Delana Gbenekama

Delana Gbenekama is an experienced communications and equity professional, currently serving as the Equity and Communications Program Manager at the City of Santa Monica since June 2017. In this role, Delana manages a team responsible for public information dissemination, serves as the city's spokesperson, and leads strategic and crisis communications efforts. Delana has a strong background in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, having coordinated the Racial Equity Committee and organized significant community events. Prior roles include Public Relations and Community Affairs Manager at the City of Oxnard and Public Information Coordinator for the City of Pasadena, where Delana achieved notable increases in social media engagement and successfully handled media relations. Delana holds a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor's degree from Occidental College, focusing on Studies in the African Diaspora.