History is being made at the Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy (CITA) HVAC Pathway at Osborne High School. For the first time ever, an all-female team will represent CITA at the SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference, held February 19–21, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. Each of these students earned her place by outperforming competitors at the local and regional levels, an impressive achievement in a field traditionally dominated by males. Even more remarkable, the team reflects a wide range of cultural backgrounds, showcasing both diversity and excellence within the HVAC pathway.

Deepa, Gwyneth, Ariela, and Jenny pictured at regional contests  

Meet the four students leading the way: Dipanvita “Deepa” Basdeo  and her assistant, Gwyneth Heinl, will compete in Job Skills Demonstration A, where the team will explain and demonstrate the HVAC refrigeration cycle. Deepa earned 1st place at the SkillsUSA Region 3 competition on December 5, 2025, defeating 17 competitors. Both Deepa and Gwyn are HVAC pathway students that have earned the EPA Section 608 Universal Certification. Jenny Luu will compete in T-Shirt Design after earning 3rd place out of 21 contestants at the Region 3 contest, highlighting her creativity and design skills; she also earned the EPA Section 608 Universal credential. Ariela Vega, an HVAC Dual Enrollment student, will compete in the HVAC State Competition after winning 1st place at the AGC (Associated General Contractors of GA) Challenge on October 28, 2025. Ariela has made history as the first female to enroll in-and compete at the state level from the Cobb County School District Dual Enrollment HVAC program. She also holds her EPA Section 608 Universal Certification. These students are setting a powerful example for the future of skilled trades.

Deepa, Gwyneth, Ariela, and Jenny