Emerging Leaders Class of 2024

Hy-Deia Elwadi, also known as Deia El-Wadi, is a multifaceted community leader, public relations professional, Ubuntu advocate, mother, spoken word artist, and national slam poet hailing from Rochester, N.Y. She has competed with Buffalo's National Slam Team, "Pure Ink Poetry," seamlessly merging artistry with community leadership. Deia's writing draws from her internal dialogue, personal experiences, and societal taboos, all with the goal of sparking meaningful conversations. Her work ranges from direct societal commentary to poignant storytelling, capturing deep emotions within the ordinary and, in her own words, “Being Extremely REAL.”

As a community curator and self-proclaimed “Gift of Gab Guru,” Hy-Deia combines her passion for communication with a strong academic foundation, holding a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from SUNY Brockport. She uses her dynamic personality and skillset to connect with others through public speaking, spoken word, slam poetry, and building authentic relationships.

In addition to her PR and community work, Hy-Deia is a tarot reader and professional astrologer. She runs an online business called “The Haus of Indigo,” dedicated to the spiritual healing and development of Black and Brown communities. When she's not working, you can find her making art and grooving to her vinyl record collection with her daughter.