About DeO Inc.

Connecting communities, organizations, and opportunities!

who we are

Developing Economic Opportunities, Inc. (DEO) is a community-centered consulting and implementation firm that partners with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to design and deliver initiatives that strengthen communities and expand economic opportunity.

Founded on the belief that meaningful community investment requires both strategy and execution, DEO provides workforce solutions, community engagement, event management, business support, and program implementation services that help organizations achieve measurable results while creating lasting impact.

what we do

DEO provides strategic consulting and implementation services that connect organizations with the communities they serve. Our expertise includes:

Community Engagement & Outreach
Workforce Development
Workforce Recruitment & Intermediary Services
Business Engagement & Capacity Building
Strategic Partnerships
Event Planning & Management
Program Implementation & Administrative Support
Compliance Support

We tailor every engagement to meet our clients' goals while ensuring that community members and businesses have meaningful opportunities to participate in economic growth.

Our MISSION

DEO's mission is to strengthen communities by connecting people, organizations, and resources through strategic partnerships, workforce solutions, community engagement, and innovative programs that create lasting economic opportunity.

Our VISION

We envision thriving communities where residents, businesses, and organizations have equitable access to opportunities, meaningful partnerships, and the resources needed to achieve long-term economic success.

OUR Leadership team

Antoniese Starks-Ruffin

PRESIDENT

Antoniese is a Washington, DC native whose lifelong commitment to community empowerment has shaped more than three decades of leadership in nonprofit management, community engagement, and economic development.

Raised in one of the city's most underserved neighborhoods, Antoniese transformed personal experience into a passion for creating opportunities for others. Throughout her career, she has led numerous initiatives that strengthen communities, support small businesses, and connect residents to economic opportunities.

In addition to serving as Founder and President of DEO, Antoniese is an experienced accountant, owner of EZ Business and Tax Solutions, President of DEOCDC, a 501-(c)(3) organization, and a member of the Board of Families On The Rise.

ready to learn more?

Discover how DEO helps organizations create meaningful impact through workforce solutions, community engagement, event management, and strategic implementation.

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Developing Economic Opportunities Inc.

Washington, DC 20032

(202) 972-1772 | info@deoinc.org