Leadership – Chabot College Deca

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Dr. Catherine Pinkas

Academic Advisor, Program Coordinator

Dr. Pinkas is a dedicated Business College Educator with a Ph.D. and a passion for empowering students to become future leaders in business and community service. With years of experience in higher education, she brings real-world knowledge, academic expertise, and a commitment to mentorship into the classroom. Beyond teaching, she actively supports student success as an advisor to the DECA Business Club, guiding students in developing leadership, entrepreneurial, and professional skills that prepare them for meaningful careers.

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Victor Magana

Advisor

I’m a part-time instructor in the Applied Technology and Business department at Chabot College and I’m also employed at a major financial and investment company as a licensed financial professional. I have 26 years of experience working as a project and program manager for a Fortune 100 company where I led technology, consumer, and cybersecurity projects and programs. I’m a certified Project Manager Professional (PMP) and an Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP). I hold a master’s in business administration (MBA) from San Francisco State University as well as a California Teaching Credential to teach Business, Finance, Marketing, and Information Technology. My next career goal is to obtain a Doctor in Business Administration (DBA) which I plan to start in 2027.

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George Hallett

Public Relations Officer (PRO)

My name is George Hallett and I live in San Lorenzo, California with my wife and three children. I have been a Chabot College student since the Fall of 2018 and I initially took the Business 50 series of courses to improve my resume writing and job interview skills. The courses helped me prepare for the competitive hiring process at San Francisco -Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) for the Transit Vehicle Electronic Technician position where I have worked full-time since 2019. I have earned a Certificate of Achievement in Industrial and Consumer Electronics, Management, and a Certificate of Proficiency in Project Management. I am pursuing an Associate of Science Degree for Transfer in Business Management with plans to attend CSU East Bay and attain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. I have served Chabot DECA as President and Vice-President. Now, I seek to develop my skills as a Public Relations Officer to reach our campus community and help build future leaders through membership activities.

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Zachary Gilbert

President

Hello,
My name is Zachary Gilbert, and I live in Castro Valley. I have been attending Chabot College since the Fall of 2022. I initially was a computer science and electrical engineering major, but I switched to Business Administration because I’ve always had in interest in how businesses operate and are managed. This passion for business has only grown since I initially took a course in high school that talked about the different career paths that business has to offer. Since joining the Chabot DECA club, I have been able to combine this curiosity with hands-on experience in business and what it takes to start a project and see it grow. As the president of the club, I strive to integrate my strong business sense and technical skills, allow me to effectively lead our team. I am committed to fostering an environment where every member can thrive and grow, in line with DECA’s mission of preparing people for the world of marketing, business management, hospitality, finance, and so much more.

Milise Vea

Vice President

Joining Chabot College DECA has been a transformative journey that strengthened my leadership and personal growth. I joined DECA and became Vice President in 2024, where I worked with informed individuals from diverse backgrounds and developed adaptability, empathy, and communication skills. I learned to manage projects, retain key information, and lead with confidence. In Summer 2025, I graduated with an Associate in Science for Transfer degree in Business Administration and will continue pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at university in Fall 2025. DECA has taught me patience, resilience and humility. It also gave me meaningful relationships, unforgettable experiences, and the support of an inspiring community. It’s been an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience that continues to shape my future.

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Karla A. Garcia

Secretary

I am currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with the goal of building a career in corporate management, specifically within finance or marketing. I am passionate about developing strong leadership skills and expanding my knowledge of business operations, which I believe are essential for guiding teams and driving organizational success. DECA plays an important role in helping me achieve these goals by giving me the opportunity to strengthen my communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills in a professional setting. Through DECA, I have been able to enhance my creativity, adaptability, and ability to collaborate with other skills that will be invaluable in my future career. I look forward to continuing to grow as both a leader and a professional through this experience.

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