Arabella Decker ’87

EMBRACING LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES

It can be said that strong involvement by Study alumnae has a direct impact on helping to propel the school from being a good school to being a great school. An excellent example of this kind of commitment is Arabella Decker ’87. As the mother of Isabella ’22 and Mathilda ’26 and sister of Ariadne ’91, Arabella has taken an active role in supporting the school’s path to the future as a member of the Board of Governors. She brings her marketing expertise to bear as Chair of the Marketing Committee.

Years after graduating from The Study, Arabella completed her post-secondary studies at the University of Notre Dame in the United States to obtain her MBA. It was at this time that she met a guest lecturer at Ogilvy, an advertising agency, who introduced her to the notion of brand equity. She immediately connected with this idea and was hired by Ogilvy’s Toronto office that same year.

After the birth of her first daughter, Arabella moved back to Montreal. She continued her work with Ogilvy until a lifechanging opportunity came along.

WAFU, a Montreal-based Japanese-style sesame dressing, was in need of branding and had the potential to support a product portfolio. Arabella knew that she had the right set of packaged goods experience and skills to expand on the original product and develop a brand family. Since 2008, Arabella and her two partners have been operating the company. Being an entrepreneur, says Arabella, is like having another child: you are never “off”, you must be present 24/7. On the flip side, there is the flexibility you gain from being your own boss and the satisfaction you get from knowing that any success is a direct result of your efforts.

Psst! FINAL FUN FACT ABOUT ARABELLA

She is a competitive ballroom dancer and is deeply involved with the Just for Kids Foundation, for which she co-chairs “Dancing with Stars” in support of the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

Arabella is convinced that she acquired many of her core attributes from her years at The Study. Resilience, a love of learning, integrity and humility are values that were emphasized at the school. The leadership skills students were taught and the all-girls environment that allowed all students to be themselves gave her confidence. Arabella feels this prepared her well for success throughout her career.

WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL to Study Builder and Foundation Trustee Jill de Villafranca for her extensive contributions to this magazine. Jill is also mother to Katie ’96 and Christine ’00 and grandmother to Sophie Lacasse ’30.