Barbara Deer was born and raised in North Lawndale. She is a licensed Speech Language

Pathologist. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communication disorders from Jackson

State University, and a Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University

of Illinois- Urbana- Champaign. She also holds an Illinois License and certification through the

American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). Barbara completed a business

entrepreneurship program at Joseph Business School. She has experience owning and serving

as President of a Speech Pathology private practice, that provided evaluations, diagnosis, and

treatment for a variety of speech and language disorders. Through Barbara’s lived experience,

she is a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of life and work.

Barbara volunteers her time with several organizations. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha

Sorority, Incorporated. She spends her time volunteering within the community and raising

money for charitable causes. She currently sits on the Social Justice Committee, and has served

as Co-chair of this committee. She is a member of Friends of Dennis Deer, a civic organization

where she volunteers during community events. She’s also a member of North Lawndale

Community Coordinating Council’s Arts and culture committee, where she’s showcased her

artistic sewing abilities, and assisted with bringing talent to participate in an annual event. She’s

also volunteered her time to community projects with Top Ladies of Distinction.

Barbara is the author of “The Core Keys To Building A Home”, a short story included in a book of

short stories titled “Voices of Lawndale” and published by SAIC in 2018. In Barbara’s spare time,

she enjoys learning and practicing her Spanish speaking skills, sewing, and occasionally writing

on her natural hair blog, titled “Barbara Naturally Speaking”, which she started several years

ago to chronicle her passion for naturally curly hair, vegetarian dishes, and life lessons. Barbara

Deer was born and raised in North Lawndale. She married her high school sweetheart. To their

union they have 3 children, twin boys, and a daughter. The youngest addition to the family is a

Pit Bull Rescue that became a fixture in the home after being adopted from a shelter a few

years ago.