[3] In high school, DeShawn served as student body president and was active in National Honor Society, volleyball, basketball, track, softball, band, and choir.
[5] One of DeShawn's first experiences in radio was working as an intern for the Tom Joyner Morning Show while studying at Drake.
DeShawn describes this experience of being able to "talk to thousands of people and make an impact while wearing sweatpants" as a turning point for her where she "fell in love with radio".
[6] In 2014, DeShawn started the "Purple Tie Affair: Concert & Silent Auction" to assist small non-profits making a "big impact".
[8] DeShawn is a board member of Affinity Community Services, a Chicago-based LGBTQ social justice organization focusing on Black women.