Deshna joined the UOAA team in September 2022. Prior to her work at the UOAA, Deshna worked in global nonprofit organizational leadership for 15 years. Deshna graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and is an ordained interfaith chaplain through The Chaplaincy Institute. 

At the UOAA, Deshna works with affinity groups through community engagement and event planning. Her favorite part about her job is the wonderful team at the UOAA and being a part of such a phenomenal university. 

Outside of work, Deshna enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, and traveling.