Deshauna Barber

Deshauna Barber is a dynamic international motivational speaker, Army veteran, former Miss USA and founder of the Women Veterans For Change. Renowned for her impactful and inspiring approach. Leveraging her unique experiences as an Army officer, STEM graduate, and advocate, Deshauna exemplifies the power of perseverance and resilience. Her journey from a decorated military career to becoming a top- rated speaker, sought after by Fortune 500 companies, underscores her remarkable ability to inspire and motivate. In 2019, Deshauna made history as the youngest President and CEO of the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), a leading nonprofit dedicated to advocating for servicewomen and female veterans. During her tenure, she championed women’s rights and resources on Capitol Hill, making significant strides in support of our nation’s service members. Deshauna holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Virginia State University, a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and Services from the University of Maryland University College, and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification from Cornell University. Crowned Miss USA in 2016, Deshauna became the first soldier to win the title. She used her platform to advocate for increased support for soldiers with Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). With over 11 years of military service, she continues to emphasize the importance of mental health for service members and veterans. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Deshauna channels her experiences into empowering others, dedicating her life to inspiring and uplifting those around her. As a motivational speaker and advocate, her global mission is to encourage, inspire, and strengthen individuals, embodying her commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

The first Miss USA to be crowned while currently serving in the United States military, DESHAUNA BARBER has made it her life goal to encourage, inspire and strengthen the people around her. A survivor of child sexual abuse who also overcame extreme bullying from a young age and the loss of her mother to cancer, Deshauna inspires other survivors to fight through the fears of their past and encourages people to focus on loving themselves and the people around them. An IT Analyst for the U.S. Government for over 5 years, Deshauna was also a logistics commander in the United States Army Reserve. She has a passion for our men and women in uniform and has spent much of her career focusing on advocating for soldiers suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). During her year-long reign as Miss USA in 2016, Deshauna partnered with and lent her voice to organizations such as the USO, Smile Train, Best Buddies, Operation Homefront and numerous other impactful organizations.

From speaking at Google to delivering a commencement address that went viral, Deshauna inspires everywhere she speaks. Offering lessons on diversity and inclusion, women's and youth empowerment, breaking the stigma of mental illness, overcoming adversity, and more, her reviews from engagements include raves such as: "Deshauna is phenomenal!... She is moving, inspiring and powerful. She is also very approachable and personable..." (NAJA); "The energy you brought... really created great chemistry that cannot be duplicated... Thank you for empowering all attendees there!" (Georgetown University)

About her book:
Deshauna Barber’s debut book ‘Pretty Ugly Lessons’ reveals the incredible potential for each of us to rewrite our stories and embrace a life of authenticity, purpose, and unconditional self-love

U.S. Army Reserve veteran, human rights advocate, and former Miss U.S.A. DESHAUNA BARBER shares her secrets to resilience in Pretty Ugly Lessons: Empowering Strategies To Transform Adversity Into Triumph By A Former Miss USA and Army Veteran. As Miss USA, Deshauna partnered with impactful organizations such as the USO, Smile Train, Best Buddies, Operation Homefront and more. Nothing can hold Barber back – as Army veteran, Nonprofit Vice Chair, former Miss USA, and STEM graduate, she knows how to embrace the power of self-improvement to create a life radiating with love, happiness, and fulfillment. A journey towards self-discovery, growth, and boundless self-love, Barber uses practical guidance, inspiring stories, and soul-nurturing exercises to teach you how to nurture your mind, body, and spirit.

Deshauna Barber’s Pretty Ugly Lessons is a testament to the incredible potential that lies within each of us to rewrite our stories and embrace a life of authenticity, purpose, and unconditional self-love. In her book, as well as in her phenomenal keynote speeches, Deshauna navigates the ups and downs of her life's lessons, providing her audience with the tools and insights to transcend self-doubt, fear, and insecurities.

Watch Deshauna speak on hardship at MAA >>

Watch Deshauna’s groundbreaking keynote at Younique Americas Convention >>