Deshauna Barber is a highly sought-after, award-winning motivational speaker who has captivated audiences worldwide. She has been invited to speak by Fortune 500 companies and top corporations, including Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Google, Procter & Gamble, CDW Corporation, and Estee Lauder. As an 11-year Army veteran, former Miss USA, and tech graduate, Deshauna brings a powerful blend of real-world experience, compelling storytelling, and a touch of humor to every stage. Her ability to inspire, empower, and connect with audiences makes her the perfect choice for organizations looking to ignite motivation, resilience, and leadership within their teams.
In 2019, Deshauna made history as the youngest President and CEO of the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), a top nonprofit dedicated to advocating for servicewomen and female veterans. She proudly led an all-woman, majority veteran staff. During her tenure, she championed women’s rights on Capitol Hill, making significant strides in support of our nation’s service members.
Under her leadership, SWAN experienced remarkable growth. Deshauna quadrupled the organization’s funding and forged powerful corporate partnerships with industry leaders including Navy Federal Credit Union, Procter and Gamble, Walmart, and Olay, expanding SWAN’s reach, visibility, and impact on a national scale.
Deshauna Barber dedicated more than eleven years of her life to serving this country. Commissioning as a Quartermaster Officer in 2011, she proudly carried on a family legacy of military service, following in the footsteps of her mother, father, sister, and brother.
In 2014, she was selected as Company Commander of the 988th Quartermaster Detachment. As the only Black female commander in her brigade, she led her unit to become the number one unit in the brigade, a testament to her leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence.
Her dedication to those who serve extends beyond her own military career. Deshauna has partnered with organizations including the USO, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and Operation Homefront, and has made PTSD awareness a cornerstone of her advocacy work. She remains deeply committed to ensuring that the men and women who sacrifice for this country receive the support and resources they deserve.
Deshauna Barber is a dynamic speaker and certified expert in belonging with credentials from Cornell University, a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. With years of experience as a Government IT Analyst, Deshauna brings real world technical expertise and firsthand knowledge of what it means to navigate and succeed in male dominated spaces.
As a passionate advocate for women in STEM, she delivers powerful, thought provoking keynotes on the impact of diversity in driving innovation, leadership, and organizational success. Her speeches go beyond theory. They challenge audiences to embrace inclusive strategies that foster collaboration, fuel creativity, and create lasting change. Whether speaking to Fortune 500 companies, tech leaders, or organizations striving for a more equitable future, Deshauna brings a perspective that is both deeply personal and profoundly actionable.
In 2024, Deshauna Barber founded Women Veterans for Change (WVFC) to ensure that women who have served in the military are heard, supported, and recognized. As an Army veteran, she knows the unique struggles women veterans face and created WVFC to provide advocacy, emergency assistance, and a community that truly understands their needs. Through national awareness efforts and direct financial support, WVFC is committed to making sure no woman veteran faces hardship alone. Serving your country shouldn’t mean struggling in silence, and WVFC is here to change that.
Deshauna made history on June 5th, 2016, when she was crowned the first Miss USA while actively serving in the United States military. Throughout her reign, she collaborated with esteemed organizations such as the USO, Smiletrain, Best Buddies, and Operation Homefront, among others, dedicated to enhancing the lives of people globally.
