Jessica Hayden

Jessica Hayden is a versatile Digital Specialist, Program Manager, Creative Writer, and Community Advocate dedicated to preserving cultural heritage through archiving, museum tours, volunteer advocacy, and creative expression. She is a proud native of Dallas; she is recognized for her diligent efforts in all her endeavors. Currently, she holds the position of Program Manager for the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program at the African American Museum in Fair Park.

Alongside her role at the African American Museum, Ms. Hayden serves as the creative mind behind Hustle Creative Studio, LLC. Driven by her enthusiasm for both marketing strategy and creative expression, she focuses on empowering businesses to succeed in the dynamic realm of social media. Her journey began with a profound interest in the ability of digital platforms to unite people and businesses worldwide. She leverages social media management, creative writing, and analytics to help clients uncover innovative ways to generate new business. With over six years of experience in storytelling, consulting, analytics, nonprofit advocacy, and leadership, she is deeply committed to fostering teachable moments.

She cultivated this mindset during her college years at Tyler Junior College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Social Work in May 2016. Excelling in both academics and student leadership, she received scholarships from TRIO, an academic support program. Jessica held several leadership positions, including President of Sigma Alpha Pi (a leadership honor society), Freshman Vice President of the Student Senate, and Secretary of the Black Student Association. In August 2017, she transferred to Prairie View A&M University. Prior to her enrollment, she attended the New Leadership Texas summit, where she was inspired by various elected officials. At Prairie View, Jessica made significant contributions; she established the university's first She chartered PV’s first Historically Black Colleges and Universities IGNITE (Women empowerment in politics) chapter; served as President of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) PV chapter and was an active member of the Street Team for PV’s KNOU Radio Station. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from PV in August 2019.

Her professional journey began at I Messenger Media LLC in Dallas, where she took on the role of Multimedia Journalist in August 2019. In this position, she attended press conferences, conducted interviews in the community, and distributed the company’s newspaper. She participated in both local and national events, including marketing gatherings hosted by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, the annual 97.9 The Beat radio Dallas-Fort Worth car show, and the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Detroit. Additionally, she coordinated volunteers and supported the publisher of I Messenger Media LLC during the publication’s Annual Healthy Living Expo in both January 2020 and 2022. Following this incredible experience, she transitioned to freelancing in October 2020, working with WFAA as a researcher for the Election SOS fellowship. This initiative aimed to assist U.S. journalists in addressing vital information needs during the critical 2020 election, providing training, best practices, resources, and support for effective election coverage.

She participated in all meetings with the WFAA team, sharing her insights through social media, community feedback, and data analysis. This experience allowed her to connect with various areas of Dallas, TX, enabling her to listen to citizens' concerns and answer their questions. It opened her eyes to new possibilities within her media career. After completing this freelance assignment, she sought out additional contracts with local businesses, nonprofits, and any opportunities that came her way. In her free time, she serves as a Dallas Documenter, attending city council meetings to report on the discussions held in the chambers and clarify the meeting agenda. By taking notes, recording audio, interviewing council members and residents, and capturing the events through photography, she adds value to her role. Being part of this program redefines advocacy for her, as it provides Ms. Hayden with a platform to represent community news effectively.

Her motto is “I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go - Langston Hughes."