Earning My Chair
Memoir & Movement
A Marine veteran and immigrant’s journey through struggle, growth, and civic leadership — offered as an invitation for readers to reflect and build their own legacy.
Read a sampleBy Jonathan "Jon" Deras
Immigrant, USMC Veteran, Educator & Non-Profit Leader
Breaking Cycles. Building Legacy.
Books, workshops, kids’ resources, and positive designs that strengthen families, support youth in building character and resilience, and inspire people—including veterans—to lead in their communities.
“If I can rise, others can too. There are no limits. Anyone who’s lived through struggle carries a strength the world needs.”
— Jon Deras
About Jon
Husband, dad, and USMC veteran — now an educator, community leader, and storyteller. Jon draws on his experiences across the military, migration, fatherhood, nonprofit work, research, and service on boards and action teams to spark reflection, ask hard questions, and empower people to step into leadership at home, at school, and in public life.
Explore the Ecosystem
Four branches, one purpose: legacy that lifts families and communities.
Deras Kids
Children’s Books
Stories kids love, built on values parents trust — from Christian ABCs to Alex the Apple Tree.
Browse booksSpeaking & Workshops
Keynotes & Training
Story-driven talks on leadership, resilience, identity, and the shaping of masculinity—rooted in Jon’s experience in the Marine Corps and his immigrant background. Available for schools, nonprofits, and community events; bilingual (English/Spanish).
Request a workshopDeras Designs
Positive Apparel
Wear your values. Minimal design, maximum meaning — shirts, prints, and more.
Visit the shopWatch 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.
New Release
The Christian ABCs: Teaching Faith and Values from A–Z
By Jon Deras
Learn. Reflect. Create. Celebrate God’s love—from A to Z!
The Christian ABCs is a colorful, faith-filled journey through the alphabet,
teaching children timeless truths from A to Z. Each page combines bright illustrations
with simple words and messages that make faith easy to understand—and includes
interactive moments that invite children and families to engage, reflect, and grow together.
Perfect for bedtime reading, Sunday school, or family devotion time, this book helps
little hearts learn big lessons about faith, kindness, prayer, and character.
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.