Shaunesi Deberry

Shaunesi Deberry was born in Durham, North Carolina. She earned a high school diploma from Hillside High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix in 2024. Her career experience includes working as a consultant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in Durham North Carolina, I’ve been blessed to live and travel global. Upon my return to the United States after living in Antalya Turkey, I gained a new found respect for America. I graduate in 2002 from Hillside High School, after on and off again attendance of both HBCU’s and PWI’s I gained my Bachelor of Science in Management in 2024 with a focus on organizational behavior.

I’m the mother of two daughters of which both I homescooled.

Professionally I have over 15 years of experience in telecommunications, wireless, non- profit management, human/education rights advocacy, organizational leadership and strategic digital solutions ranging from individuals to Fortune 500 companies. I’ve sat on boards ranging from local to National PTA as well as the NAACP. I’ve testified and advocated by Amicus Brief and oral testimony in MD and NC general assembly’s and Court of Appeals litigation and most recently I represented myself pro se’ and secured a partial acquittal in a criminal case in Anne Arundel County. I’ve successfully won an appeal pro se’ in the MD Office of Administrative Hearings.

In high school I was one of the first students to take an online course over twenty four years ago and that sparked my interest in computers and navigating the forthcoming digital era.

I believe that this interest is what took me to new heights in my adult journey to help others adapt to the “new world” of digital navigation and social media in government and politics.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Mental Wellness Matters: Stigmas surrounding mental “illness” creates instant civil rights violations when ignorantly or incompetently addressed. As a mental wellness advocate who openly advocates for person’s with hidden disabilities I plan to bring federal ADA compliant expertise to assuring we redefine what mental “illness” is and more importantly how to assure citizens are able to maintain their mental wellness with effective resources for such.Self Sustainability is Possible: Between both school, work, and family I bring expertise on navigating through adversity and the highs and lows of implementing effective real life strategies to sustain whether a single individual or in a two person household with children. This expertise will help Americans access to state and federal resources to assure they aren’t hindered by their temporary adversities and can effectively maintain or revamp their lives as needed.Business Solutions exist for all: I’ve been a small business owner/entrepreneur off and on for years. American’s need to know trades matter. I bring expertise in ensuring whether it’s a Fortune 500 company or individual it is possible to get started and excel in a business that can grow both your dreams and the economy. Most people aren’t aware of the resources for such. Together we can change this.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

-Mental Health

-Environmental Regulations

-Workplace Safety

-Education Funding

-Social Security and Welfare

-Immigration

-Judicial Nominations

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I don't look up to people. No one is perfect. I do however commend both President Trump and Elon Musk for the confidence and fortitude they've had individually to see the pain points in our country and act fast on effective solutions.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Bible. Although re-written multiple times, you can always reference the stories to situations in politics that can include greed, growth, lessons, and rebuilding.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Transparency, Fortitude, Competence, and Experience. We've seen too many "perfectly polished" elected officials. They have all the titles and accolades but nothing about them represents everyday people. Their bios are bland with elite organizations and networks but nothing says " I've gotten that eviction notice", "I have a mugshot", "I know exactly how it feels to experience aftermath of decisions of non relatable elected officials".

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Emotional intelligence and emotional maturity.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

While the ability to impeach stands out to me the most, this position at its core focuses on lawmaking and assuring our president is accountable and in compliance for the people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

If you have a pulse and internet access, you can do anything, literally.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The OJ Simpson trial. I was about 11 at the time. It showed me that wealth does not equate to perfection nor keep you from the criminal justice system.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was a volunteer candy striper at Duke Hospital. I had it for the summer. Most amazing experience gaining wisdom from the residents.

What is your favorite book? Why?

A Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. This is my favorite book because it motivates you to become self aware and change your perspective in situations that others would deem negative.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Ferris Bueller. Sometimes you need to disconnect and just go for an adventure.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Happy by Pharrell.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Getting others to respect boundaries I've set.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Transitioning the public into the digital era.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I'm having a complex time understanding why term limits never existed for most. This is imperative to assure the leadership is able to adapt to the current residents and citizens it serves. Also, that the officials are able to relate be it age, cultural, education, etc. It's clear we needed term limits years ago and now more than ever.

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The ability to revamp outdated laws, establish new laws, conform key appointments and other things that will help aid states in streamlining efficiency and also the ability to look into impeachment when things aren't appearing to align with our core mission.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely not. I believe senators need to have real life experience. I'd want to see my senators previous EBT Card. I want to see how they've navigated a divorce with small children. I'd want to see how they handled their business failing. We need senators who can show you how they've achieved anything they are campaigning to assure you can benefit from. Most previous experience in government or politics only shows a one sided view which essentially can end up being false advertisement.

What do you think of the filibuster?

For the most part the filibuster is to stall things. We should have a sense of urgency especially in the current state of America and politics. While I'm open to it, the reasoning would have to have some serious logic.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

John F. Kennedy Jr.

Tell us your favorite joke.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

Demand that previous members of the public who've had personal experience with the nominee speak on their character, temperament, and ability to remain impartial.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

Quality relationships. This position isn't to make friends, it's to make solutions. Results driven and solutions based relationships that assure success for all.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

For sure. Everyone won't always agree. However because of the sense of urgency needed to assure we streamline relief to citizens that don't infringe on their right to the pursuit of happiness we must compromise here and there to move forward.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

Allow more resources to feedback from the public.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

Titles and accolades are cute, but I need to see their emotional intelligence, personal development, how they navigate adversity, how they handle conflict resolution. Anybody can have a title, we are serving others and your undergrad college, organization affiliation, or net worth don't tell the public enough about your character. I'd need more details.

What committees interest you?

All of them

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

If we have to be transparent and accountable about our dollars, the government has to be as well. Line for line, penny for penny.

Shaunesi Deberry did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.