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From interest to impact: Micaela Torres '27 builds on early success to lead her DECA peers

From interest to impact: Micaela Torres '27 builds on early success to lead her DECA peers

by Shannon Dufresne
 

At Ursuline, growth often begins with a simple decision: to try something new. For Micaela Torres '27, that decision opened the door to discovery, direction, and opportunity.

"I knew that Ursuline would be the place where I could explore the most opportunities and become the very best version of myself," Torres said, reflecting on her decision to attend Ursuline.

Coming from Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Scarsdale, Torres was part of a smaller school community where everyone knew one another. The shift from a familiar environment to a larger school community initially brought uncertainty, but that feeling did not last long.

Within weeks, she found her footing. Supportive teachers and welcoming classmates helped her settle in and begin to see what was possible.

"As for opportunities, they’re immeasurable here," she said.

That openness led her to explore something new. As a sophomore, Torres enrolled in the Bloomberg course after developing an interest in personal finance. What began as curiosity quickly became a clear direction.

She discovered a passion for business and finance that began to shape her academic interests and extracurricular involvement. Encouraged by business teacher Mrs. Jill Patricot, she joined DECA and Future Women in Business, stepping into experiences that challenged her to grow and take on leadership roles.

"Mrs. Patricot helped me build my confidence, become comfortable with public speaking, and encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone," Torres said.

Those early steps led to meaningful leadership opportunities. As a sophomore, she was the only Ursuline student to qualify for DECA's International Career Development Conference. This year, she serves as head of Ursuline's DECA, focusing on supporting her peers and creating space for others to succeed.

"Micaela is a proven leader who helped transform DECA from a pilot into a powerhouse," said Patricot. "She brings a level of maturity beyond her years, prioritizes teamwork, and shows that you can be competitive while supporting every teammate."

That mindset reflects how Torres approaches leadership.

"To me, true leadership is supporting and uplifting others. It's about making sure that no one falls behind."
- Micaela Torres '27

"To me, true leadership is supporting and uplifting others," she said. "It's about making sure that no one falls behind."

That approach has helped shape a year of growth for the fledgling chapter. At DECA's State Career Conference in March, Ursuline earned recognition for one of the highest membership growth rates in the state, reflecting the collective effort of its student leaders.

In the classroom, Torres continues to build on those experiences. In the Virtual Enterprise course, she works in operations for a student-run business, gaining insight into how ideas develop and how teams bring them to life. Through Bloomberg, she analyzes markets in real time and strengthens her understanding of investing and financial decision-making.

Working closely with the DECA Executive Board, Torres strengthened her leadership and deepened her sense of belonging. The sisterhood within the program has shaped her experience, building strong relationships grounded in shared goals.

"I'm endlessly grateful for the chance to not only work with them but call them my friends," she said.

Looking ahead, Torres plans to study economics and continue exploring the field of business.

"Ultimately, I hope to earn my MBA and build a career in financial services," she said.  

She encourages younger students to follow their interests and give themselves the chance to grow.

"If you’re interested in something, you should always pursue it," Torres said. "The only way to truly find out is to experience it firsthand."

Reflecting on her time at Ursuline, Torres sees how far she has come.

"My time and experiences at Ursuline have truly shaped me beyond what I thought possible," she said.

Her journey is a reminder that leadership does not begin with certainty. It begins with showing up, trying something new, and choosing to step forward and lead.

To learn more about business and finance offerings and other Distinctive Programs at Ursuline, click HERE. Read a related story HERE.

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