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

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.
2026–Present
Independent Strategic Communications Consultant
BLITZ BLVD · Independent practice, Austin
Strategic communications and PR counsel for founder-led lifestyle, CPG and hospitality brands.
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
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
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
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
2012–2013
Content Analyst
Critical Mass · Chicago
Content strategy for website redesigns.
- Nissan
- HP
- USAA
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
Before platforms or placements, I study the conversations, communities and signals that show where a brand can authentically show up.
No templates. Every program is built for the brand, the market and the moment, and refined until the details are right.
I invest in lasting relationships with media, creators, talent, partners and the teams I lead. They open doors paid reach alone can't.
I embed in the business, anticipate needs before they surface and protect profitability while delivering the work.
Multicultural perspectives are the mainstream. I've built diverse teams, led DE&I and culture programs, and made work that respects the communities it speaks to.