2022 40 Under 40 Winners

Deidra’s work to grow Memorial Hospital’s employee giving campaign led to unprecedented growth, from 3% of employees participating to 25%.

At Memorial Hospital, Deidra nearly doubled overall fundraising revenue in her first year as director, earning $1.6 million through the third quarter of the fiscal year.

She is very involved in her community, serving on the boards of the local Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce.

During her time at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Deidra was responsible for raising over $1.3 million annually, managing over 70 community fundraising events and overseeing five signature events.

I decided to make a career change from working in college athletics fundraising, and thought that working in healthcare would be equally as fulfilling! Special Events planning was a great gateway into switching careers.

It is inspiring seeing the work we put in daily directly impact the healthcare in our communities - doing something that matters, matters.

I've had tremendous supervisors who have held me up every step of the way. Without their support, I wouldn't have had the confidence to take the leap to become the director of a hospital foundation. They have taught me that I'm capable of whatever I want to accomplish.

It's our hospital's motto to "Be For Others" - this is something I try my best to carry over into my every day life. I try to reflect the love of Jesus in all that I do. Sharing kindness, compassion and grace is my greatest passion because I believe that is why I was put in the position I am - to help others!

Listen. You can learn so much by just listening more than you speak.