DeAnna Pursai is an educator, advocate, speaker, and nonprofit leader whose work focuses on disability inclusion, education, environmental sustainability, and community service. She earned a Master of Education in Education Policy Analysis with an emphasis on Special Education State Policy Reform from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds undergraduate degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from Purdue University.

DeAnna was recognized as a CNN Hero in 2022 for her decades of advocacy on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was a Silicon Valley Business Journal 100 Women of Influence recipient in 2024. She has been honored with numerous community leadership awards, including the Boy Scouts of America Silicon Valley Character Award (2023), recognition as a Women Making Herstory honoree by California State Senator Dave Cortese (2023), and selection as a Golden State Warriors Impact Warrior (2024) for her commitment to strengthening communities throughout the Bay Area. Earlier in her career, she was recognized as an Architect of Change by Maria Shriver for her work in advancing inclusion and social impact.

An active leader in Rotary for more than a decade, DeAnna is a proud member of both the Rotary Club of San Jose and the Rotary Club of Saratoga. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Rotary Club of San Jose Neurodiversity Committee, and she serves as the Program Speaker Chair for the Saratoga Rotary Club. Previously, she served for three years as District 5170 Climate Action Council Chair and as Vice Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) Big West Chapter, helping Rotarians across the western United States advance environmental initiatives and climate action. As a trained climate ambassador with the Climate Reality Project, she is passionate about helping communities engage in meaningful conversations about climate resilience and sustainability while connecting environmental stewardship with service above self.

DeAnna is a sought-after keynote speaker and conference presenter whose presentations bridge disability inclusion, education, leadership, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. She has spoken for Rotary districts and conferences, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community groups throughout the United States and internationally. In October 2025, she delivered her first TEDx Talk in Helsinki, Finland, titled "Amplifying Silent Voices," highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for people with disabilities to lead, contribute, and be heard.

Her commitment to community extends beyond Rotary. DeAnna proudly served six years on the Board of Directors for Christmas in the Park, one of Silicon Valley's most beloved nonprofit organizations serving families throughout the holiday season. She has also served on the Rotary Club of San Jose's board of directors. She served on the West Valley College Senior Guided Pathways Curriculum Development Advisory Board, helping to create the state of California's first Community Caregiver Certificate Program. 

At the heart of DeAnna's advocacy is her sister, Angel Ellenberger, who has Down syndrome and is an accomplished actress, entertainer, comedian, and inspirational performer. Their lifelong relationship has shaped DeAnna's belief that every individual deserves to be recognized for their talents, strengths, and potential. Through her speaking, leadership, and service, DeAnna continues to champion more inclusive communities where every voice is valued and every person has the opportunity to thrive.

DeAnna co-founded College of Adaptive Arts with her esteemed colleague Dr. Pamela Lindsay in 2009. Through their shared vision and dedication to teamwork guided by Dr. Pam’s copyrighted ARTS model of Attitude, Respect, Trust, and Support, they have built a proof-of-concept lifelong learning model which has grown operationally over 3,000% since inception. CAA aspires to go global on campuses of higher education around the world to be as accessible, supportive, and stimulating in the education space that the Special Olympics model provides in the athletic space.