Deidre Olivia Howard was born in Jackson, Mississippi, February 28, 1986. She later moved to Tulsa Oklahoma.

Like most children she wanted to be everything when she grew up. Inquisitive by nature, as she got older, she grew fond of attorneys. At the age of 14, Deidre became a prosecuting attorney and later a presiding judge for Tulsa Youth Court, a program where first time juvenile offenders are trialed by their peers.

The extent of Deidre's involvement did not stop there. She went on to be an Executive member of the National Honors Society, a Producer and Director for the school television show, a Student Council Representative and the President of the African American Society, planning hallmark events like the Multicultural Show, that were never seen my the City of Tulsa.

Outside of the classroom, Deidre volunteered in nursing homes, minimum security women's prisons, and at risk urban schools' after school programs. She understood the early on the power of prayer and mandate that God had on her life. Her investment to the church is her most prized experiences. She was a member of the choir, the praise team, and a leader in her youth group: Elevated Youth.

As a child, she was taught the importance of purpose and servitude. Both of which have carried her from her childhood to the State of Iowa. Deidre set forth her journey in the great State of Iowa 4 years ago, when she began her studies at Drake University.

Since arriving, Deidre as been empowered by the many people and the numerous organizations that have planted seeds into her life. Those contributions have inspired her to do the same for others.

From large local events to small meetings, Deidre enjoys exploring a variety of service initiatives. She is one of the founders of the Back to School Bash, an event that recently became an organization that fosters the educational development of youth. For the last eight months, she has been a coach for East High School Girls Basketball.

At Drake, Deidre was a member of the Student Senate for 4 consecutive years, an executive member of the Coalition of Black Students for 4 consecutive years, a Student Ambassador, Residence Assistant, Judicial Board Member, Delta Theta Phi Pre-Law Fraternity member, Diversity Committee Member, Top Freshman, Top Sophomore, Top Junior, and Top Senior.

Deidre is no stranger to pageantry. Her past titles include: Miss Iowa Juneteenth 2006, Miss Black Iowa USA 2007 1st Runner-Up, 2004 Miss American Miss Teen Spokesmodel of Oklahoma, 2004 Miss American Miss Teen of Oklahoma 4th Runner-Up, 2004 National All-American Miss Teen-Top 10, and 2004 National Miss American Miss Teen Spokesmodel- 2nd Runner-Up.

During her reign as Miss Black Iowa, Deidre commits herself and the State of Iowa to her platform entitled, P.A.T.H.S.; Preparing Adolescents to Harness Success. She will work with the State, organizations, and educational institutions collaboratively to develop programming for this platform.

Currently, Deidre is working on developing "Team Iowa" for Dr. Ian Smith's 50 Million Pound Challenge. The Des Moines Metro is populated by over 550,000 people and she wants every single person counted to develop and/or maintain healthy eating habits for life. The 50 Million Pound Challenge will help the state achieve this goal together.

One of her personal goals is you get more involved with her church. Her ultimate goal is to become a practicing attorney and easing her way into the political realm.

Deidre says she has a desire to serve her community in any way possible. Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." Her ambition and integrity make her more than ready to take on the task.