Venkayla Haynes

Venkayla Haynes is the founder of EH Strategies and Director of Communications at Black Voters Matter, where she amplifies mission-driven organizations and builds strategic communications that drive engagement, impact, and change. EH Strategies, named in honor of her father Edwin Haynes, was created to ensure nonprofits and social justice organizations have partners who understand the stakes and can translate lived experience into compelling narratives.

A dedicated organizer and change-maker, Venkayla’s work is grounded in lived experience and a deep commitment to movement building. For over a decade, she has championed the rights of communities impacted by sexual violence, police brutality, voter suppression, homelessness, gentrification, and more.

Her activism spans K–12 classrooms and university campuses nationwide, leading initiatives in educational programming, community outreach, digital organizing, strategic marketing, content creation, and partnership development. She has influenced systems at every level collaborating with administrators, shaping policy conversations with local and statewide officials, and advocating for survivors of violence in settings from small-group dialogues to national conferences. Institutions such as Harvard Graduate School of Education, Eastern Michigan University, Morehouse College, Emory University, and Stanford Law School have recognized her as a trusted voice in the national conversation on safety, justice, and survivor empowerment.

Collaboration drives her work. Venkayla partners with local and national organizations, grassroots networks, and public figures to create initiatives rooted in healing, equity, and action. Her work has been honored by Forbes, the NBA, NBC News, and leaders including former Vice President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama. Through EH Strategies and Black Voters Matter, she ensures vital voices are heard and social change is amplified.