13 Insights from Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber: Confidence, Service, and Redefining Beauty
Miss USA Deshauna Barber shares her journey, winning mindset, and how she defines true confidence and beauty beyond the crown.
13 Things Miss USA Deshauna Barber Wants You to Know
When Deshauna Barber stood on stage to accept the Miss USA 2016 crown, she was more than a titleholder—she broke barriers as an Army officer, challenged outdated beauty standards, and became an inspiration for millions. In this exclusive feature, Deshauna reveals 13 core insights about her journey, her powerful perspective on self-confidence, and her mission to redefine beauty for the next generation.
1. The Stage Was Set for a Trailblazer
Even before the final announcement at the Miss USA 2016 pageant, Deshauna’s poise, discipline, and authenticity set her apart. As Miss District of Columbia, she demonstrated that competing in pageants could be about much more than looks—it was also about intelligence, resilience, and leadership. Deshauna’s background as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves intrigued judges and viewers alike, helping her stand out from her fellow contestants.
2. Her Army Experience Shaped Her Journey
Deshauna’s service in the Army was never just a career—it was a calling. The discipline, mental strength, and sense of duty she gained directly translated to her pageant performance. “Being in the Army taught me how to push past my limits and rise to challenges I never thought I could face,” Deshauna reflects. Her unique blend of patriotism and pageantry offered a new image of what Miss USA could represent.
- Discipline: Rigorous Army training made her resilient under pressure.
- Leadership: As a first lieutenant, she managed soldiers and operations, honing her ability to inspire others both on and off the stage.
- Representation: For many, Deshauna became the first pageant queen they’d witnessed in uniform—shifting perceptions of beauty and service.
3. Redefining Beauty in Pageantry
As a woman of color and the first Miss USA in decades with notably dark skin, Deshauna’s win resonated with many who seldom saw themselves represented in national beauty competitions. She openly discusses the obstacles she faced as a darker-skinned Black woman. “Before this, it had been more than 20 years since a chocolate-complexioned woman won Miss USA. I wasn’t expecting it to be me,” she shared, recalling her surprise and pride in her victory.
Deshauna’s win sent a powerful message that beauty is not defined by a single standard. She encourages women of all backgrounds to pursue their dreams, even when society suggests otherwise.
4. Confidence Was a Hard-Earned Achievement
Deshauna admits that she wasn’t always comfortable in her own skin. College and military service were transformative, helping her mature into a woman proud of who she is, inside and out. She describes herself now as “confidently beautiful”—a phrase championed by the Miss USA organization. “No matter what happened on that stage, I left knowing I did my best,” she explains. “Confidence is not about perfection; it’s about being authentically you.”
5. Her Mother’s Wisdom Informs Her Life
Throughout her reign, Deshauna often spoke about her late mother and the advice that shaped her perspective: “Be confident in who you are.” Her mother, a natural hair advocate, urged Deshauna to embrace her true self, regardless of how others might perceive her. That lesson continues to guide Deshauna as she encourages others to honor their individuality, even in spaces where conformity is expected.
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6. Facing Racism With Resilience
Deshauna candidly explains how, during the pageant and after her win, she endured a wave of racist criticism online. Some commenters claimed she was better suited to be “Miss Africa” rather than Miss USA—a painful accusation for a proud American and Army officer. “I serve this country as a soldier, but some want to tell me I’m not worthy of representing it?” she asks. Despite this backlash, her approach was to focus on the overwhelming support she received and to maintain a “glass half full” mentality.
7. Hair, Identity, and Army Regulations
For years, Army hair regulations restricted twists, dreadlocks, and other styles commonly worn by Black women. Deshauna recalls feeling like she needed to hide her hair to conform. Recent updates to the policy mean more freedom for self-expression, but Deshauna notes she’d never seen highly textured natural hair like hers win Miss USA before. Her victory, while not sporting 4C hair onstage, set a precedent for more inclusive definitions of beauty in both the military and pageantry.
- Hair and Pageantry: Curly and natural textures are gaining ground, but representation remains critical.
- Changing Army Standards: Hair policy shifts in 2017 allowed more natural styling options for servicewomen.
8. Becoming a Role Model for Millions
Deshauna takes her role as a standard-bearer seriously, understanding that her victory is a beacon for those who haven’t seen themselves in pageant winners or military leaders. She hopes to inspire people of all backgrounds to chase their ambitions unapologetically. Her advice: “Never feel limited by your race, gender, background, or religion. If you work hard enough for your dreams, they can come true.”
9. Supporting Movements: World Afro Day
Beyond the crown, Deshauna gives her support to initiatives promoting natural hair and diversity, such as World Afro Day. Celebrating textured hair and championing self-acceptance, she believes visibility can ignite confidence in young girls who may otherwise feel overlooked.
“Embracing our natural beauty empowers us all,” she says. Whether in the Army or onstage, Deshauna’s leadership exemplifies courage, authenticity, and advocacy.
10. Overcoming Self-Doubt and Stereotypes
Being a trailblazer meant regularly confronting internal and external doubts. Deshauna admits that, before her win, she assumed the judges would choose someone who more traditionally fit the pageant mold. Her advice for others:
- Don’t let self-doubt decide your destiny.
- Challenging stereotypes is difficult but necessary for progress.
- Trust that your unique qualities are your greatest assets.
11. The Judges Chose Authenticity
Much of Deshauna’s interview success came from her authentic, heartfelt responses and her poise under pressure. She believes that the Miss USA judges valued her not only for her appearance but also for her candor, composure, and service background. “I was just intent on being myself. If that was what they wanted, great—if not, I’d know I stayed true to who I am.”
12. Life After the Crown: Advocacy and Service Continue
Deshauna’s work didn’t end after her reign. She continued using her platform to:
- Advocate for diversity in pageantry and the workplace.
- Speak against racism and for greater representation in media and the military.
- Support young women in pursuing leadership and service positions.
- Promote self-acceptance, especially around hair and appearance.
Her Army career continued in parallel, proving her belief that you should never limit your potential to a single path.
13. Her Message: Embrace Your Power
Deshauna’s final message to readers and aspiring titleholders is simple but powerful: embrace your story, believe in your abilities, and never apologize for your ambition. Whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom, real beauty comes from self-assurance, kindness, and an unwavering sense of worth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What made Deshauna Barber stand out in Miss USA 2016?
A: Deshauna Barber’s unique combination of military service, candid self-confidence, and advocacy for diversity made her stand out. She presented herself authentically and used her platform to break stereotypes about beauty and leadership.
Q: How did joining the Army impact her pageant journey?
A: The Army instilled discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that were instrumental in helping Deshauna navigate the high-pressure environment of pageantry and shine on stage.
Q: Did Deshauna face adversity because of her appearance?
A: Yes. Deshauna faced both overt and covert racism due to her skin tone and had to consistently counter stereotypes about what a beauty queen should look like.
Q: What message does she have for women and girls?
A: “Never let others’ definitions limit you. Be confident, chase your dreams, and always trust in your self-worth.”
Quick Facts About Deshauna Barber
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Miss USA 2016 |
| Occupation Before Win | First Lieutenant, Army Reserves |
| Hometown | Washington, D.C. |
| Core Advocacy | Diversity, self-acceptance, women’s empowerment |
| Notable Quote | “Confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being yourself.” |
Deshauna Barber’s Legacy: More Than a Crown
From the moment she walked onto the national stage to her ongoing advocacy, Deshauna Barber has proven that power, beauty, and intellect are not mutually exclusive. She encourages everyone to break free from narrow ideals, stand tall in their truth, and work to redefine what leadership and beauty look like in the modern world.
Let Her Story Inspire You
- Challenge assumptions—about yourself and others.
- Find strength in your background, however unconventional it may appear.
- Empower others by lifting as you climb.
- Remember: true confidence means embracing your unique journey and using your voice for change.
References
- https://www.blackbeautyandhair.com/bbh-talks-to-deshauna-barber/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/news/a59471/miss-usa-2016-deshauna-barber-interview/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK-w4JaNndI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BRrvPQzTwE
- https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8k25in
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GzExegR0Oo
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/06/05/miss-district-columbia-absolutely-nailed-her-interview-question-before-winning-miss-usa/85466980/
- https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8e0nt6
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