Semi-finalist 2015, Semi-finalist Miss VA USA 2010
A native of Woodbridge VA, Deshauna Barber was crowned Miss District of Columbia USA on 20 December 2015 and represented District of Columbia at the Miss USA 2016 pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada. Deshauna was the first ever active-duty army reserve soldier to win Miss USA and, having completed her service, now works as an inspirational speaker.
Deshauna Barber is 26 years old and was born in Columbus, Georgia. Due to her father’s military career she relocated multiple times to states including North Carolina, Nebraska, Minnesota, Virginia and finally to Washington DC. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management from Virginia State University, Deshauna moved to Washington DC where she is currently working as an IT Analyst for Department of Commerce. Deshauna also recently graduated with a Master’s of Science degree in Management Information Systems and Services from University of Maryland University College.
Being the daughter of a retired army master sergeant it is no shocker that Deshauna decided to join the army while attending her undergraduate university. She commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer in 2011 and is currently a Logistics commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment unit at Fort Meade, Maryland.
Deshauna loves to dance, hike and enjoy quality time with her family. She is a big reptile lover and owns a 4 year old Ball Python named “Sinaya”.
Deshauna has a passion to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, specifically focusing her platform on PTSD treatment for soldiers returning from deployments and suicide prevention in the armed forces. Deshauna has worked with numerous organizations such as CAUSE (Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services), USO, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center volunteer program, Big Brother’s, Big Sister’s Mentorship Program, Henrico Mentorship program, Petersburg Feed The Homeless program and many more. Deshauna is very excited to represent the Nation’s Capital Miss USA and hopes to bring the crown home!
Deshauna competed at Miss Universe 2016 in the Philippines in January 2017, and made the top nine.
The on-stage moments, the tension of the final two and the glory of the crowning, here are Deshauna’s state pageant photos.
Lights, camera, action! Professional photoshoots are one of the perks that comes from winning a title.
There’s nothing better than watching a contestant progress from year to year! Here’s a look back at Deshauna’s previous pageant photos.
All beautiful things must come to an end, no matter how bittersweet. See Deshauna’s farewell walk and other candids from the weekend she crowned her successor Kára McCullough as Miss District of Columbia USA 2017 and then as Miss USA 2017.
Winning a state title is a sisterhood for life. Here are Deshauna’s “after the crown” photos.
