DECA District III Success

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: DECA District III Career Development Conference
Where Ambition Meets Opportunity

Pittsburgh, PA — December 11, 2025 — Duquesne University proudly hosted over 400 students from 10 high schools across District III for the annual DECA Career Development Conference, an event dedicated to inspiring and preparing the next generation of business leaders. The conference took place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Duquesne University’s campus, marking the fourth consecutive year the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business partnered with DECA to deliver this transformative experience.

“We are thrilled to partner with DECA to support young leaders as they explore career pathways and develop essential business skills,” said Richard A. Longo, Director, Duquesne University SBDC. “Our goal is to create an engaging experience that connects education with real-world opportunities.”

The conference provided students with the chance to showcase their talents in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through competitive events and interactive workshops. Participants engaged with industry professionals, gained valuable career insights, and experienced the vibrant academic environment of Duquesne University.

“Our curriculum and cornerstone-to-capstone approach in the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business is designed to foster exploration and provide hands-on experiential learning opportunities, grounded in the foundational skills taught in the business core,” said Karen Russo Donovan, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean, Academic Programs and Executive Education, Duquesne University. “DECA mirrors this mission at the high school level—empowering students to think critically, collaborate in teams, and develop communication and leadership skills. This event offers participants the chance to network, compete, and gain a glimpse into what a future career in business could look like.”

Event Highlights

·         Competitive Events: Students demonstrated knowledge and problem-solving in real-world business scenarios.

·         Networking Opportunities: Participants connected with business professionals, educators, and peers.

·         Workshops and Panels: Experts shared insights on entrepreneurship, marketing, and leadership.

This year’s conference was a resounding success, reinforcing the commitment to empowering tomorrow’s leaders and bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional achievement. For more information about PA DECA, visit https://www.padeca.org.

About Duquesne University Small Business Development Center
The Duquesne University SBDC provides consulting, training, and resources to help entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed. Learn more at https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/.