Staff Bio

Hayla Drake, Marketing Communications Specialist

Hayla loves people…and their stories - a passion evident from pretty much the day she learned to put lead (number 2) to paper (Manila with dark green lines). First grade brought the first memorable story prompt: If you could be anything else, what would you be? Her reply: A tulip.

She’s been fortunate to work for organizations that recognize and value the power of stories to create and enhance understanding to bridge divides and to ease conflict.  

Prior to joining PeaceMaker Minnesota in late 2019, Hayla enjoyed nearly 18 years with Guild Services, a nonprofit organization, providing services to individuals with mental illness and to those experiencing homelessness. In her roles as a Marketing Communications Specialist and Manager, she had the honor of helping individuals receiving services tell their personal stories. The narratives often included painful histories of abuse, bullying, and exclusion.

She’s grateful to work for an organization that provides schools with what they need to teach kids a better way: the way of including, of caring, of building community. An eternal optimist, Hayla is excited by the tremendous impact young peacemakers can make right now and throughout their lives!    

An alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, she has a B.A. in English. In 2018, she earned a Nonprofit Marketing Director certificate after completing a mentorship with author and thought leader Kivi Leroux Miller of the Nonprofit Marketing Guide.

Outside of work, you’re likely to find Hayla hanging with her family and their pets: rescue dog, Mavis; Indy, the bunny; and 7-year-old goldfish, Pearl. She also loves to read, garden, and dream of traveling…near and far.