CEO, President, and Founder

Deshonai’s path to becoming the CEO and Founder of Restoring Hope 4 Youth Foundation Inc. is deeply rooted in her personal history of growing up in an environment marked by domestic violence. Despite her longing to speak out against the abuse, fear and limited resources initially silenced her voice. Nonetheless, this upbringing instilled in her a profound empathy for those facing similar struggles and fueled her determination to establish a safe haven for at-risk youth.

Motivated by a lifelong calling to support vulnerable young people in finding their voice and breaking free from unsafe environments, Deshonai founded Restoring Hope 4 Youth Foundation. This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing housing, foster care, advocacy, and education for adolescents and young adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation. By offering assistance to victims of various forms of abuse—ranging from physical and emotional to sexual and substance-related trauma—the foundation aims to reignite hope and empower youth to envision a brighter future.

Deshonai’s unwavering dedication to empowering youth and her relentless pursuit of academic and professional excellence stand as a testament to her profound commitment to effecting positive change in the lives of others. Furthermore, her involvement in building Cesar Chavez Park in San Bernardino, CA, underscores her dedication to providing nurturing environments for at-risk youth, fostering positivity, and growth.

With over 11 years of experience working directly with at-risk youth, Deshonai’s role extends far beyond professional duties. She also dedicates her time as a volunteer with CASA, advocating for foster youth. Simultaneously, she is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University, with aspirations to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and Clinical Psychologist. This educational pursuit harmonizes seamlessly with her passion for providing comprehensive mental health services to individuals, couples, and families across diverse clinical settings.

Deshonai’s academic journey mirrors her dedication to service. Holding two Bachelor’s degrees from California State University-San Bernardino, one in Business Administration with focuses on Human Resources Management and another in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship, along with three Associate degrees from San Bernardino Valley College in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Accounting, and Business Administration, she has consistently garnered recognition for her exceptional achievements, earning memberships in prestigious honor societies such as the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), Beta Gamma Sigma (International Academic Honor Society), and Sigma Nu Tau (International Entrepreneurship Honor Society). Her commitment to excellence has been further highlighted with accolades like inclusion in the Dean’s List of Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration at CSUSB.

Deshonai’s unwavering dedication to empowering youth, coupled with her triumph over a broken, abusive environment and her upbringing in a single-parent household, exemplifies her profound commitment to making a positive impact on others’ lives. Her exceptional academic achievements further underscore her resilience and determination. Deshonai’s story stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and service, inspiring youth to believe in their ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success, no matter their circumstances.