DeShauntia Benn, a dynamic force in the realms of education advocacy, community engagement, and grant consulting, embodies a commitment to excellence and empowerment. Hailing originally from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, DeShauntia’s journey has been marked by a relentless dedication to uplifting others and fostering positive change.
Her career commenced as a High School Social Studies Teacher in the heart of New Orleans, where she not only imparted knowledge but also became deeply involved in various initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational landscape. From serving as a Building Representative for the local union to contributing as a member of the School Improvement Team, her passion for advocating for public education employees was evident from the outset.
Transitioning to North Texas, DeShauntia continued her advocacy efforts within the education sector, playing pivotal roles in committees and spearheading support groups for new educators. Even across state lines, her dedication to creating conducive environments for both teachers and students remained unwavering, as evidenced by her collaboration with local unions to empower educators in their pursuit of success.
DeShauntia’s commitment to community engagement and social justice led her to become actively involved with organizations such as the El Paso NAACP branch and the Black El Paso Democrats. Her leadership as an executive committee member of Community Engagement and her role as an Organizing Specialist underscore her capacity to mobilize and empower communities towards collective action.
Recognizing her exceptional leadership and organizational skills, DeShauntia was sought after by the North Carolina Association of Educators to serve as a UniServ Director, where she continued to amplify local capacity and foster member involvement in a large urban local.
Driven by her desire to leverage her skills for positive impact, DeShauntia returned to Texas, where she currently resides in the Houston area. Her dedication to community outreach is exemplified through her creation of “Project Power,” an organization dedicated to building bridges between communities, districts, and businesses. Under her leadership, “Project Power” has secured significant grants and hosted influential figures like Actor/Activist David Banner, amplifying conversations around racial and social justice.
In addition to her community engagement efforts, DeShauntia’s role as the Brazoria County NAACP treasurer and Racial Justice Program Director with the Texas State Teachers Association further exemplifies her commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.
Beyond her professional endeavors, DeShauntia is a devoted student of African Spiritual Traditions, an activist, and a mentor to individuals navigating trauma. Her pursuit of a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership reflects her ongoing dedication to personal and professional growth.
In her personal life, she continues to honor the memory of her beloved son, she channels her love and light into her work.