Over the weekend I had the pleasure to meet Deon, an Uber driver and community activist to uncover where Uber has taken her. Learning about Deon’s own personal story to breathing life into Chicago’s best kept sightseeing secrets, I’m excited to introduce you to my side of an Uber experience—giving you a glimpse to the people behind the app.
This is a sponsored post by Uber. The content and opinions expressed below are that of What Would V Wear®.
Whether it’s a ride across town or a delivery to your door, Uber gives me the best choice at the touch of a button including the flexibility and opportunity to do more of what matters to me. Over these past years I’ve been using the app quite frequently especially during New York Fashion Week and one thing that often stuck with me where the the people behind the wheel. I always had the nicest drivers, and that’s the honest truth. And Deon was no exception. This past weekend I had the rare opportunity to meet with my Uber driver over coffee in Lincoln Park. Learning more about Deon, who’s not only a driver but also a passionate community activist was more than inspiring.
Deon migrated to the US with her entire family in 1974. She says that she has always been very ambitious—she attended Truman College and DePaul University where she pursued a degree in Business Administration with a focus on NonProfit Management. She’s been with Uber for more than 3 years and she absolutely loves working for them. She is proud that the company gives her the opportunity to pursue the things she extremely passionate about after work. She oftentimes finishes around 3PM (she starts her shifts early in the morning) so she can focus on her other endeavors. She takes pride in the fact that she’s her own boss, sets her own schedule and can take as much time off as she wants.
Did you know that Uber has your back at every turn? You’re guaranteed 24/7 support AND tipping is now available within the Uber app!
Besides driving for Uber, Ms. Lopez is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Caribbean Association of Midwest America(CAMA), the Festival Director of the Chicago “Chitown” Caribbean JerkFest, CEO/Founder of the Miss Midwest Caribbean Scholarship Pageant (set to launch this Summer 2018), Publisher of the Midwest Caribbean Network E-zine, Chaired the 2010 Uptown Complete Count Census Committee and the Chairperson for the National Caribbean American Heritage Month Planning Committee in Illinois.
In addition, in her role as Caribbean American Heritage Month Chairperson, she has become the advocate for HIV Awareness and Breast Cancer Prevention among Caribbean nationals. She utilizes culturally specific teaching strategies and exercises to enhance her effectiveness in reaching diverse audiences to encourage the Caribbean community participants to apply HIV prevention practices to add regular self breast exams to their own behavior. In 2014, she partnered with Dr. Melida Harris Barrow, CEO, Panama World Trade & Investment Foundation to host the first ever Caribbean Pavilion within the Today’s Black Woman’s Expo, Chicago, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, whose mission is to enlighten, educate and empower women and girls of all ages.
“Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone is a writer, some are written in the books and some are confined to hearts.”
― Savi Sharma
I truly love meeting people and learn more about them. We oftentimes take everything and everyone for granted. I believe that all of us have a beautiful story to share. Deon’s story was beyond inspiring—she spoke eloquently about her dreams and passions without fear. Just this past Spring, Dr. Lopez launched her, “Mama Dee Speaks,” a global initiative directed at young ladies of color between the ages of 10 – 24 years. The focus of “Passion ~ Purpose ~ Prosperity” is to teach via education, instruction and training these young ladies to transition into well equipped women in the areas of finance, relationship, education and career. Through various programs, these young ladies are challenged to utilize critical thinking to tap into their greatest gift – the ability to make educated choices. In September 2017, Mama Dee Speaks debut as a talk show on WGHC 98.3 FM. The state’s only 24 hour African and Caribbean radio station. Within 6 short weeks her show was ranked # 4.
…and now it’s your turn? What has your experience been with Uber? Have yout tried them? Let me know in the comments below!
As always, thanks so much for reading & have a great week!
Totally loved to read your post Vanessa! Very interesting the life of Deon, she does such an amazing job. Have a good week ahead
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
I love using Uber when I’m in the city! Mama Dee sounds amazing. She is such an inspiration and I would love to meet her.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I loved to know a bit of Deon, dear V.! She is an inspiration, having studied, being part of the HIV awareness, Chairperson for Caribbean America Heritage, Uber driver, mother, she is really amazing! I like Uber and I do use it for deliveries as well, and I loved to know about your experience, dear V.! Great post as usual, a big golden heart – you are also amazing and you know it! Wishing you a great week, hugs!
DenisesPlanet.com
Thank you for sharing Deon’s story Vanessa! I truly enjoyed it and she is an amazing person. I love what she is doing and how much she gives back!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
I enjoyed reading this post. I used Uber when I was in LA and loved how convenient it was.
Nina’s Style Blog
Thanks for sharing the story, Vanessa! I love using Uber so much!
http://www.thedanieloriginals.com
This post is so inspirational, she definitely is her own boss and looks to do amazing and good things in life!
Camila,
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
Beautiful lady and wonderful post!
Love your blog and such a refreshing article 😀
Such a great app and you both look amazing!
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/red-retro-ft-wooplr/
This is such a wonderful post! I’m so glad I got to learn more about Deon! She sounds amazing with all the activist work she does. Thank you for sharing her story Vanessa!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
I enjoyed reading this hon! Good for Deon for playing such a great role in her community and forging her own path. As for Uber, ummmm, not used it yet. I’m old and very old-school, so when I’m still using taxi companies. My younger brother keeps telling me to download the app, how it’s cheaper etc, but erm, I’m stuck in my (old!!) ways, ha! Xx
I love this! So awesome to hear someone’s story. I love talking to my uber driver. There’s just never enough time to get to know them lol. Great read V! xoxo
-MARZ
You were in my hood!!! Definitely let me know next time girl!
This campaign is beautiful, love how you did this! So inspirational V 🙂
XO
Aimara
http://www.waysofstyle.com
I loved reading this post. Deon sounds like such an amazing women doing so much for her community. I think it’s great that you got the chance to hear her story and share it with us. Uber still hasn’t come to our city, fingers crossed it does soon because I loved using it during NYFW. Hope you’re having a great start to the week.
xo, Jackie
stylemydreams.com
She sounds like such an amazing person! I’m so glad you shared this story!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
I love Uber! And how cool you got to sit down with Deon- what an amazing lady!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Seriously uber is a lifesaving invention. It made my life here in Egypt a whole a lot easier and saver.
And congrats on partnering with such a great brand.
Youtube: https://goo.gl/GC1dX3
Blog: http://www.easys-tyle.com/
this is such an amazing post!!! so good that you were able to do this 🙂
xx
http://www.angelebaby.com
hey dear,
your info is very useful,thank you so much for sharing.
https://www.lukhidiamond.com/LOOSE-DIAMONDS
This is fantastic. I enjoyed reading dear, really inspiring. Uber indeed, is super amazing. It’s so convenient and dependable.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com