Introducing our new HazingInfo communications specialist
HazingInfo and StopHazing welcome Sierra Medina as Communications & Outreach Specialist
Sierra Medina, an experienced nonprofit communications professional, joined the teams at HazingInfo.org and StopHazing.org this week as the new Communications & Outreach Specialist.
Medina will lead communications and outreach efforts for both organizations to drive awareness and engagement while amplifying their work to end hazing through research, education, and improved access to hazing data.
Medina brings extensive experience in nonprofit marketing, digital engagement, and educational outreach to her new role. As Senior Communications Coordinator at Skyland Trail, a mental health nonprofit organization in Atlanta, she oversaw social media strategies, website management, event marketing, and stakeholder communications. Her work focused on using storytelling and human-centered approaches to drive meaningful engagement across diverse audiences.
A hopeful time in hazing prevention
“This is a tremendously hopeful time for organizations focused on hazing prevention, with new research, new technology tools, and a new federal law poised to transform awareness of hazing,” said Jolayne Houtz, founder of HazingInfo. "Sierra’s background, communications expertise, and focus on community engagement will amplify the work of both organizations and help us meet this historic moment.”
In her new position, Medina will split her time between HazingInfo and StopHazing, developing communications materials, managing social media strategies, coordinating outreach efforts, and building relationships with key stakeholders, including students, parents, and campus safety professionals.
"We're thrilled Sierra is joining our team," said Professor Elizabeth Allan, who leads StopHazing. "Her proven ability to create engaging, brand-aligned content and her commitment to equity and transparency align perfectly with our mission to promote safe and inclusive campus environments."
Combining communications and community service
Medina brings a background in journalism, communications, and higher education to her new role.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Political Science from Waynesburg University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She has completed over 2,000 hours of volunteer community service and brings experience in grant writing, event coordination, and cross-platform digital marketing.
Guided by a deep belief in the power of community and storytelling, Medina brings both curiosity and care to her work—especially when it comes to supporting students and helping build safer, more connected campus environments.
Outside of work, Sierra finds inspiration in the outdoors, whether traveling, hiking, capturing moments through freelance photography, or painting.
HazingInfo.org, launched in 2023, provides a free, searchable database of publicly available information about hazing incidents at US colleges and universities.
StopHazing.org is a leading research organization dedicated to promoting safe and inclusive environments through data-driven hazing prevention strategies.
This position is supported through StopHazing and the Sam Martinez Hazing Prevention Fund, established at the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development by Houtz and Hector Martinez in memory of their son, Sam, whose life was cut short due to hazing when he was a first-year student at Washington State University.
The role was previously held by Megan DeShon-Runge, who recently joined Missouri Western State University as director of student engagement.
Reach Sierra Medina at sierra@hazinginfo.org.
