Deo Mwano

Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Deo Mwano has taught, inspired, and motivated for the majority of his life. Mwano and his family have seen their share of misfortune growing up during their country's violent civil war. At the age of seven, he was thrown into adulthood in the worst way imaginable when he witnessed the assassination of his father. Being the oldest of four boys, he immediately had to take the reins of his family. After moving to the United States in 2000 with his mother and three younger brothers, Mwano found his voice and ability to connect with people through his undoubted talent in dance. It has been his life experiences and the perseverance of his family that have made him into the talent he is today. Having acquired his BA in international relations and history, Deo Mwano emphasizes the importance of global and social awareness. He aims to educate and motivate people to do more for themselves and those around them.

Mwano has been impacting people all over the United States since the early age of 11 and it was only a matter of time before his impact reached the far corners of the world. His choreography has been performed in South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia through Youth with a Mission Performing Arts Program. Mwano worked with the Pakistani Educational Leadership Institute teaching dance and as a community advisor. He co-choreographed a special he and his brothers performed for the TV show Dancing with the Stars. Mwano has mentored and been a dance instructor for Bringing Refugees, Immigrants and Neighbors Gently into Tomorrow. He was a guest speaker on NHPR's Word of Mouth speaking on behalf of the refugee community. Deo Mwano was a member of the panel discussion for the documentary film Uprooted, and most recently he was a guest speaker at the TEDxAmoskeagMillyard.