Lauren Lawson Zilai currently serves as the Senior Director of Media and Public Relations for Shatterproof, a nonprofit committed to transforming healthcare, and a Professional Advisor at American University. She specializes in dynamic communications for complex organizations at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and social change, with a private sector background and public sector mindset. Zilai is also the founder of Washington Women in Public Relations' Emerging Leaders Awards, and a past president and PR Woman of the Year honoree, receiving awards such as PR News' PR Professional of the Year: Nonprofit/Association and the Public Relations Society of America's Diamond and Platinum Awards. Lauren's strategic initiatives impact legislation, change public perception, and help disadvantaged communities with education, job placement, and asset building. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature with a minor in Mass communications from Lycoming College.