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Deshauna Barber
Deshauna Barber poses as Miss USA, quarter length, head down.jpg
Barber as Miss USA 2016
Born (1989-12-06) December 6, 1989 (age 35)
Alma mater Virginia State University (BS)
University of Maryland University College (MS)
Norwich University
Occupation
  • Beauty pageant titleholder
  • motivational speaker
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Title Miss District of Columbia USA 2016
Miss USA 2016
Spouse(s)
Marvin Echols III
(m. 2023)
Beauty pageant titleholder
Hair color Black
Eye color Brown
Major
competition(s)
Miss USA 2016
(Winner)
Miss Universe 2016
(Top 9)
Military career
Allegiance United States
Branch United States Army Reserve
Years of service Since 2011
Rank Captain
Unit 988th Quartermaster Detachment

Deshauna Barber, born on December 6, 1989, is an inspiring American speaker, a winner of beauty pageants, and a captain in the United States Army Reserve. On June 5, 2016, she was crowned Miss USA 2016. She then represented the United States at the Miss Universe 2016 pageant, where she placed in the Top 9.

Early Life and Education

Deshauna Barber tours the motor pool at the Army Reserve Center, Fort Totten
Deshauna Barber visits the Army Reserve Center at Fort Totten, 2016

Deshauna Barber was born in Columbus, Georgia. Her parents, Darren and Cordelia Barber, both served in the military. Because her father was in the Green Berets for 20 years, her family moved often. They lived in places like North Carolina, Nebraska, Minnesota, Virginia, and Washington, D.C..

When she was 17, Barber joined the United States Army Reserve. She went to Virginia State University and earned a degree in business management. She is also a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.

In 2011, before becoming Miss USA, Barber became an officer in the Army. She worked as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, managing supplies and equipment. She also worked as an IT analyst for the United States Department of Commerce. Barber later earned her master's degree from University of Maryland University College.

Pageantry Achievements

Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber throws out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium
Deshauna Barber throwing the first pitch at Yankee Stadium

On December 19, 2015, Deshauna Barber won the title of Miss District of Columbia USA 2016. Before this, she had competed in other pageants. She was a semi-finalist in Miss Virginia USA 2010 and Miss District of Columbia USA 2015. She also held the Miss Virginia International 2011 title.

On June 5, 2016, Barber competed in the Miss USA 2016 pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada. She won the competition, becoming the third Miss District of Columbia USA to win Miss USA. She was also the first African American to win the title since 2008. As the first military member to win Miss USA, she promised to support issues important to veterans.

Barber represented the United States at Miss Universe 2016 in Manila. She finished in the top nine finalists. During the national costume part of the competition, she wore a superhero-inspired outfit. It included a helmet and a shield with an eagle, showing women's strength.

After her year as Miss USA, Barber crowned Kára McCullough as her successor. McCullough was also from the District of Columbia.

As of 2020, Deshauna Barber is the CEO of Service Women's Action Network (SWAN). This group works to support women soldiers and veterans. Barber also teaches at Howard University.

Personal Life

Deshauna Barber started dating Marvin Echols III in October 2020. They got engaged in December 2022 and were married in December 2023.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Deshauna Barber para niños

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