About

Deirdre Childress Hopkins is the Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, and Events at Penn Nursing, where she leads a dynamic team that amplifies the mission and visibility of the world’s No. 1 nursing school.

A seasoned communicator and former Senior Director of Communications at Temple University, Deirdre has crafted high-impact storytelling strategies, served as a university spokesperson, and led major initiatives across digital and traditional media. Her career spans journalism, public relations, and higher education, with previous leadership roles at Visit Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

An award-winning journalist, Deirdre’s bylines include The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Daily News. She has also taught public relations and diversity in media at Temple University and La Salle University, mentoring the next generation of communicators.

Deirdre made history as the first person of color to lead the Philadelphia Public Relations Association, and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2023. A longtime advocate for equity in media, she has held national leadership roles with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).

Passionate about storytelling, education, and community engagement, Deirdre is proud to shape the future of nursing through strategic, inclusive, and compelling communications at Penn Nursing.