De'Ara Balenger

De'Ara Balenger is an accomplished attorney, strategist, and co-founder of Maestra, a Black women-owned social impact and cultural strategy agency.1 Here are some key details about her background and career:

Professional Experience

De'Ara has spent over a decade working in public service, focusing on eradicating inequities in criminal justice systems, voting, and politics. Her notable roles include:

• Co-Founder of Maestra (January 2019 - Present)2
• Director of Engagement for Hillary for America (April 2014 - November 2016)2
• Justice Advisor at the U.S. Department of State (January 2012 - April 2013)2
• Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of State (December 2009 - 2012)2

Education

• Doctor of Law (JD) from Texas Southern University—Thurgood Marshall School of Law2
• Bachelor's degree in Black Studies with minors in History and Political Science from Macalester College2

Expertise and Achievements

De'Ara is an expert in strategic communication and stakeholder engagement. She bridges the spaces of politics, culture, media, activism, and communities of color to design anti-racist initiatives. Some of her notable achievements include:

• Named a 2017 Glamour Woman of the Year
• Served as a National Organizer for the Women's March on Washington in 2016
• Co-Chair of the Lower Eastside Girls Club3

Current Work

At Maestra, De'Ara works with leadership across industries on designing how to do business with an anti-racist lens.3 She and her co-founder build scalable, strategic partnerships and help clients navigate challenging and nuanced environments.1

De'Ara Balenger is known for her commitment to social justice, her extensive experience in politics and government, and her work in empowering communities of color.