Who is Dr. Deonna Taylor?
A Woman After God's Own Heart
Dr. Deonna M. Taylor, Ed.D., is a powerhouse in women’s leadership development, communication strategy, and organizational culture transformation. As a municipal government leader, former Toastmasters District Director, bestselling author, and founder of Deonna & Co., she has spent two decades coaching leaders, mentoring women, strengthening teams, and redesigning operational systems that improve communication, collaboration, and effectiveness.
Her workshops, keynotes, and coaching programs help women develop executive presence, navigate complex environments, communicate with authority, and cultivate confidence rooted in authenticity and purpose. Dr. Taylor’s unique gift is her ability to merge leadership coaching with organizational consulting — empowering women individually while equipping workplaces to thrive collectively.
Dr. Deonna M. Taylor earned a a Doctorate in Counseling and Education Leadership from Zoe Fellowship Bible College. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Grace Biblical Institute and Seminary, graduating Summa Cum Laude with High Academic Honors, and a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Leadership from Zoe Fellowship Bible College, also Summa Cum Laude.
In addition to her academic credentials, Dr. Taylor is a licensed Mental Health Specialist and Coach and holds multiple professional licenses and practitioner certifications spanning Life Coaching, Emotional Intelligence, Grief Counseling, Project Management, Learning and Development, Information Technology, and Human Services. Her continued professional development includes advanced studies at Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland State University, The University of Akron, Case Western Reserve University - Weatherhead School of Management, Newlane University, and Moody Bible Institute.
In addition to serving on several boards throughout the country, Dr. Taylor is a member of several organizations including Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction and Order of Eastern Star. She is also a 15-year member of Toastmasters International, where she served as the second woman of color District Director for District 10 (2012-2013 and 2025-2026), and is an eight-time minted Distinguished Toastmaster, the highest educational award a Toastmaster can receive. She was awarded 2017 Toastmaster of the Year, 2016 Division Director of the Year, and several District Director Awards. Dr. Taylor is also included in the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions of Who’s Who in Black Cleveland, received the 2021 Stiletto Boss Award for Entrepreneurialism, was inducted into the Kaleidoscope Magazine’s Forty/40 Club in 2014, and has received other notable awards from several local and national organizations. A lifelong Northeast Ohioan, Dr. Taylor is married, as well as the mother to two bonus sons, and the YaYa to one granddaughter.
Whether on stage, in a boardroom, or inside her “Conversation & Leadership” empowerment sessions, Dr. Taylor’s message is transformative, inspiring, and actionable. She doesn’t just motivate — she equips.
Work With Me
Ready to lead with confidence and purpose?
Whether you’re an individual seeking growth or an organization committed to stronger leadership and communication, I’d love to partner with you.
🟣 For Women Leaders (Coaching & Development)
Whether you’re stepping into leadership, navigating complex environments, or ready to elevate your presence and influence, my coaching helps you:
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Strengthen executive presence
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Communicate with confidence and authority
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Navigate difficult conversations and environments
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Clarify your leadership identity and voice
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Lead authentically without burnout or compromise
Formats:
• 1:1 Coaching
• Group Coaching
• Leadership Circles & Masterminds
🟣 For Organizations (Consulting & Training)
I partner with organizations committed to developing confident leaders and building strong communication-driven cultures.
Services include:
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Leadership development for women
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Communication and culture assessments
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Team communication workshops
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Workflow and process improvement
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SOP development and operational clarity
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Retreat facilitation and strategic planning
Ideal for:
Government agencies • Nonprofits • Corporations • Universities • ERGs • Faith-based organizations
🎤 SPEAKING
Dr. Deonna M. Taylor is a dynamic, engaging speaker known for blending inspiration with strategy and real-world application.
Her keynotes and workshops empower audiences to strengthen communication, lead with confidence, and create meaningful impact — both individually and collectively.
Popular Topics Include:
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The Confident Leader Blueprint
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Speak with Power: Communication Mastery for Women
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Leading in Spaces Not Designed for You
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From Chaos to Clarity: Transforming Teams Through Communication
🌸 WHY WORK WITH DR. DEONNA
✔ 20+ years of leadership experience
✔ Executive, municipal, and nonprofit expertise
✔ Deep understanding of women’s leadership challenges
✔ Practical, actionable strategies — not fluff
✔ A safe, empowering, and results-driven approach
✔ Coaching + consulting = complete transformation
Ready to lead with confidence and purpose?
Whether you’re an individual seeking growth or an organization committed to stronger leadership and communication, I’d love to partner with you.
Dr. Kitty Brandal
C-Suite Speaker & Author
"Clever… engaging… inspirational. Deonna Moore Taylor has captivated international audiences and has the professional acumen to engage everyone, from senior executives to the front-line staff. Her unique speaking style leaves the audience wanting more. She entices a myriad of emotions when she facilitates programs. People feel excited, inspired, and included when Deonna speaks. She not only educates, she motivates!"
Pete Punwani
Practice Leader
"Deonna Taylor is a true professional that leads with conviction, heart, passion, faith, and intelligence. She has a way to challenge you to be the best version of yourself and never settle for mediocrity. During the last decade alone Deonna has always encouraged me to go well outside my comfort zone and inspired me to lead selflessly."
Jenilee Taylor
TEDx Speaker, Talent & Development Manager
“Deonna Moore Taylor’s speaking style is natural, engaging, and entertaining. Her presentations are always high-energy and filled with real-life examples and useful takeaways. She exceeds expectations, and will leave your audience inspired.”