About me
Deanna Hayden is a third-year Ph.D. student at Howard University, specializing in Communication, Culture, and Media Studies. She is a Graduate Assistant to Nikole Hannah-Jones, Knight Chair in Race and Journalism, and creator of The 1619 Project. Additionally, Deanna is an HBCUI Communication and Branding intern for the National Park Service's Office of Partnerships and Philanthropic Stewardship. Through her experience, she has gained valuable insight into the infrastructure and function of philanthropy and its impact on community engagement. While her research lies at the intersection of race, gender, and digital media, focusing on organizational communication, her dissertation specifically investigates the uses of media among Black Philanthropic organizations located in the rural South. This passion is influenced by her upbringing in Mississippi and her time as
