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Deana Keenan: Triumph after Tragedy

4/14/2014

 
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"My strength right now is my pain. That keeps me going."

Five years ago, Deana Keenan's son was murdered.

Shortly after, she lost her job at a Pittsburgh-area school.

And then, she fell into a depression.

But Deana refused to become a victim of her pain. She made the choice to use her tragedies to strengthen her, and she decided to view the time off as an opportunity to change her career. By seeking help for her career change, Deana learned about Pennsylvania Women Work and the New Choices program. She enrolled in New Choices and graduated in 2013.

Upon graduating, she enrolled in CCAC full time and got a temporary job at PPG Industries. In addition to classes and work, Deana made time to network and maintain the relationships she formed through New Choices.

In December of 2013, Deana decided to attend the Circle of Trust Women's networking event. There she met Julie Paden, the Vice President and Senior Recruiting Administration Manager at PNC. Deana told Julie about her interest in human resources, and the two women exchanged contact information. Just a few days later, Deana was contacted by PNC's HR team and asked to come in for an interview. 

Four months ago, Deana Keenan was hired as a recruiting administrator at PNC.

Shortly after, she was invited to join the honor's society of Phi Theta Kappa--she finished her first semester at CCAC with a 4.0.

And then, she found out she could transfer to Geneva College to get her Bachelor's degree in human resources.

"I had everything, and I lost everything. So I had to start all over, and it humbled me," Deana said. "But I know that I can achieve what I've achieved before."

Not only will Deana achieve what she's achieved before, but she will surpass it. Her short-term goal is to buy a house. Then she wants to write a book. She also hopes to start a foundation that will honor her son and help other families who have lost children.

"I want to give back to people," Deana said. "If I meet someone who has been in my shoes, I want to tell them that they can do it."

Deana says the key to finding success is not only to get involved with New Choices but to use the information that is given in the program. She said Pennsylvania Women Work has remarkable women in place, so you just have get involved and utilize the resources that are given.

"You have to want it," Deana said. "You have to be ready to leave the place you're in and overcome it."

Cathy Hester
4/25/2014 04:36:52 am

Deanna is the real deal! As her instructor and advisor, I've known her for some time and admire her drive and determination. I've seen her go through some ups and downs but always land on her feet. She is full of faith and has a lot of share. I know others will benefit from her experiences and efforts.


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​​5607 Baum Boulevard, Suite 333 | Pittsburgh, PA 15206 | tel: 412-742-4362 | fax: 412-904-4739
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  • Home
  • Give
    • The Coffee Club
  • WHO WE ARE
    • About Us
    • Success Stories
    • Board of Directors
    • Employer Partner Committee
    • Volunteer & Ambassador Council
    • Our funders
    • Staff
    • Meet our volunteers
    • Annual Report
    • Strategic Plan 2022-2024
  • For Job-Seekers
    • New Choices >
      • Statewide New Choices
    • 3 Cups of Coffee
    • Career Development Events >
      • Empowerment in the Workplace
      • Career Kick-Start
      • Communicating for Success
      • Launch: Entrepreneurship
    • RISE
    • GROW
    • Support & Incentives
    • Client Services >
      • Power Up Connections
  • Events + News
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past Events >
      • Circle of Hope 2023
      • Working 9-to-5 Bingo
      • Circle of Hope 2022
      • Circle of Hope 2021
      • #WinItWednesday 2021
      • Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow
      • Circle of Hope 2019
      • PUMP Kickball for a Cause 2019
      • A Celebration of Wine & Women
      • Highmark Walk 2019
      • Full Plates, Full Hearts Winter 2019
      • Circle of Hope Gala 2018
      • Highmark Walk Spring 2018
      • Circle of Hope Gala 2017
      • Highmark Walk Spring 2017
    • In the News >
      • News Archive
    • Newsletters
    • Thought Leader Series
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer >
      • Volunteer Sign Up
    • Jobs
  • Contact