Deidre DeJear (BEA)

Deidre DeJear is a small business owner and voting rights advocate who is driven by her passion to create equitable, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for all. She started her business in 2008 during her senior year at Drake,
with a mission of helping other businesses grow and thrive.

In 2018, Deidre ran as the Democratic Nominee for Iowa Secretary of State, making her the first African American in Iowa to be nominated by a major political party.

Deidre founded Vision Leads and co-founded Back 2 School Iowa and LadyLike. She is also a member of the Des Moines Chapter of the Links, Inc.,
board chair of Count the Kicks, board member of The Directors Council,
City of Des Moines Housing Services Board, and Interfaith Alliance.

Deidre lives in Des Moines with her husband Marvin, and her two dogs, Macy and Maurice.