Breana is the Assistant Director of Communications, where she transforms education research and data into compelling narratives, develops and implements communication strategies to advance key advocacy efforts, and implements media relations tactics to increase awareness of our mission.
Previously, Breana served as Director of Strategic Communications at the ACLU of Tennessee, where she collaborated with organizing, policy, and legal teams on critical issues impacting the civil rights and civil liberties of Tennesseans. At ACLU-TN, she gained experience working on multi-pronged advocacy campaigns that fought to protect and expand Tennessean’s right to free speech & censorship, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice, voting rights, and criminal legal reform. Her background in local broadcast news further honed her ability to connect storytelling with advocacy.
Inspired by influential orators and movement builders like Ida B. Wells, Breana’s approach to communications hinges on using narrative-shifting and communications tactics as transformative tools for systemic change.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations.
Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust?
Education intersects with every major civil rights issue, from immigration and criminal justice to voting rights and free speech. Through my work on various advocacy campaigns, I’ve seen how these systemic challenges directly impact our schools and students. Without equal access and opportunity to education, we witness a ripple effect of individuals facing further barriers to employment, civic engagement, and more. By advocating for education, we’re cultivating an inclusive democracy that works for all.
Proudest Moment
Having the opportunity to work with Ebony Magazine to publish a piece on school censorship laws and book bans. Growing up, I would see Ebony in the hands of those who invested in me – a magazine founded in the principles of showcasing accurate depictions of the fullness of the Black experience. It was a full circle moment being able to share my story and the effects that the erasure of Black stories and experiences book bans will have on students’ futures. While acknowledging that as these bans persist, it is a necessity to continue proudly and loudly highlighting Black history, stories, and experiences as many did before us.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy reading, trying new restaurants, crocheting, and immersing myself in the arts through museum exhibits, the symphony, concerts, or theatre.
