Deanna Hall, EdD, has devoted her life to inspiring others through education, advocacy and service, building a career that bridges military experience, classroom instruction and community empowerment. As the owner of Brave Again LLC, she leads initiatives that uplift women and veterans by providing critical information, tools and encouragement for navigating complex systems. Through workshops and seminars that attract large audiences, she addresses topics such as veterans’ disability benefits, presumptive secondary conditions and the significance of living wills. She also offers targeted support for military spouses, helping them better understand survivor benefits and available resources.
Dr. Hall’s academic accomplishments form the foundation of her leadership. She earned a Doctorate in Education from Capella University with a specialization in adult and continuing education and teaching. Despite being labeled academically unfit for college in her youth, she completed her doctoral program with a perfect grade point average. She also holds a Master of Education in mathematics from Western Governors University, a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Colorado Technical University and an associate degree in business administration and management from Florida College. She is also certified in military women’s coaching and works as a veteran’s service officer, adding further depth to her advocacy efforts.
Before founding Brave Again, Dr. Hall was director of the Women’s Empowerment Institute, developing programs to cultivate confidence and self-advocacy among women from various backgrounds. Her experience also includes work as an adult education instructor at National Park College in Arkansas, where she taught incarcerated individuals through a prison education program. Her instruction helped many earn their General Educational Development diplomas and opened doors for new opportunities after release. When her initial assignment ended, she was invited back to continue teaching, a reflection of her impact on the program and its students.
Dr. Hall’s teaching journey began with early roles instructing algebra and sixth-grade students before transitioning to high school education. She later taught eighth grade in Dallas inner-city schools, demonstrating a commitment to educational equity in underserved communities. Her work also extended overseas when she taught high school students in South Korea, gaining valuable cross-cultural insights and deepened her understanding of global education. During her time back in the United States, she continued supporting education by tutoring her niece and nephew while pursuing her graduate studies.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Hall worked in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of sergeant. She retired after three and a half years, a rare achievement for women in the military during that time. Her service instilled values of discipline, resilience and leadership that have carried over into every phase of her professional life.
Dr. Hall’s impact extends beyond the classroom and the military. She is an active member of several veteran-focused organizations, including Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Her civic involvement includes working as secretary for the Women Veterans Advisory Council and chairing women veterans’ affairs for the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. She also volunteers with Florida Girls State and Buckeye Girls State, programs that promote civic education among young women.
As an author, Dr. Hall wrote “Brave Again: Permission to Heal,” a publication that underscores her mission to support healing and transformation through shared stories and lived wisdom. She aspires to expand her reach as a national speaker, continuing to empower others through education, healing and purposeful service.