Meet the PCDC Steering Committee

Elaine de Leon Ahn is Roderick & Solange MacArthur Justice Center’s Director of Communications. With more than 15 years of advocacy and communications experience, Elaine has extensive experience in developing and managing campaigns that leverage the power of storytelling, public relations, and marketing for social change. Prior to joining the MacArthur Justice Center, Elaine led communications at advocacy and policy organizations, including Tahirih Justice Center, Young Invincibles, Institute for Policy Studies, and Death Penalty Information Center. She has also served as an account manager at Vanguard Communications and has taught as an adjunct professor at American University’s School of Communications. Elaine holds a Masters in Strategic Communication from American University and a Masters in Theological Studies from Wesley Theological Seminary. [LinkedIn]

Lelani Clark is a strategic communications executive and trusted advisor who leads high-impact campaigns across business, entertainment, politics, technology, healthcare, and mission-driven sectors. Equity-centered in her approach, Clark is also a recognized media expert, speaker, and AI ethics leader whose work amplifies inclusive narratives and aligns influence with social responsibility. In addition to serving on the PCDC Steering Committee, she serves as Board Secretary for the UC Berkeley Cal Alumni Club of New York (CACNY), and is a member of the Radical Communicators Network. She is a Harry Frank Guggenheim and Tow Fellow at John Jay College’s Center on Media, Crime & Justice, holds DEI certifications from the University of South Florida and Ragan Communications, and is a published poet currently working on a book centered on social justice. [LinkedIn]

Michelle Cragle (she/her) is an award-winning communications strategist and consultant with 20+ years of experience leading campaigns for nonprofits, public health agencies, and government programs. She began her DC career at the National Museum of Women in the Arts and supported Capital Bikeshare’s regional expansion, leading the Capital Bikeshare for All equity initiative. Michelle has developed national campaigns for HIV and STI prevention for the Health Resources and Services Administration, HPV vaccine awareness for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and launched HUD’s Let’s Make Home the Goal and the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant Program. Her work focuses on equity, behavior change, and measurable impact. [LinkedIn]

Ashley Dobson is the founder and lead storyteller at Through Narrative, a communications and public outreach firm that leverages the power of storytelling to create impactful communications work that inspires action and bridges understanding. With over 15 years of experience spanning roles from small town newspaper journalist to social media manager at an education association to vice president at a government contracting agency, she brings strong project management skills, writing and editing expertise, and strategic leadership to every initiative she undertakes. Ashley is proud to serve on the PCDC Steering Committee, where she can use her skills to champion progressive values and build community. [LinkedIn]

Seth Jacobs is a technologist and digital strategist with nearly two decades of experience helping nonprofits harness technology to advance their missions. He’s passionate about building digital ecosystems that expand reach, deepen engagement, and drive real-world impact. A strong advocate for agile, efficient project management and holistic digital strategy, Seth works closely with nonprofit partners to design scalable, user-centered solutions that make a difference.

Outside of work, Seth enjoys running and watching soccer. He also co-founded the Sunset Run for Refugees, an annual 5K in Washington, DC that raises awareness and funds to support displaced communities around the world. [LinkedIn]

Byron E. Johnson is a strategic communications professional specializing in crisis management and public affairs. With two decades of experience, he helps organizations navigate complex challenges, protect reputations, and manage stakeholder relationships. His expertise spans legislative and regulatory engagement at local, state, and federal levels, advancing the interests of leading healthcare and business organizations. 

Byron has represented clients including CHRISTUS Health, NMDP, Johnson & Johnson, Philips, PhRMA, Humana, Pfizer, and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. His accomplishments include safeguarding Medicare Advantage programs, preserving practice autonomy for healthcare professionals, and leading coalitions for public health initiatives. Notably, he developed a legislative campaign for NxStage that influenced CMS to expand Medicaid coverage for home dialysis. He serves as board chair for The Women’s Safe House and First Candle, and holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. [LinkedIn]

Carrie Johnson is the Founder and Principal of Carrie Johnson Communications, LLC, a strategic communications firm for purpose-driven organizations dedicated to creating a positive global impact through partnerships. With more than 15 years of experience as a Director of Communications and an Editor-in-Chief for nonprofit associations in the education and healthcare sectors, she has cultivated mutually beneficial relationships with journalists, clients, corporate partners, members, and donors. Carrie serves on the Washington Women in Public Relations professional society's Pro Bono & Social Impact Committee, where she provides strategic communications support, capacity building, and expertise to WWPR's 2026-2027 Pro Bono Client, Community Bridges. [LinkedIn]

Lauren Lawson-Zilai is the Founder and Principal of Zeal Communications. She has been recognized by PR News as one of the Top Women in PR and as PR Professional of the Year in the nonprofit/association category, as well as by Ragan Communications as one of the Top Women in Communications. Lauren was also honored as Woman of the Year by Washington Women in Public Relations. She serves on the advisory boards of the National Digital Roundtable, the Girl Scouts Women's Advisory Board, and iHeartRadio. [LinkedIn]

Ritza Yana is an award-winning creative communications strategist and producer with over 15 years of experience shaping narratives at the intersection of culture, community, and advocacy. As Managing Partner of R.Y.Ink!, she leads strategic storytelling and media efforts that amplify underrepresented voices and support arts, education, and civic-focused initiatives. Her work has earned regional and national media attention for its impact-driven approach to communications. [LinkedIn]