Everyone finds their power.
Sakénya McDonald, PhD
Mobilizing knowledge for lasting change, one conversation at a time.
StoryTeller. Strategist. Bridge-Builder.
Educator & Researcher
I spent years in higher education wearing two hats – as an administrator running academic programs and as faculty teaching about identity, ethics, and how research really works. That combo gave me a unique view of how institutions actually function and how people learn best. I use that experience to create online learning that actually makes sense – no academic jargon, just real tools that help Black girls and women understand research and claim their space in it.
Workshop Facilitator
I take that same approach into live settings where people can practice what they’re learning. My workshops aren’t just lectures – they’re interactive spaces where Black girls and women build confidence in their expertise while researchers learn how to actually connect with communities. Everyone leaves with skills they can use immediately, whether that’s knowing your rights or learning how to build genuine partnerships.
Professional Speaker
When I step on stage at conferences and universities, I’m bringing that same real-talk energy about how research needs to change. I don’t just present information – I challenge audiences to examine their own practices and move from studying communities to genuinely partnering with them. My talks shift mindsets and give people concrete ways to do the work differently.
“A good teacher tells you where to look, not what to see”.
Organizations I’ve worked with
Association of Black Women Physicians | Win With Black Women American Psychological Association | Lancaster Leadership Northern Arizona University | London Arts-Based Research Centre | Arizona Disability Law Center | The University of Arizona US Department of Education | Prescott College | 4.0 Schools The Institute for Common Power | and more…
Proud Women-Owned Small Business
Deniese & Co. LLC is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women.
The WBENC Certification process has confirmed that our business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or women, and has the appropriate structure and strategic business planning and implementation in place. By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs, which in turn empowers women as leaders and brings about a more diverse, balanced and sustainable economy.