R. Renee Hess

R. RENEE HESS works in community engagement for La Sierra University, and in 2018, she launched the Black Girl Hockey Club, a nonprofit organization that focuses on equity and inclusion for Black women in ice hockey. In June, 2021, she was named one of three finalists for the NHL’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, for individuals who have positively impacted the community, culture or society through the sport of hockey. Hess received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in writing and literature at La Sierra University, and has published nonfiction works and poetry in outlets such as Black Nerd Problems, Spectrum Magazine, and Racebaitr.