Educate. Engage. Empower.

The goal is simple: to provide young people with the knowledge they need to navigate today’s complex world safely and confidently.

We believe in:

Education

The power of education to foster understanding

Engagement

Engagement to create open dialogues

Empowerment

Empowerment to build a safer, more respectful community

Meet Deana Puccio, RSE & PSHE Speaker & Consultant

Deana Puccio’s journey began in 1994 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Sex Crimes Special Victim’s Bureau of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. Working there, she became deeply concerned about the lack of education on sexual offences and consent being given to young people. After becoming the mother of three daughters, she realised she needed to do something about it.

In 2011, when her daughters were 14, 11 & 8 she started researching as to how young people were being educated on the topics of consent, the laws surrounding sex offences and how to make wise choices at parties and gatherings, when travelling independently as well on line. At the time, it was not being done. As a result, in 2012, she co-founded The RAP Project (2012-2024), leading workshops at top educational institutions, impacting over 100,000 students.

The response was overwhelming. Students, staff, and parents appreciate her straightforward and mature approach to discussing the following sensitive topics: the law surrounding sexual offences and consent, how pornography is negatively affecting relationships, and the unhealthy influence of social media on body image, self-esteem, and mental health. Schools, nationally and internationally, recognise the value of these presentations.

In 2019 she Co-Founded The RAP Foundation, the charitable arm of The RAP Project where she continues to serve as one of its Trustees.

Deana is now the driving force behind Educate. Engage. Empower. where her professional and personal experience puts her in a unique position to bring together and effectively deliver the legal, social and personal aspects of staying safe and making wise choices.

Deana’s expertise

Deana is a former Senior Assistant District Attorney from NYC, RSE & PSHE speaker & consultant and an author.

With degrees from New York University, the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University and the City University of New York Law School, Deana brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. After working as a Senior Assistant District Attorney, she clerked for a Supreme Court Justice in Brooklyn.

She is the co-author of Sex, Likes & Social Media: Talking to Teens in the Digital Age (Vermilion 2016). She frequently appears as an expert commentator on Sky News and the BBC.

Deana’s work extends beyond the classroom – she’s a sought-after speaker at educational conferences, corporate events, and festivals, where she continues to engage audiences on these important issues.

Living in North London with her husband and three daughters, Deana is committed to her mission of Educating, Engaging and Empowering the next generation.

Deana in the press

Deana has reached…

Students

Schools

Teachers & Parents

Deana Puccio’s dedication to empowering students, educators, and parents has already made a meaningful impact. Her tailored workshops and talks have already reached a significant number of individuals, not just raising awareness but also equipping them with practical tools to handle today’s challenges.

As her outreach continues to grow, Deana is making a positive difference in more lives with each passing day.

VIEW FULL SCHOOLS LIST

What People Say

Deana’s talks are so relevant and powerful. It was impressive how she is able to give high energy, back to back presentations across all year groups in one day! The students and staff were captivated by her talks. She talks with passion and draws on a wealth of knowledge and experience on hard-hitting topics. The talks have sparked so many conversations amongst the staff, students. The follow-up parent talk was well received and promoted many conversations with their daughters. Deana is an impressive speaker that left our students feeling more confident and empowered!

Head of Sixth Form

Throughout the presentation, there was no judgement but she created a strong feeling of security and by creating a safe space for us, this allowed girls to share their thoughts and feelings. When the presentation was given, we were also sitting alongside our teachers, which at first glance may have felt uncomfortable however Deana’s charismatic energy, immediately put everyone at ease while discussing a very important topic.

Year 11 Student

I loved the talk – it opened our eyes and Deana was so passionate about her message to us.

Sixth Former

Deana Puccio has been supporting our schools with The RAP Project for several years. In that time many guest speakers have come and gone but there’s one reason we will always want Deana back: the kids listen to her. Deana has a superpower which reaches out to teenagers, delivering crucial messages to keep them safe. She doesn’t mince her words: she speaks from the heart; she has good humour; good sense and no illusions about the perilous 21st century world adults have unwittingly created for children. Forget the X-factor. We call it the Deana-Factor! Every school needs it!

Libby Russo, Asst Head, Pupil & Staff Well-Being, Belmont School

I loved her awareness and her understanding of the subject. Deana had great knowledge of the world and made it relevant to us.

Year 11 Student