Hi, I'm Sienna
I'm Glad You're Here!
I grew up in Southern California, but I've always been drawn to what's beyond the familiar. That pull took me from studying public relations at the University of Oklahoma to Copenhagen, where I was accepted into a master's program in Cognition and Communication at one of the top-ranked universities in Europe. I went because I wanted a worldly perspective, the kind you only get from actually living somewhere different. I came back with something I didn't expect: a real comfort in diverse, international settings, and a more empathetic, culturally fluent way of working with people from all walks of life. That shift shows up in everything I do now.
In my current role, I manage federally funded programs and lead organization-wide communications strategy for a refugee resettlement nonprofit. But the moment that changed how I understood my own impact was founding what started as the Riverside County Refugee Forum and grew into the Inland Empire Refugee Forum as our reach expanded. Building that platform meant deciding who needed to be in the room, getting them there, and creating the conditions for something real to happen: connecting community members to resources, educating local officials and business owners on refugee and newcomer issues, and amplifying voices that don't always get a seat at the table. It taught me that one of the most powerful things I can do is connect the right people at the right moment.
That same instinct shaped how I approached HMI's 10-Year Anniversary Gala, which I planned and led from the ground up: a 250-guest event that raised $25,000 and brought together donors, partners, and community members to celebrate a decade of impact. It's the kind of work my colleagues now trust me to lead without much oversight, and I don't take that lightly.
Outside of work, I'm a homebody who takes her routines seriously, which makes the travel planning that's always quietly happening in the background feel a little contradictory. It works anyway. You'll usually find me hiking, playing tennis, or getting a round of golf in, with a lo-fi indie playlist or a podcast going the rest of the time. I live in Oxnard with my two cats, Zuma and Zeytin, who have strong opinions about everything.
I do my best work where independence and collaboration coexist, where there's room for big-picture thinking and the discipline to follow through on the details. I'm motivated by clear goals, good teams, and work that actually gets finished.
Education
M.A. in Cognition & Communication
2020 - 2023
My graduate studies focused on how people process information, form attitudes, and engage across cultural and social contexts. Studying in an international environment strengthened my ability to collaborate across disciplines and work thoughtfully within diverse cultural settings.
My master’s thesis, Perceptions of Refugees in Denmark, examined public attitudes toward Ukrainian and Syrian refugee populations, exploring differences in perception, empathy, and social integration. This research deepened my interest in communication, migration, and the role of narrative in shaping public understanding and public response.
B.A. in Journalism
Public Relations, Communication, and Nonprofit Organizational Studies
2016 - 2020
During my undergraduate studies, I built a strong foundation in strategic communication, nonprofit management, and organizational leadership. I was actively involved in campus organizations that emphasized collaboration, service, and applied communication strategy.
I held leadership roles within the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band and Tau Beta Sigma Sorority, and served as the elected Digital Strategist Chair for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), where I supported digital strategy, content planning, and organizational outreach.
Early Leadership &
Team Development
2012 - 2016
Throughout high school, I developed early leadership and teamwork skills through long-term involvement in athletics and performing arts. I spent four years in the Riverside Kingsmen Marching Band, including three years in leadership roles, and served as a section leader for one of the largest sections, coordinating and supporting more than 20 members. These experiences laid the foundation for my collaborative, people-centered leadership style.