Deana Waintraub Stafford, M.Ed.

Deana Waintraub Stafford serves as vice president for field development and engagement with FirstGen Forward and oversees skill building and collaborations, curriculum and learning design, and scholarly knowledge and publications. This area enhances the system of support for first-generation students, graduates, and professionals by creating and delivering high-quality development and engagement opportunities across higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, corporations, and government entities. Deana's portfolio previously included strategic marketing and communications, the organization's website, managing and growing the constituent audience, the nation's first recognition program First-gen Forward, and the National First-Generation College Celebration in partnership with the Council for Opportunity in Education.

Prior to joining FirstGen Forward, Deana supported the University of Cincinnati’s Gen-1 Program, an acclaimed living and learning community that supports first-generation, low-income students. In her role, Deana was responsible for developing and implementing an evidence-based curriculum, advising students, and streamlining communication to influence persistence and retention and improve outcomes. Before transitioning to Academic and Student Affairs, Deana spent six years in Athletics as an assistant women’s soccer coach. During her time in college athletics, Deana implemented a holistic development model influencing student-athlete success beyond the undergraduate experience and promoting career readiness.

A former student-athlete and varsity letter winner, Deana earned a B.S. in education from the University of Dayton and an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from Slippery Rock University.