Deshauna Barber

On June 5, 2016, Deshauna Barber made history by becoming the first active military member to win the Miss USA title. This national recognition followed her crowning as Miss District of Columbia USA 2016 on December 19, 2015. Earlier in her pageant journey, Barber was a semi-finalist in Miss Virginia USA 2010 and Miss District of Columbia USA 2015, and held the title of Miss Virginia International in 2011. Concurrent with her pursuit of pageantry, Barber joined the United States Army Reserve and was commissioned as a quartermaster officer in 2011, rising to the rank of Captain and serving as a logistics commander.

Her compelling work as a motivational speaker addresses critical societal topics including bullying, sexual abuse, and navigating loss, engaging audiences nationwide. Through her varied endeavors, Deshauna Barber has solidified her reputation as a powerful voice for service women and a respected thought leader. Her strategic leadership at SWAN continues to drive significant policy and advocacy initiatives for military women and veterans. As an impactful motivational speaker, she regularly delivers inspiring talks, drawing on her unique experiences in both military service and national platforms.

Her ongoing commitment to education at Howard University further underscores her dedication to empowering others and shaping future leaders through her comprehensive expertise and advocacy.