Deshauna Barber

Deshauna Barber, born on December 6, 1989, in Columbus, Georgia, is an American motivational speaker, beauty pageant titleholder, and a Captain in the United States Army Reserve. Her parents, Darren and Cordelia Barber, were both military veterans, which led to her growing up as a military brat and moving frequently. She joined the United States Army Reserve at the age of 17. Barber pursued higher education at Virginia State University, earning a degree in business management. She later obtained a master’s degree in management information systems and services from the University of Maryland University College. In May 2022, Norwich University awarded her an honorary Doctor of Leadership.

Barber’s military career began with her commission in 2011, serving as a quartermaster officer. She rose to the rank of Captain, becoming a logistics commander in the U.S. Army Reserve. Concurrently, she worked as an IT analyst for the United States Department of Commerce before her pageant career. Her journey into pageantry started when she was approached at age 19. She was crowned Miss District of Columbia USA 2016 on December 19, 2015, after previously placing as a semi-finalist in Miss Virginia USA 2010 and Miss District of Columbia USA 2015, and holding the title of Miss Virginia International 2011.

On June 5, 2016, Deshauna Barber made history by becoming the first active military member to win the Miss USA title. She represented the United States at the Miss Universe 2016 pageant, where she finished as a Top 9 finalist. During her reign, she actively promoted veterans’ issues. After completing her term, she crowned Kára McCullough, also from the District of Columbia, as her successor at Miss USA 2017. As of 2020, Barber serves as the CEO of the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), an advocacy non-governmental organization focused on women soldiers and veterans. She also teaches at Howard University and continues her work as a motivational speaker, addressing topics such as bullying, sexual abuse, and loss.