Cindy Vincent is assistant professor in the Department of Communications at Salem State University. She teaches media studies and public relations and is the faculty fellow for the Center for Civic Engagement. Her research primarily focuses on the power of civic media to facilitate self-empowerment, agency and civic engagement within historically marginalized populations. She also examines the use of dissent in democratic participation for negotiation of political power and social change. Her education includes a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Oklahoma, and a M.A. in Communication and B.A. in Journalism from California State University, Sacramento.