Deanna Singh

Deanna Singh is recognized as a leading authority in building innovative opportunities within underserved communities.

As chief change agent and founder of Flying Elephant, Deanna is a highly respected thought leader who has spent almost 20 years researching, designing and building asset-based solutions to complex social challenges. Today she travels the world inspiring and educating audiences.

As a gifted communicator, entrepreneurial businesswoman, and trailblazer, Deanna’s interactive style combines personal stories with authenticity, vulnerability and humor, taking the audience on a journey of self-discovery.

Her social entrepreneurship and advocacy experience includes leadership positions with Dohmen Constellations, The Burke Foundation, The Robert W. Baird Foundation, Milwaukee Renaissance Academy, Legal Action of Wisconsin and The Milwaukee Street Law Project. Singh has served as an adjunct professor at Marquette University Graduate and Law School. She authored three children’s books including “I Am a Boy of Color,” “I Am a Girl of Color“ and “Cloth Crown“ as well as a leadership book, “Purposeful Hustle.” She is a featured TEDx speaker.

Singh was recognized by the Milwaukee Business Journal as one of the community’s most influential 40 Under 40 Leaders and the 8 Under 40 to Watch by the University of Wisconsin School of Business. She is the recipient of the United Way’s Philanthropic Five Award and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Leadership Development Hero Award. She was also a White House Fellowship Regional Finalist.

Singh currently serves on the national boards of LIFT and College Possible. She is a member of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation. Past board roles include but are not limited to First Stage Milwaukee, Marquette University’s College of Professional Studies Advisory Board and the Wisconsin Bar Association’s Diversity Committee.

A native of Milwaukee, Singh earned her Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Fordham University, a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University, a master’s in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is certified in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from Cornell University. She is also a trained labor and birth doula and serves as the co-founder of Birth Coach Milwaukee.

Singh lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Justin, and two sons, Zion and Zephaniah.