Deshauna Barber

EXCLUSIVE
  • Former Miss USA
  • Former Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve
  • Vice Chair, Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN)
  • Author of 'Pretty Ugly Lessons'

The first Miss USA to be crowned while serving in the U.S. military, human rights advocate Deshauna Barber is an award-winning international speaker with a bold approach to inspiring and encouraging her audience. Deshauna is a STEM graduate who worked as an IT Analyst for the U.S. Government and was a logistics commander in the U.S. Army Reserve. She is the Vice Chair of Service Women's Action Network, the nation's leading nonprofit organization advocating on behalf of all servicewomen and women veterans in the country. Deshauna is a sought-after motivational keynote speaker for many groups including Fortune 500 companies like Google, Verizon Media, and Coca-Cola, among others, offering impactful lessons on diversity and inclusion, women and youth empowerment, mental health awareness, and more.

As Miss USA, Barber advocated for our men and women in uniform by encouraging our government to provide additional support for soldiers who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). During her Army Reserve commitment, Captain Barber served her country for over 11 years and worked as a cadet instructor at Howard University's Bison Battalion. She has a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University, and holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University. Deshauna has appeared on The Steve Harvey Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Fox, and Friends, The Chelsea Show, Good Morning Washington, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Daily Show, Live with Kelly, Good Morning America and in Glamour and Diversity Magazine, among many others.

Barber has made it her life goal to encourage, inspire and strengthen the people around her, and her engagements regularly receive rave reviews such as: "Deshauna is phenomenal!... She is moving, inspiring and powerful. She is also very approachable and personable..." (NAJA); and "We are all still flying high from today’s keynote. I couldn’t be more impressed! I’ve seen thousands of keynotes and that was one of the best ever!" (National Association for the Education of Young Children)

 



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Deshauna Barber headshot
Past Hosts Include:
  • Fortinet, Inc.
  • Datadog
  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association
  • Texas Realtors
  • CDW Women's Summit
  • AAA – The Auto Club Group
  • Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children
  • Dell Technologies
  • Norwich University
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children
Rave Reviews About Deshauna Barber as a Speaker
Thank you so much for your contributions to this year’s BRAVE Summit! We just wanted to express how meaningful your participation was, and in just hearing some feedback from attendees, we know how much they enjoyed hearing you speak as well. The energy you brought to the Black Girl Joy panel really created great chemistry that cannot be duplicated. You taught everyone that sometimes someone has to break down the door so that others have the opportunity to have a seat at the table. Thank you for empowering all attendees there!

Deshauna Barber Discusses Her Pet Snake and The Need for A Large Environment For Your Big Dreams - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Deshauna Barber
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Author Talk: ‘Pretty Ugly Lessons’

DESHAUNA BARBER, a former Miss USA, women’s rights advocate, and award-winning international speaker shares her inspiring life story in Pretty Ugly Lessons: Empowering Strategies To Transform Adversity Into Triumph By A Former Miss USA and Army Veteran. Barber presents an energizing journey towards ...

DESHAUNA BARBER, a former Miss USA, women’s rights advocate, and award-winning international speaker shares her inspiring life story in Pretty Ugly Lessons: Empowering Strategies To Transform Adversity Into Triumph By A Former Miss USA and Army Veteran. Barber presents an energizing journey towards self-discovery, growth, and boundless self-love. She uses practical guidance, inspiring stories, and soul-nurturing exercises to teach you how to nurture your mind, body, and spirit.

 

I Don’t Like Being Told “It’s A Man’s World” – Women’s Empowerment

Having spent so many years in two very male dominated industries, DESHAUNA BARBER understands the struggle of being the only woman in the room. Her experiences in the STEM industry and the U.S. military have both shown her the importance of representation and the need to empower women to break throu ...

Having spent so many years in two very male dominated industries, DESHAUNA BARBER understands the struggle of being the only woman in the room. Her experiences in the STEM industry and the U.S. military have both shown her the importance of representation and the need to empower women to break through the glass ceilings of industries that lack a diverse footprint.  She uses her platform to encourage women to be fearless, unapologetic and resilient.  She inspires women around the globe to never lose sight of how important our presence is as a decision-maker.  In her "I Don't Like Being Told Its A Man's World" speech she emphasizes the importance of a woman's voice being included in every space, every room and most importantly every decision. 

Success: 100 No’s Before A Single Yes – Inspiring Young Professionals

DESHAUNA BARBER is most known for her groundbreaking graduation speeches and her ability to energize her audience.  In this speech she discusses her frustration with finding an entry level position after achieving her bachelor’s degree in business management.  It is easy to believe that the road to ...

DESHAUNA BARBER is most known for her groundbreaking graduation speeches and her ability to energize her audience.  In this speech she discusses her frustration with finding an entry level position after achieving her bachelor’s degree in business management.  It is easy to believe that the road to success is straight and leveled.  Her transparent story of her difficult journey to becoming a highly requested, six-figure motivational speaker leaves her audience feeling hopeful for each of their dreams. 

A Hurdle Doesn’t Have to Be A Barrier – Overcoming Adversity

DESHAUNA BARBER has a story unlike no other. In this speech, she discusses her battles and how she turned her hurdles into stepping stones to greatness. As a non-profit Vice Chair, former Miss USA, Army Veteran, and human rights activist, Barber's success did not come without severe hardship. She is ...

DESHAUNA BARBER has a story unlike no other. In this speech, she discusses her battles and how she turned her hurdles into stepping stones to greatness. As a non-profit Vice Chair, former Miss USA, Army Veteran, and human rights activist, Barber's success did not come without severe hardship. She is a survivor of child sexual abuse, and after the loss of her mother to lung cancer, she encourages her audience to fight through their personal traumas. No one’s life is perfect or lacks obstacles. Deshauna’s story of perseverance proves that hurdles are not barriers to our goals but stepping stones to climbing over our everyday battles.

A Diverse Organization Increases the Success of An Organization – Diversity and Inclusion

DESHAUNA BARBER discusses her challenges as a double minority in the Army and an extended career in government as an IT Analyst. She uses this presentation to equipt organizations with the tools necessary to drive an inclusive work environment for all its employees.  She delivers an honest and trans ...

DESHAUNA BARBER discusses her challenges as a double minority in the Army and an extended career in government as an IT Analyst. She uses this presentation to equipt organizations with the tools necessary to drive an inclusive work environment for all its employees.  She delivers an honest and transparent message that emphasizes the important of a diverse work environment.  She provides an in depth, interactive strategic plan that helps employees and management analyze, diagnose, and address diversity and inclusion issues. She uses her experience and certification to help organizations support a strategic, sustainable approach to diversity and inclusion management.

“Support Our Troops” Is More Than A Slogan – Veteran Support

Army Captain DESHAUNA BARBER has served her country for over almost a decade.  Her mother, father, sister and brother are all army veterans that have made sacrifices for this country.  In this speech Deshauna emphasizes the need for organizations to say less and do more. She implores corporations to ...

Army Captain DESHAUNA BARBER has served her country for over almost a decade.  Her mother, father, sister and brother are all army veterans that have made sacrifices for this country.  In this speech Deshauna emphasizes the need for organizations to say less and do more. She implores corporations to give back to the veteran community without hesitation and uses her experience as an Army officer to provide ideas and strategies that companies can use to benefit service members and their families.  

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<p><strong>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</strong></p>

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 >>

 

<p>Event Success Story: Deshauna Barber received a rave review after her talk for The International Association of Home Staging Professionals</p>

Event Success Story: Deshauna Barber received a rave review after her talk for The International Association of Home Staging Professionals

DESHAUNA BARBER gave a 40-minute keynote followed by a 20-minute moderated Q&A and participated in a meet & greet for The International Association of Home Staging Professionals. The IAHSP is the largest and longest running Home Staging Industry Trade Association, and invited Barber to their IAHSP Family Reunion Conference & Expo, with the theme of SOAR – Seek Opportunities and RISE – Reach New Heights of Success. Barber’s discussion was motivational and inspirational, engaging approximately 400-500 business owners, professional home stagers and real estate agents. The Association was in awe after Barber’s visit, sharing, "We sought out Deshauna Barber as a Keynote Speaker for our 2021 IAHSP Conference & EXPO after I saw some of her talks online and knew she was was perfect for our Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Deshauna did not disappoint. She shares from the heart. She is articulate and passionate about her causes and beliefs. She is so accomplished at her age with her degrees and awards, and yet not intimidating at all. She had our audience laughing, clapping, cheering and crying. She moved us with her stories and insights - and made us really reflect on who is important in our lives as well as the focus on not giving up. Her quote, "Do not fear failure but do fear regret," resonated with us all in a powerful way. She presented using power point, used the stage versus staying rooted in one spot, and interacted with the audience. She even did a great visual demonstration on life balance that was a lot of fun. She was not demanding as a speaker and made it very easy for us to facilitate her time with our attendees. I highly recommend Deshauna as a speaker for any event where your goal is to make your attendees think about their goals and purpose, to have a multi-faceted speaker who can address just about any topic from business to personal growth to mindset, and who is a beautiful human inside and out."

<p>Captain Deshauna Barber commands attention as the Vice Chair of the Service Women's Action Network, a spokesperson for Olay, and a former Miss USA</p>

Captain Deshauna Barber commands attention as the Vice Chair of the Service Women's Action Network, a spokesperson for Olay, and a former Miss USA

Captain DESHAUNA BARBER is the Vice Chair of the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), an organization supporting service women of the past, present and future. As a commanding officer, she understands the unique needs of America's female heroes, for whom she advocated during her tenure as Miss USA.  Captain Barber facilitated a commitment from Walmart to continue the work of SWAN, in partnership with Olay - for whom she is a spokesperson. The partnership donates $250 for every jar of a special camouflage packaged cream purchased in the month of September to SWAN. She recently discussed the partnership and the important work of SWAN on Good Morning America.

Captain Barber speaks with the clarity of commitment to the most important issues of our time: social justice and equity, female empowerment, and the new faces of leadership. Even in virtual events, Captain Barber has the audience applauding enthusiastically, as our nation's highest example of valor, purpose and our collective aspirations. We cannot recommend Captain Barber highly enough for your leadership, empowerment and Veteran's events, but we'll let hosts say it for us: "Deshauna was fabulous, and everyone is still raving about her visit!" (Northern Kentucky University) and "Deshauna is phenomenal! She is moving, inspiring and powerful. She is also very approachable and personable, which they loved!" (National Association of Junior Auxiliaries)

<p>Speaker Spotlight: Deshauna Barber</p>

Speaker Spotlight: Deshauna Barber

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)

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Books by Deshauna Barber
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Biography

Deshauna Barber is a former Miss USA, women’s rights advocate, award-winning international speaker, coach, and entrepreneur with a bold approach to inspiring and encouraging her audience. Deshauna uses her experience as an Army veteran, Nonprofit Vice Chair, former Miss USA, and STEM graduate to inspire her audience. Deshauna shows the power of perseverance and tenacity to now become a top-rated speaker that is widely sought after by Fortune 500 companies. She currently works full time as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Service Women's Action Network, the nation's leading 501c3 nonprofit organization advocating on behalf of all servicewomen and women veterans in the country. 

Barber has a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University. She also has a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University, a Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Maryland University College, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Virginia State University. 

As Miss USA, she spent her year-long reign advocating for our men and women in uniform by encouraging our government to provide additional support for soldiers who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The 32-year-old uses her platform to encourage us to pay close attention to the mental health of our service members after deployments and their service to our country. 

Barber served her country for over 11 years and when she is not advocating for veterans, she travels the world as a full-time Motivational Speaker. She has made it her life goal to encourage, inspire and strengthen the people around her. 

Deshauna has appeared on The Steve Harvey Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Fox, and Friends, The Chelsea Show, Good Morning Washington, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The T.D. Jakes Show, The Nightly Show, The Source on Sirius XM, The Daily Show, Lunch Break, Live with Kelly, Good Morning America and in Glamour Magazine and Diversity Magazine.