Deanna Morena Hernandez, KSM ‘16
Name: Deanna Moreno Hernandez, KSM '16
Title: Field Marketing Officer at McDonald’s, Board Member, Kellogg Executive Women’s Network (KEWN)
Social Media: LinkedIn
Leading with Purpose: A Conversation with Deanna Hernandez on Career, Resilience, and Representation
In this edition, Bimpe sat down with Deanna, a seasoned marketing leader whose career spans multiple industries and disciplines. From navigating bold career pivots to championing diversity in professional spaces, Deanna shared her insights, motivations, and lessons learned along the way.
Career Journey and Leadership
Q: You have an extensive marketing career that spans multiple industries. Can you share a little about your career journey and any pivotal moments that shaped your path?
Deanna's journey through digital marketing has been guided by a passion for learning and adapting. With experience across industries, she described each chapter of her career as a building block, always evaluating whether she’s learned enough to take on the next challenge. A pivotal moment for her was realizing the value of cross-industry experience and the clarity it brought to her long-term aspirations—including gaining international exposure and opening doors for other women of color.
Q: What inspired you to make some of the career changes you’ve navigated successfully, and how did you approach those transitions with confidence?
For Deanna, career transitions are less about chasing titles and more about personal growth. Each move is intentional, rooted in self-reflection. “Have I learned what I needed to here?” is the question she asks before each leap. That mindset has helped her stay grounded, even during major shifts.
Motivation
Q: What motivates you, and how do you define success?
Deanna is motivated by impact—especially the kind that opens pathways for others. She’s passionate about increasing representation, particularly for women of color in corporate spaces. Success, for her, means helping others rise while continuing to grow herself.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self or young professionals?
"Maintain relationships and enjoy the ride,” she says. Deanna emphasized that success is a journey, not a checklist, and that relationships are just as important as results.
Representation and Legacy
Q: How has your identity influenced your leadership style and approach?
As a woman of color, Deanna is acutely aware of how representation—or the lack thereof—shapes experiences in the workplace. Her leadership is rooted in approachability, reliability, and influence. She believes in coaching others to speak up and take space, especially those who might feel overlooked.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
Deanna’s vision is clear: to leave the ladder down for those coming behind her and to help shift the face of leadership in marketing and beyond.
Challenges and Resilience
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced, and how did you overcome them?
Delegation and talent development emerged as key challenges as she stepped into leadership. Deanna continues to refine these skills, knowing that growing others is part of growing as a leader. She also noted the need for women of color to practice assertiveness—a lesson she now shares with mentees.
Q: How do you maintain resilience and balance?
Deanna's resilience toolkit includes monthly reflection, workouts, time with friends, and quiet moments to recharge. “Know what fills your cup,” she advises. She and Bimpe agreed that grace—for oneself and others—is essential, especially in high-stakes environments.
This or That with Deanna
Spring or Summer? Summer ☀️
Outdoor brunch or sunset dinner? Brunch (she’s an early bird!) 🥞
Weekend getaway or staycation? Getaway 🧳
Picnic in the park or hike in the hills? Hike 🥾 (it’s her new favorite bonding activity)
Brand Marketing or Performance Marketing? Performance 📈 (“I love the data!”)
