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ABOUT

A culture-first communicator helping brands step into the spotlight.

Elsie Ayala

Elsie Ayala

PR & Integrated Marketing Communications Leader

Austin, TX · English & Spanish

I'm a communications leader who believes the brands people remember are the ones that understand culture. For nearly 15 years, I've built integrated PR and marketing programs for some of the world's most recognized brands — from Buchanan's award-winning #ComoLoDigas (Cannes Lions shortlist, One Show Merit) campaign and its push to reach a new generation across the Americas, to helping ANGOSTURA® bitters grow sales, to putting Puerto Rico back on travelers' maps.

I've done that work inside some of the industry's best agencies — GALE, Group SJR, Hill+Knowlton Strategies and ICF Next (Olson Engage) — leading P&Ls, multi-agency teams and senior client relationships across the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.

I work in English and Spanish, and multicultural insight isn't a specialty I add on — it's how I see the market. I've built diverse teams, mentored communicators from intern to account supervisor, and led internal culture and DE&I programs at the agencies I've worked in.

Today I also advise founder-led brands through my independent practice. I'm open to senior communications, PR and integrated marketing roles where culture-first work can move the business.

Say hello — I'd love to hear what you're building.

EXPERIENCE

The path.

  1. 2026–Present

    Independent Strategic Communications Consultant

    BLITZ BLVD · Independent practice, Austin

    Strategic communications and PR counsel for founder-led lifestyle, CPG and hospitality brands.

  2. 2023–2025

    Engagement Lead, Client Partner

    GALE (formerly Crispin Porter Bogusky) · Austin

    Sat across Diageo's Global and U.S. Buchanan's teams — leading strategy and execution across the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, including the award-winning #ComoLoDigas (Cannes Lions shortlist, One Show Merit).

    • Diageo
    • Buchanan's
    • #ComoLoDigas
  3. 2021–2023

    Account Director

    Group SJR (WPP) · Remote

    Earned media lead across the content and publishing roster. Led communications for every fight broadcast on DAZN, including Canelo Álvarez bouts, and helped lead DAZN's UEFA Women's Champions League push. Led the full redesign of The Tiffany & Co. Foundation website and built a social media governance model with CBRE operators across markets.

    • Tiffany & Co.
    • DAZN
    • Red Bull
    • Tyson
    • CBRE
  4. 2015–2021

    Senior Account Supervisor

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies (WPP) · Austin, Chicago & London

    Promoted from Senior Account Executive to Account Supervisor to Senior Account Supervisor; led planning, partnerships and new business.

    • ANGOSTURA
    • RAGÚ
    • Bertolli
    • Puerto Rico Tourism
    • Nonni's
    • IHG
  5. 2013–2015

    Multicultural Account Executive

    ICF Next (formerly Olson Engage) · Chicago

    Multicultural PR for MillerCoors, Wrigley and Oscar Mayer brands.

    • Blue Moon
    • Miller Lite
    • Coors Light
    • Wrigley
  6. 2012–2013

    Content Analyst

    Critical Mass · Chicago

    Content strategy for website redesigns.

    • Nissan
    • HP
    • USAA
  7. 2006–2013

    Early career

    Edelman · Ruder Finn · WGN-TV · Skirt PR · Orkin

    PR and multicultural media internships, plus seven years in inside sales with an 80% close rate and $1.5MM+ in business closed per year.

B.A., Advertising & Public Relations

Loyola University Chicago

WPP Mini MBA

Strategic Thinking; Winning New Business

Accredited Event Designer

Institute of Wedding and Event Design

Languages: Native Spanish, English · Elementary Italian

HOW I LEAD

How I Lead

Ready to put your brand at the center of the story?