A recognized young emerging leader in her community, Dshawna Bernard's passion for international development and public service has helped to create the unique portfolio she has today.  Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Dshawna attributes her love for politics and people to her culturally diverse West Indian upbringing. She attained her undergraduate degree at the School of Public Affairs, American University in Political Science with a minor in International Studies and is currently pursuing her Master's degree at the University of Baltimore. Being on one of the most politically active campuses in Washington D.C., American University became Dshawna's training ground, where she openly raises issues of race, diversity and social inclusion.  During her time at American University, she co-founded the Caribbean Ambassador's Dinner which has made a last impressing in the community to date. She worked with university leaders to form focus groups which created a safe space to share about access to scholarships for Caribbean students, college affordability and the challenges minority groups often face. Her passion and commitment to excellence has afforded her opportunities to expand her portfolio early in her career, working with high profile clients like Former Secretary of State Mrs. Hillary R. Clinton, current CEO of the Democratic National Committee Ms. Leah Daughtry, The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and others. Her work and track record has allowed her to start her own consulting business, BCD Strategies by the age of 25 and she uses that platform to advance issues close to her heart. Currently, she works for the Democratic National Convention Committee as the Special Assistant for Press Operations. While there, she has raised awareness regarding Caribbean American media outlet and ensuring that they knowledgeable about the process to apply to be part of the Convention experience.

Deeply rooted in the principles of servant leadership, Dshawna has served as a volunteer for Americorps, served as the Chair of the Africa Committee for the United Nations Association for Young Professionals -Capital Area and most recently she has volunteered as an English Conversation teacher at the Gilchrist Christ Center for Cultural Diversity in Montgomery County, Maryland where she worked with the Caribbean and African immigrant community.

An avid supporter of women in politics, she has successfully joined the alum of the dynamic WE Lead program based in Washington D.C. that is geared towards encouraging more women to run for public office. Since her completion of the program, Dshawna has worked with other women to spearhead initiatives that focus on the importance of the Caribbean American vote.  

Founder of the Student and Professional Organization of Trinidad and Tobago, Dshawna continues to seek ways to bridge the gap among today's millennials and seasoned professionals.  She is committed to creating a hub where nationals both locally and abroad can connect through mentorship, international exchanges or service opportunities. An advocate for the Caribbean community she was recently appointed as Vice-Chair of Communications for the Caribbean Political Action Committee which is the political voice of Caribbean Americans across the metropolitan area.  The resume she has built for herself provides only a snapshot into the world of this future leader who is simply determined to walk in her purpose.