Our new Parent/Guardian and Community Liaison has deep ties to D.C. and UHMP

By Deirtra Harris

Youthcast Media Group®

Deirtra Harris, former home health aide and high school PTA member

My name is Deirtra Harris and I am the Parent/Guardian & Community Liaison for Youthcast Media Group® (formerly known as Urban Health Media Project). I will collaborate with Jeannine Hunter, Brie Zeltner, Mindy Fetterman, and Jayne O’Donnell. I will reach out to the parents of students who are interested in the program, as well as making sure we have a permission slip for each of our high school students so the student can participate in YMG. I’ll also be available to answer any questions from parents/guardians, as well as the community.

I’m the proud parent of a 2019 Richard Wright Public Charter School (RWPCS) graduate in Washington, D.C. My son, Davon Harris, was Valedictorian of his class and also the Student Body President. That same year, I was awarded the “Star Parent of the Year” for having such an outstanding student and for my involvement as a parent.

Davon is also an intern for YMG. Along with his appearance at the national Fair Housing conference, he had the pleasure to interview actress Taraji P. Henson in 2019 on mental health. That video and several other videos, articles and photos he produced appeared in USA TODAY and on youthcastmediagroup.org. He is in his second year of college at Virginia Union University (VUU). His major is Mass Communications & Journalism.

I will be keeping parents informed about YMG and how we help children succeed, serve as a liaison between RWPCS, other high schools and YMG and provide support, resources and connections between willing community members and our young journalists.

After all, we all share the same goals: to improve the health of our communities and increase opportunities for their diverse young residents in the media!