Deanna's professional life has spanned a variety of career paths. After graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Chapman University in Orange, California, Deanna began her career in education as a music teacher. She then began working in the media industry in local TV news and radio, and became a successful television reporter and anchor at affiliates in California, Arizona, and New England.
After 12 years in television, Deanna learned to build up and strengthen her abilities in speech and reporting. As a child, Deanna's family followed the Baha’i Faith. As a young adult, Deanna’s search led her to join the Roman Catholic Church, which led her to vocation in Chaplain ministry. Deanna attended Princeton Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master’s in Christian Education. During that time she pursued an Internship as a Chaplain at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital.
Since then, her career has pivoted to paths in the areas of Retail, Data Analytics, and Technology, as a former Software Solutions Consultant for Zebra Technologies. It was during her time at Zebra that Deanna became heavily involved in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – helping to strategize global DEI frameworks and implement DEI programs for the Finance, Global Services, Supply Chain, and Sales business functions. Her most recent role leading DEI&B for Peapod Digital Labs, formerly Ahold Delhaize USA, Deanna launched 9 Employee Resource Groups company-wide, increased DEI engagement by over 200%, and helped to create a culture of self-awareness, vulnerability, and acceptance through ongoing courageous conversations and DEI initiatives.
In addition to her unique professional background, Deanna is bilingual in English and Spanish, is one of four children, and has an identical twin.More...