
Deanna Hurn
B.S
CA, US As a professional speaker, math coach and gifted psalmist, Deanna Hurn encompasses a total package of inspiration. Her life is a story of trial and triumph which underlines a compelling message of hope despite obstacles. This timeless message has penetrated the hearts of men, women and youth
of all cultures, race, religions, economic, and educational backgrounds. Possessing a consuming passion to awaken ambition and dreams, Deanna endeavors to inspire all to embrace their challenges as an opportunity of self-improvement. She adamantly teaches that life is ten percent of what happens to you, and ninety percent of how you react to it.
Born October 25th in the state of Arkansas, Deanna relocated to Sacramento, California where she was raised and furthered her education. In the fall of 2000, Deanna enrolled in Sacramento City College focused and determined to achieve a degree in mathematics. While attending SCC, she became active in her field of interest, math. Deanna was involved as a member and officer of several associations,
treasurer of the MESA Club (mathematics, engineering & Science Achievement), Vice President
of NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) and member of IABA (International Association of Black Actuaries). Outside of classes and club meetings she also tutored students in math and statistics courses. Such academic achievements fueled her ultimate goal to become an Actuary.
However during Deanna's sophomore year at SCC her undeviating plan for success was interrupted by an unplanned pregnancy. Severe prenatal illness caused Deanna to drop out of school spring of 2003. During her short time away from school, she married her high school sweetheart of four years and father of her child, Diondre Hurn. Determined to pursue her goals, she fought even harder to not fall victim as another statistical college dropout. Deanna later returned to school that summer seven months pregnant. Unfortunately, the absence of the previous semester caused a major decrease in her G.P.A., which ultimately resulted in her being rejected from UC Santa Barbara for the fall of 2004. Although this was highly disappointing, Deanna’s tenacious attitude refused to accept no for an answer. Understanding the difficult responsibility of being a new mother and wife, Deanna developed a plan of self-discipline to balance both school and family. As a result, Deanna graduated from SCC Spring of 2004 with a 3.0 G.P.A. She later reapplied to UC Santa Barbara after receiving an approved academic renewal from Sacramento City College. Deanna was accepted into UC Santa Barbara the spring of 2005.
Deanna recognized that in order to be the best you must be trained by the best. UC Santa Barbara happened to be the only university on the west coast at the time to offer an Actuarial Science major. With only three percent of the entire student population being African Americans, Deanna was the only
black student pursuing a major in this field. She would soon discover juggling school, mother hood, and the emotion of being miles away from her family and husband, who was attending Highway Patrol Academy, would be an extremely challenging journey. Often she felt overwhelmed and entertained
the idea of quitting but she refused to let her dream die.
In June of 2006 Deanna graduated with a 3.0 G.P.A from the University of California Santa Barbara achieving a B.S. degree in Statistical Sciences with an Actuarial Statistics concentration. She also had the privilege of singing the national anthem during commencement. Prior to graduation Deanna was
offered a competitive position with a prominent company as an Actuary. Now at the top of her career and climbing the corporate ladder Deanna discovered that the one thing she dreamed of for so long still did not satisfy her. After attending Les Brown’ Speaker Training Summit and having the opportunity to speak before Les and his staff, Deanna received overwhelmingly positive responses. Upon returning to work from the conference, she realized that being an Actuary wasn’t her true dream. She spoke with her supervisor who in turn replied “Deanna it’s not that you’ve never known what you want to do, you’re just not doing it”. In that moment Deanna gave herself permission to finally embrace her dream of becoming a Motivational Speaker. Initially when her father introduced her to the world renowned speaker Les Brown at age 18, Deanna knew ultimately one day she would be a motivational speaker but had no plans of taking such a big step so early in her life. The conference was a major pivotal point in her life which ignited a passion that had been lying dormant all along. A passion to inspire others to never give up on their dreams. She learned through personal experience that every "no" can be a potential "yes" if you are persistent.
Since then Deanna has redirected her career from corporate success to national notoriety by establishing her own business, DHurn Enterprises. Her objective is to challenge individuals to maximize their full potential in life. More importantly, to never allow your circumstances to dictate your future. Her captivating insight has provided numerous occasions to speak at various conferences, workshops and summits nationwide. An accomplished Entrepreneur at twenty five, Deanna Hurn is undeniably one the most empowering speakers of her time. Her passionate delivery is fused with precision and energy, initiating effective change in the personal, spiritual, and professional lives of many. It is her endeavor to equip, enlighten and empower generations all over the nation to not only follow their dreams but to chase them because consistency produces results.
"You don't have to be great to get started but you have to get started to
be great." - Les Brown
As a professional speaker, math coach and gifted psalmist, Deanna Hurn encompasses a total package of inspiration. Her life is a story of trial and triumph which underlines a compelling message of hope despite obstacles. This timeless message has penetrated the hearts of men, women and youth
of all cultures, race, religions, economic, and educational backgrounds. Possessing a consuming passion to awaken ambition and dreams, Deanna endeavors to inspire all to embrace their challenges as an opportunity of self-improvement. She adamantly teaches that life is ten percent of what happens to you, and ninety percent of how you react to it.
Born October 25th in the state of Arkansas, Deanna relocated to Sacramento, California where she was raised and furthered her education. In the fall of 2000, Deanna enrolled in Sacramento City College focused and determined to achieve a degree in mathematics. While attending SCC, she became active in her field of interest, math. Deanna was involved as a member and officer of several associations,
treasurer of the MESA Club (mathematics, engineering & Science Achievement), Vice President
of NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) and member of IABA (International Association of Black Actuaries). Outside of classes and club meetings she also tutored students in math and statistics courses. Such academic achievements fueled her ultimate goal to become an Actuary.
However during Deanna's sophomore year at SCC her undeviating plan for success was interrupted by an unplanned pregnancy. Severe prenatal illness caused Deanna to drop out of school spring of 2003. During her short time away from school, she married her high school sweetheart of four years and father of her child, Diondre Hurn. Determined to pursue her goals, she fought even harder to not fall victim as another statistical college dropout. Deanna later returned to school that summer seven months pregnant. Unfortunately, the absence of the previous semester caused a major decrease in her G.P.A., which ultimately resulted in her being rejected from UC Santa Barbara for the fall of 2004. Although this was highly disappointing, Deanna’s tenacious attitude refused to accept no for an answer. Understanding the difficult responsibility of being a new mother and wife, Deanna developed a plan of self-discipline to balance both school and family. As a result, Deanna graduated from SCC Spring of 2004 with a 3.0 G.P.A. She later reapplied to UC Santa Barbara after receiving an approved academic renewal from Sacramento City College. Deanna was accepted into UC Santa Barbara the spring of 2005.
Deanna recognized that in order to be the best you must be trained by the best. UC Santa Barbara happened to be the only university on the west coast at the time to offer an Actuarial Science major. With only three percent of the entire student population being African Americans, Deanna was the only
black student pursuing a major in this field. She would soon discover juggling school, mother hood, and the emotion of being miles away from her family and husband, who was attending Highway Patrol Academy, would be an extremely challenging journey. Often she felt overwhelmed and entertained
the idea of quitting but she refused to let her dream die.
In June of 2006 Deanna graduated with a 3.0 G.P.A from the University of California Santa Barbara achieving a B.S. degree in Statistical Sciences with an Actuarial Statistics concentration. She also had the privilege of singing the national anthem during commencement. Prior to graduation Deanna was
offered a competitive position with a prominent company as an Actuary. Now at the top of her career and climbing the corporate ladder Deanna discovered that the one thing she dreamed of for so long still did not satisfy her. After attending Les Brown’ Speaker Training Summit and having the opportunity to speak before Les and his staff, Deanna received overwhelmingly positive responses. Upon returning to work from the conference, she realized that being an Actuary wasn’t her true dream. She spoke with her supervisor who in turn replied “Deanna it’s not that you’ve never known what you want to do, you’re just not doing it”. In that moment Deanna gave herself permission to finally embrace her dream of becoming a Motivational Speaker. Initially when her father introduced her to the world renowned speaker Les Brown at age 18, Deanna knew ultimately one day she would be a motivational speaker but had no plans of taking such a big step so early in her life. The conference was a major pivotal point in her life which ignited a passion that had been lying dormant all along. A passion to inspire others to never give up on their dreams. She learned through personal experience that every "no" can be a potential "yes" if you are persistent.
Since then Deanna has redirected her career from corporate success to national notoriety by establishing her own business, DHurn Enterprises. Her objective is to challenge individuals to maximize their full potential in life. More importantly, to never allow your circumstances to dictate your future. Her captivating insight has provided numerous occasions to speak at various conferences, workshops and summits nationwide. An accomplished Entrepreneur at twenty five, Deanna Hurn is undeniably one the most empowering speakers of her time. Her passionate delivery is fused with precision and energy, initiating effective change in the personal, spiritual, and professional lives of many. It is her endeavor to equip, enlighten and empower generations all over the nation to not only follow their dreams but to chase them because consistency produces results.
"You don't have to be great to get started but you have to get started to
be great." - Les Brown

