At four years old, Dana Priyanka Hammond’s world shattered when she was abandoned at an Indian train station. What followed was a harrowing journey through kidnapping, near-trafficking, and years of abuse that would break most spirits. Today, she stands as an author, entrepreneur, and advocate, channeling her experiences into a mission to help others heal while searching for the birth parents she hasn’t seen in decades.
Hammond’s memoir, “Abandoned But Not Forgotten,” chronicles her extraordinary survival story—from being stuffed in a rice sack as a kidnapped child to navigating America’s foster care system. The book has become a beacon for trauma survivors, offering both testimony and practical hope for those facing abandonment and isolation.
Her literary work extends beyond memoir into faith-centered growth and practical guides. “The Solo Journey: Why You Don’t Need Others to Find Fulfillment” teaches readers to transform solitude into strength through self-compassion and boundary-setting. Her latest release, “Against All Odds: The Enemy’s Plan and God’s Purpose,” blends personal narrative with actionable strategies for rebuilding after loss.
Hammond’s entrepreneurial vision manifests through multiple ventures designed to empower others. Her online healing community provides trauma-informed, faith-aware resources through affordable micro-courses and workbooks. Members access reflection prompts, downloadable journals, and gentle accountability in a judgment-free environment where growth happens at each individual’s pace.
In 2025, Hammond launched DPH Publishing, a boutique micro-press focused on bringing purpose-driven books to market with professional polish and author-first care. The company specializes in manuscript-ready production, including editorial services, interior layout, and cover design, while helping authors maintain creative control and ownership of their work.
Unlike traditional publishing houses, DPH Publishing emphasizes craft over marketing packages. Instead, Hammond explores collaborative pathways that give authors access to alternative promotional tools through partnerships with magazines, nonprofits, churches, and community organizations. These optional services range from media pitch packs to curriculum companions, allowing authors to select outreach methods that align with their message and budget.
Hammond’s academic journey reinforces her practical expertise. After earning her Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies with a business concentration and Bachelor of Liberal Studies focusing on Business Administration and Project Management, she is now completing her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. This educational foundation informs her trauma-informed approach to leadership and community building.
As a speaker featured on platforms like A-Speakers and SpeakerHub, Hammond addresses audiences ranging from NGOs to faith communities. Her presentations merge scholarship with lived experience, covering topics from resilience and ethical leadership to trauma-informed organizational practices.
Beyond her literary and entrepreneurial pursuits, Hammond advocates for mental health awareness, foster care reform, and anti-trafficking initiatives. She’s currently embarking on a documentary journey to India, chronicling her search for her birth parents while raising awareness about child trafficking—transforming personal healing into collective action.
Hammond’s holistic approach to empowerment extends to financial wellness through Hammond Tax Services, where she provides straightforward guidance for families, students, and solopreneurs. This practical support complements her emotional healing resources, recognizing that true resilience encompasses both inner strength and outer stability.
For those seeking Hammond’s resources, her comprehensive author hub offers access to her books, healing community, and publishing services. Through her multifaceted work, she demonstrates that abandonment doesn’t define destiny—it can become the foundation for helping others find their own path to purpose and healing.
