Deanna Anderson: Using Her Gifts for The Greater Good
By Wyndi Kappes
Deanna Anderson’s life as a mother and entrepreneur started almost simultaneously when she founded 705 Marketing in 2007 and found out just six weeks later that she was pregnant with her oldest child, Carter. “Being an entrepreneur felt like the ideal choice to do the most for my clients, my family and the community,” Anderson recalls. But just when she’d gotten a handle on being a thriving entrepreneur and juggling a 5-month-old and 3-year-old, the world hit the reset button.
At 34, Anderson was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. “While we knew it was very treatable, and I am today 12 years cancer-free, it shook me to my core. It made me think a lot about my why and what I wanted to devote my time, talent and treasure to moving forward. Out of this came my dedication to helping nonprofit clients, which brings me so much joy,” Anderson said.
Since her diagnosis, Anderson has gone above and beyond to lend her marketing and communication expertise to dozens of Georgia nonprofits for free. From GA gives to Literacy Action, The Midtown Assistance Center and The Atlanta Speech School, Anderson’s passion for helping children and families often stems from her personal experiences with her children’s language-based learning differences.
The busy mom’s dedication to helping others extends beyond her talents at work to her hobbies at home too. As an avid runner, Anderson recently had the honor of running the Publix Half Marathon as a push-assist for The Kyle Pease Foundation. “Crossing the finish line with my team and our athlete, Naomi, was amazing. To see the joy on her face and to use my running to help an athlete cross the finish line was amazing!” Anderson added.
Giving back has changed Anderson’s and many others’ lives for the better, and today she encourages other moms to get out there, find their passion and make a difference. After recently installing a new book vending machine at Dunbar Elementary with Everybody Wins! Atlanta, Anderson reiterated the power of giving back. “The JOY on the kids’ faces and excitement over a new book has stayed with me and helps me remember that small acts can build up to big acts and change in our community.”
