mentality expecting nothing from the best from us, resulting in our superior performance.”
For Tyler Cunio, an MCC business and entrepreneurship student from Pepperell, DECA was an opportunity to bond with classmates. Choosing Middlesex as an affordable and flexible option, Cunio takes advantage of exploring options in the field and participating in opportunities offered by the college, including DECA.
“The experience was phenomenal,” Cunio said. “We were able to meet and network with a bunch of similarly interested people, from many different schools, and the information available there was very practical.”
Led by advisor and MCC business professor Vikram Sharma, the students will next attend the 2025 International Career Development Conference in San Francisco in April. Competing in the regional and international conferences are achievements that “fuels the success,” according to Sharma.
“The success of our students is not just a personal triumph – it's a catalyst for motivation across the student body,” Sharma said. “As faculty advisor for the DECA/Business Club since 2013, I've observed firsthand the profound impact of these events, which cultivate strong alumni ties and deepen our sense of community within MCC."