Born of mixed minority ancestry, it was stereotypically stated that she was born to lose, however, unbeknownst to all, she was destined to win. Like so many that shaped our great nation, that have influenced our entire world (Michelle Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Maya Angelou) Deana Marita Waite hails from humble begins. She is from Providence, Rhode Island and is the oldest of her two siblings but among the youngest of fourteen person extended family structure. A family structure that helped to shape the underpinnings of her mental fortitude. That intellectual resilience is what she quickly gleamed would be her saving grace, not from her rich loving connected community, but from the financially impoverished environment in which she and those she cared about were fully immersed.

The most trying and enlightening time of her young adult life occurred during her teenage years. She dropped out of high school her senior year with just six months to graduation. This decision had unknowingly helped to shape Deana’s life in a momentous manner. It was because of this decision that she now had to work harder not smarter. She tirelessly worked on her feet in a factory. Her working conditions were so dire that she was not allowed to leave work early to take her GED test. It was in that very moment that the once forgotten words of wisdom bestowed upon her by her English teacher, words which now could be cited verbatim, “Deana, you can use your circumstances to hold you back or push you forward,” echoed and reverberated throughout her entire being. It was in that moment, almost in the blink of an eye that a young Ms. Waite realized that there is very little that cannot be accomplished with hard work, determination and education (A motto which Deana lives by until this day). Education seemed to be a far reach until she realized she had the power to take charge of her life and her future. With this new-found revaluation, she felt empowered to charge of life and all that it may hold.

In 1997, an emboldened Deana took her first steps on the pathway out of poverty and to self-sufficiency. She enrolled at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) where an opportunity to a brighter future was upon her. Her acceptance to an institution of higher learning rekindle her childhood dream of becoming a teacher. This chapter of her life facilitated her resolve, which aided in her realizing that her dreams were simply deferred. That she was not a dried raisin in the sun and in fact she too could rise.

Utilizing the hustle skills garnished from the arduous environment she was reared in, Deana masterfully managed to successfully birth two lovely daughters, graduate from CCRI and work for the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC). EOC is a TRiO program that assists first generation, low-income students with access to post-secondary education. As a counselor/coordinator she significantly impacted her community, became a beacon of hope, and she brought to fruition the change within herself that she would like to see in the world.

Regardless of her struggles she knew she was destined for greatness. As a testament to this statement, it should be noted that Deana is now the Director of State and Federal Reporting at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ). An institution of higher learning that is held as the seventh largest institution of higher education in the state of Florida. Florida has the third largest population in the United States of America. Deana is responsible for ensuring that every significant aspect of her college system is reported to the state of Florida. All state funding of FSCJ (a public institution) would cease, if Deana did not effectively and efficiently perform her duties as Director of this prestigious department.

Although she using every opportunity possible to use her position for the betterment of persons who need it the most, she was still compelled to do more, to be more for herself and her community. It was this thought that birthed Good Ole’ Resources-Education and Career Services. Good Ole’ Resources grew out of her heart and is the culmination of her experiences. It is her opportunity to use her knowledge, skills, and abilities to help others navigate not just the college system, but through the perils of life. As a new CEO, Deana actively seeks out opportunities help mold future generations. She holds women empowerment meetings, collaborates with other minority women business owners and influencers to create think tanks, has participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Programs, and Operation New Hope, reentry program. Like Michelle Obama, Deana works with professional athletes to help solve the health crisis among the minority population throughout the United States, has conducted research studies to help improve educational services in the field of Adult Education, helped minorities and underprivileged individuals create and maintain their own successful business, all while keeping her religious upbringing as the sounding board needed to stay grounded during turbulent times.
Deana holds a high school equivalency diploma (GED), an Associate’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and most recently, she graduated from the University of North Florida with a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. Nelson Mandela, in his augural speech, stated “As we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same.” Deana has allowed her light to shine as a inspiration for others so they can join her in truly being their ancestors’ wildest dreams come true.