“DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.”

DECA is more than just a club to Emma but a family of like-minded individuals who share a passion in their love in all aspects of business. “DECA is great for the next financial advisor and the dentist who wants to open their own practice. No matter what job, you need to know how money works and how to brand yourself”, says Emma Knutson. Unlike other chapters, Ben Barber Innovation Academy has five all MISD high schools in one chapter, making it more challenging for a leader but more rewarding as a united community. For more information on DECA, you can reach out to the contact page on this website!

Currently, Emma is interning at Julie Short Team for Coldwell banker in Mansfield, Texas. She plans with this fantastic internship to learn more in-depth about real estate’s behind-the-scenes and see if this is a career she would like to pursue. “What I love about real estate is nerdy, but I love looking into loans, how a family plans to finance, and what credentials you need to buy or sell a home. Also, it is fascinating to see how one family’s needs are completely different than the next family”, says Emma Knutson about her feelings at her internship so far. “My biggest takeaway is the community of realtors who are helping one another every day to make sure both can get the job done to feed their families; there’s a lot of generosity in the business if you reach out,” claims Emma.

Emma does babysitting to give back to her community. “I see all the time in Facebook groups how many parents need a few hours of childcare just to go and find a job. When I started, people needed it to work and couldn’t afford a childcare facility, but now it is so much more with inflation,” states Emma on how the economy is affecting her business- Emma’s Babysitting Company. 

North Elevation Church Fusion Express

Emma started going to church here when her mom and siblings moved to Texas. She started going once a week but fell in love with the giveback they do to the city of Mansfield and charities. “I knew i had a special gift with little ones and I knew they needed someone to develop their child care program, so I offered to help watch the kids during services and teach. Eventually I got offered to be head of the program, which I gladly accepted. Now, I do marketing, networking, lesson planning, and scheduling for the children program weekly,” claims Emma about her role in the development of the kids program.