Lauren Lawson-Zilai is the Senior Director of Communications and Media Relations at the National Head Start Association. Lauren specializes in dynamic communications for complex organizations at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and social change, Her strategic initiatives have impacted legislation, changed public perception, and helped disadvantaged communities with education, job placement and asset building. Lawson-Zilai is the founder of Washington Women in Public Relations' Emerging Leaders Awards and a past president and PR Woman of the Year honoree. She has received prestigious awards such as PR News' PR Professional of the Year: Nonprofit/Association and the Public Relations Society of America's Diamond and Platinum Awards. She is a PRSSA Professional Advisor at American University and an Advisory Board Member for Girl Scouts Nation's Capital and iHeartMedia. She is a graduate of Lycoming College.