Delaware CTSO Leaders Gather at UD for “Rooted to Rise” Fall Leadership Conference

SkillsUSA Delaware officers help lead statewide event empowering over 500 student leaders

Newark, Del. — With energy, teamwork, and purpose filling every corner of the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall, more than 500 Delaware student leaders took part in the 2025 Delaware CTSO Fall Leadership Conference on October 14–15. Hosted in partnership with Delaware’s Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), the two-day event—built around the theme Rooted to Rise—brought together students from SkillsUSA, HOSA, BPA, Educators Rising, DECA, TSA, and FCCLA to develop leadership skills, strengthen collaboration, and celebrate the shared impact of career and technical education.

The Rooted to Rise theme reflected how strong values and teamwork provide the foundation for growth. Delaware’s SkillsUSA State Officer Team played a central role in organizing and facilitating workshops for both middle and high school participants, blending months of preparation with the leadership training they’ve gained through their SkillsUSA experience.

Planning such a large event required focus, communication, and adaptability—a challenge the officers embraced wholeheartedly. Amaziah Rulamka (POLYTECH High School, Electronics Technology, Grade 12) shared that while the process was demanding, it ultimately strengthened his leadership skills. “It was a bit stressful at first,” he said, “[But] it has helped me with public speaking and engaging with other upcoming leaders.” 

That sense of teamwork resonated across the entire state officer team. Tate Patten (POLYTECH High School, Carpentry, Grade 12) noted how collaboration kept everyone grounded and united. “It was fun but also challenging,” he reflected. He added that he appreciated his team during the planning process, noting he valued “how we can all come together and be able to trust one another.”

For Kamora Jones (Delcastle Technical High School, Digital Media, Grade 12), the conference highlighted the power of shared purpose. “I appreciate how understanding and helpful my leadership is. Whenever one of us is struggling with a task or subject, everyone helps before judging you. I also appreciate the different skills each team member brings because they shined their brightest at the conference when that skill came into play.” Kamora added that their shared training at the Rehoboth Beach Leadership Conference and Leverage Pre-Conference National Training in Atlanta helped. “With the previous trainings as a state officer I have learned how to better engage learners through different activities and facilitating participation. During the conference the trainings helped me be more confident in myself and what I know because I am a state officer for a reason.”

Kylie VanHorn (POLYTECH High School, Engineering, Grade 12) echoed that sentiment, describing the pride of helping new participants discover what SkillsUSA stands for. “I hope [the participants] took away what SkillsUSA is about, which is getting people ready for their future (no matter the path).” She added that she hopes those who attended “[take] charge and [know that] having leadership traits is very important and beneficial to your future.”

Similarly, Marcos Leon Gonzalez (Delcastle Technical High School, Technical Drafting and Design, Grade 12) reflected on how the event showcased SkillsUSA’s mission in real time. “The officer training prepared me to lead with confidence,” he said. “I hope the students left with a positive image of SkillsUSA and felt inspired to keep growing—personally, academically, and professionally. I want them to see how much opportunity this organization offers and feel motivated to keep pushing forward.”

Carmen Mestre Tlacuatl (Delcastle Technical High School, Digital Media, Grade 12) summed it up well: “I appreciate my team because they have pushed me to improve every day and to learn more about being a leader.” She added that she hopes the participants “take away the great opportunity for them to grow not only their leadership [skills] but also…their communication skills.”

By the conference’s close, hundreds of students across Delaware had not only strengthened their leadership skills but also witnessed the unity that defines Career and Technical Education. For SkillsUSA Delaware, the Fall Leadership Conference marked both the start of a new competition season and a celebration of the organization’s mission to prepare career-ready leaders who serve, empower, and transform their communities.