With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, she is the founder of Celebrations from the Soul, an e-commerce company specializing in inspirational and curated products for home entertaining.

Known as an inspiring Professor, Dedra teaches event management, business, and civility courses at George Washington University and George Mason University. She holds a Master of Tourism Administration with a concentration in Event Management from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Marymount University.

 Throughout her career, Dedra has planned and executed a wide range of events, including corporate galas, foundation fundraisers, weddings, and community outreach initiatives. Her passion for entertaining, event design, and teaching inspired her first book, Celebrations from the Soul: An Inspirational Sourcebook for Personal Entertaining, as well as her latest work, A Breath of Grace: Embracing the Spiritual Gift of Hospitality.

Dedra’s commitment to giving back drives her work in the community. She is the co-founder of W+winGS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those in need.

A native of Virginia’s DMV area, Dedra now resides in a charming coastal community in Southern Virginia Beach. As an empty nester, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and continuing to inspire others through her work, writing, and teaching.