Influential Woman · Non-profit international charity
Verna Deno
Co‑founder / Operator, Robert Deno Ministries
Hayden, ID 83835
Her Story
About Verna
Verna Deno is a retired education and nonprofit professional based in Hayden, Idaho, and Co-founder/Operator of Robert Deno Ministries. After a lifelong dedication to service, education, and humanitarian outreach, she and her husband relocated to Idaho to be closer to family. Their journey in ministry began early in their marriage through field-based service work and later developed into a formal nonprofit established approximately four years ago, focused on supporting vulnerable communities through faith-driven compassion and sustainable impact.
Her professional background includes 14 years as a bilingual tutor with the Anchorage School District in Alaska, where she supported international students in language development, academic achievement, and cultural integration. Prior to that, she served as an administrative assistant for a bilingual school in Wenatchee, Washington, contributing to daily operations and student support services. Her early experiences in education and cross-cultural environments shaped her lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and uplifting underserved populations.
Verna is also the author of KaKembo: A Heart Connection, a compelling narrative about orphaned boys who, after losing their parents, endured life on the streets until a pastor and his wife provided them with a home that ultimately became an orphanage illustrating the powerful intersection of two lives and two worlds transformed through hope and compassion. Through Robert Deno Ministries, she continues humanitarian work in Uganda, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, focusing on providing housing for orphans, access to education, medical care, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Her organization has supported displaced children in Uganda, including housing for 32 orphans, transportation assistance, school funding, and initiatives that help families in Pakistan transition out of bonded labor by establishing small businesses. Her life’s work reflects a steadfast commitment to faith, service, and improving the lives of the most vulnerable.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Verna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep commitment to helping others and staying true to a purpose-driven life centered on service. Through Blessed Hope, I have been blessed with the opportunity to provide food, schooling, medical care, and unwavering love to those in greatest need. My motivation comes from a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families, and I remain dedicated to serving with compassion, consistency, and faith.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to follow my heart and trust my inner conviction when making important decisions. I spent time in roles that did not truly align with my purpose, but everything changed when I took a leap of faith and pursued a path guided by passion and faith. Even when others had concerns, I felt confident in my decision because I had clarity through experience, communication, and a strong sense of calling. That choice has led to deeply meaningful work and has been truly rewarding both personally and professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to follow your heart and stay true to your purpose. Choose a path that aligns with your values and passions, even when it feels uncertain or others may not fully understand your direction. Trust your instincts, remain grounded in your faith and convictions, and don’t be afraid to take bold steps toward meaningful work. When your heart is leading you, your impact will naturally follow and grow over time.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is getting the word out so that more people understand the needs of the communities we serve and feel moved to help. Many individuals are living in desperate conditions, and increasing awareness is essential to connecting them with the donations, resources, and volunteers needed to bring meaningful change. At the same time, this challenge is also a great opportunity to expand outreach, build partnerships, and inspire more people to participate in compassionate, life-changing work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values in my work and personal life are compassion, service, and faith-driven purpose. I am deeply committed to helping the poorest of the poor by empowering, educating, and uplifting individuals and families through both practical support and the message of hope in Jesus. Our mission spans Uganda, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, where we work to provide essential resources such as food, education, medicine, and sustainable opportunities. This work is not just something we do it is a lifelong calling, and it continues without pause because the need is ongoing and the impact is deeply meaningful.
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