Advocacy & Public Work
Veteran justice, healthy masculinity, community education, and media conversations — all rooted in a single purpose: breaking cycles and building legacy.
By Jonathan "Jon" Deras
Immigrant, USMC Veteran, Educator & Non-Profit Leader
Breaking Cycles. Building Legacy.
Civic leadership rooted in lived experience. Jon partners with schools, nonprofits, and public institutions to strengthen families, reduce harm, and develop the next generation of leaders.
Through policy advocacy, educational programs, and creative work, he helps communities break cycles and build lasting legacy.
“Anyone who’s lived through struggle carries a strength the world needs.”
— Jon Deras
What People Say
“Jonathan is exceptionally skilled in youth development, workshop facilitation, and building strong relationships with community partners. His ability to connect with young men and youth is truly remarkable.”
“Jonathan skillfully developed his messaging, prepared for interviews, and learned how to pivot back to his main point while facing difficult questions.”
“Jonathan is incredibly reliable, compassionate, and dedicated. He leads with integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to equity.”
“He was instrumental in creating and developing the young men’s program. His dedication and vision were key to its success.”
“Jonathan did a great job of answering all questions and creating a safe space to talk about tough issues.”
“He has an innate ability to lead and positively influence those around him for meaningful change — and work with others for greater impact. He is always at the ready, to lead and inspire, with compassion AND action!”
About Jon
Husband, father, immigrant, and USMC veteran. Jon’s work centers on one idea: culture can be rebuilt. Through policy advocacy, youth leadership programs, and creative projects, he focuses on breaking cycles of harm and strengthening the systems families rely on.
The Deras Legacy Ecosystem
One mission. Three lanes. From public advocacy and workshops to children’s books and wearable designs, everything across Deras Legacy exists to strengthen families, reduce harm, and help people lead with character and courage.
Kids Books & Resources
Stories and activities that build character, joy, and resilience — made for families, classrooms, and bedtime.
Wear Your Values
Minimal design, maximum meaning — shirts, sweatshirts, prints, and more. Built to grow into a full collection.
Workshops & Institutional Engagement
Institutional sessions designed to move participants from reflection to responsibility. Each engagement connects lived experience to practical leadership tools rooted in prevention, resilience, and civic responsibility.
In addition to keynotes and workshops, Jon collaborates with organizations on program development, initiative design, and advisory support related to youth leadership, masculinity, veteran engagement, and community education.
Keynotes • Trainings • Leadership Workshops
Jon delivers powerful, practical sessions grounded in lived experience—as an immigrant, USMC Iraq veteran, educator, and nonprofit leader. Programs can include pre/post surveys, reflection tools, and clear takeaways for staff and students.
Healthy Masculinity & Violence Prevention
Engaging young men in leadership, respect, consent, and emotional strength.
Veteran Resilience & Civic Leadership
Service, identity, and how veterans continue leading after the uniform.
Immigration, Belonging & Purpose
Reframing patriotism, community, and what it means to truly belong.
Storytelling for Leadership & Healing
Turning lived experience into growth, character, and legacy.
Honorarium and institutional rates available upon request.
Watch Jon in Action
Two powerful moments that reflect Jon’s story, leadership, and mission.
Telemundo Interview (Spanish)
Jon speaks about community leadership, youth, and healing in a Spanish-language interview.
Hope&Help 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Campaign
Jon shares about mental health and emotional strength.
Memoir in Progress
Earning My Chair — Preview Available
By Jon Deras
A memoir of survival, manhood, and breaking cycles — from an immigrant and U.S. Marine veteran.
This isn’t a “healed” story. It’s a true story from inside the fight — and what it takes to build legacy anyway.
“Then came the train. It felt like it appeared out of nowhere — a hulking metal beast roaring in the night. Later I would learn what people called it: La Bestia. The Beast. … One of my Ninja Turtle shoes fell off. I watched it tumble away into the darkness.”
Preview PDF includes the Preface, Introduction, and Chapter 1.
Contact & Booking
Tell us about your audience and goals. We’ll tailor a session for maximum impact.
- Leadership storytelling, character-building, and legacy-focused sessions
- School assemblies, professional development for educators, and community events
- Bilingual presentations and sessions (English/Spanish)
📧 Email: jonsderas@gmail.com
I personally read all messages, media inquiries, and speaking requests. Please include your organization, audience, and preferred dates if relevant.