Deona (Dee) Hatley (EMBA’26) on Fostering Community and Mentorship

During the month of February, Georgetown McDonough joins the nation in commemorating Black History Month. To celebrate, we are spotlighting exceptional Black students in the McDonough community who are creating impact and exemplifying the Georgetown spirit through their academics, careers, and personal lives.

Deona (Dee) Hatley (EMBA’26) is a student in McDonough’s Executive MBA program and is also part of the learning and development team at Georgetown University Human Resources. 

Here, Hatley reflects on transformative experiences in the EMBA program, the importance of building community, and how the support of mentors has been key to her development as a leader.

What has your experience as a Georgetown EMBA student been like?

My EMBA experience has been an exciting whirlwind — challenging, yet deeply rewarding! I started this program while stepping into a new role and function within the university, transitioning from the fitness and wellness department to learning and development – which felt like a plunge into deep water before learning how to swim. The coupling of demands from my new role and the academic rigor of the EMBA program certainly have been expanding my resilience and capacity for leadership. However, both have reinforced the power of community, and I am truly grateful to have found such at work and at school.

What makes this journey so special and personally fulfilling is the EMBA Class of 2026! Our cohort surpassed diversity records for the program. We come from different industries, experiences, and backgrounds, which I truly believe is the driving factor for the richness of dialogue, depth of programmatic substance, and overall growth as executive leaders. I’m honored to be part of this special group representing a wide range of distinguished experiences, but what unites us most is our shared drive to excel, support one another, and make an impact locally and globally. 

Are you involved in any organizations?

Community is everything to me, and being part of organizations that foster support, growth, and representation has been an essential part of how I spend my time and contribute to the university and greater community.

I’m a member of the Georgetown Black MBA Association, a community dedicated to increasing the representation of Black leaders in business. It’s more than just a network — it’s a space where we support one another in pursuing personal and professional goals while enriching the McDonough experience. As a Georgetown employee, I’m involved in Georgetown’s Black Diaspora Employee Resource Group, which has been a grounding force for me and many other Black employees. This group provides resources, networking opportunities, and programming that support career growth and promote a greater understanding of the Black employee experience at Georgetown. As a future alumna, I look forward to becoming involved with the Georgetown Black Alumni Council.

Outside of Georgetown, I am a member of a graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship among college women, study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women to improve their social stature, maintain a progressive interest in college life, and be of “service to all mankind.”

What are some of your programs’ highlights and how have they impacted your career goals?

One of the most defining moments in this program has been the opening residency, which is immersive, intense, and truly transformational. It felt like a business boot camp where theory meets practice regularly and in real-time. The experience pushed me to refine my strategic thinking, tackle problems from multiple angles, and build strong bonds with my classmates early in the semester. Another pivotal experience has been executive coaching. My coach has challenged me to lean into my strengths while identifying areas for growth, which has been essential in my own development and executive presence. 

This program has also helped me refine my long-term vision: to be a catalyst for meaningful change within organizations by creating environments where people thrive — both professionally and holistically. My background in fitness and wellness taught me that strong foundations are the key to success, whether in physical health or workplace culture. Now, I focus on making training, development, and systems more than just operational tools — they should empower the people who use them.

I’ve come to see that employees are a business’s greatest asset. When they feel supported, equipped, and valued, employees perform at their best, drive innovation, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable workplace. 

In what ways are you personally recognizing or celebrating Black History Month this year?

Black History Month isn’t just a moment in February, it’s part of my everyday life. I live it, celebrate it, and honor it year-round.

This year, I’ve been intentional about how I gather, reflect, and uplift:

• Gather: I recently attended the Patrick Healy Dinner, a powerful space where Black excellence at Georgetown is recognized and celebrated. Events like these remind me that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and it’s our responsibility to keep building.
• Reflect: I’m deepening my knowledge by exploring the Georgetown Slavery, Memory, and Reconciliation project. I’ve also been reading, listening to audiobooks, and engaging with music that highlights the Black experience and achievement.
• Uplift: Whether it’s mentoring, supporting Black-owned businesses, or making sure conversations about Black history don’t stop after February 28, I’m committed to action, not just recognition.

Is there someone, whether a mentor, professor, peer, or public figure, who has inspired you throughout your journey?

I am incredibly fortunate to have two phenomenal Black women mentors who have played a key role in my Georgetown career and EMBA journey. 

Patricia Grant, senior associate dean of the Undergraduate Program at McDonough, is a true inspiration. She lifts others up as she grows, using her journey to inspire students who might feel overlooked. I admire how she balances ambition with authenticity. Roberta Kelley Paul in Human Resources at Georgetown is a force to be reckoned with. She ensures everyone’s voice is heard and tackles challenges head-on. Her approach has taught me that confidence and compassion can go hand in hand in leadership.

Both of these women earned their MBAs while working — proving that excellence isn’t about convenience, but commitment. Their journeys remind me that walking in purpose makes every step worth it. I’m deeply grateful for their mentorship and the impact they’ve had on my journey.

How can Georgetown students and the greater community commemorate Black History Month?

Step 1: Be present. Engage with the events happening on campus and throughout Washington, D.C. Showing up matters. 

Step 2: Educate yourself. Black History Month exists for a reason. It’s a chance to recognize the contributions, challenges, and victories that have helped shape this country. But it’s not just about reflecting on the past — it’s about seeing how history continues to influence the present and shape the future.

Step 3: Support beyond February. Black history is part of American history and is woven into the country’s foundation. Attend events, read books, have conversations — but more importantly, carry that same energy throughout the year. Support Black businesses, donate to Black organizations, advocate for equity in your spaces, and challenge narratives that diminish Black contributions. 

True allyship is not seasonal — it is a year-round commitment.