Lauren Lawson-Zilai is an award-winning strategic communications executive known for her leadership in mission-driven storytelling, national campaigns, and brand strategy. With more than two decades of experience across the nonprofit and social impact sectors, Lawson-Zilai has built a career turning complex issues into powerful narratives that inspire action and drive measurable results.
She is the Founder and Principal of Zeal Communications, a communications consultancy that helps mission-driven organizations amplify their impact through purposeful, results-oriented communication. At its core, Zeal works with nonprofits, associations, and socially focused initiatives to clarify their messaging, elevate their public profiles, and strengthen engagement with key stakeholders. “Zeal” is a foundational value and a bedrock for organizations striving to turn passionate purpose into lasting change.
Previously, Lawson-Zilai held senior leadership roles at organizations including the National Head Start Association and Goodwill Industries International, where she served as national spokesperson and led media relations, crisis communications, partnership cultivation, and multi-channel storytelling initiatives. Her work has earned placements in major outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, NBC News, and The TODAY Show. Her campaigns have strengthened awareness of early childhood education, workforce development, and behavioral health while impacting legislation and changing hearts and minds.
Lawson-Zilai has been recognized as a Top Woman in Communications by Ragan Communications and PR News, and numerous times by the Public Relations Society of America for community relations, excellence in integrated communications, and most valuable team member. She was also a Washington Women in Public Relations PR Woman of the Year honoree. Lawson-Zilai serves on advisory boards for iHeartRadio, Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital, National Digital Roundtable, and Ragan Communications.
A trusted strategist and collaborative leader, Lawson-Zilai brings together purpose, creativity, and data-driven insight to advance the missions of organizations that make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
I have been to management workshops, not leadership training. This has totally changed my perspective and encouraged me to propel forward in developing my skills.
I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Head Start WEST’s Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship helped me get one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a Head Start Director.
I took part in The disproportionate impact of COVID 19, and how to provide “real” support for black/brown children and families and I just want to say this was an amazing webinar. I hope we can look forward to further conversation on this topic.
Thank you so much for making events like this! I really enjoyed and learned so much teaching strategies to implement STEM in the classroom.
The HR Network was an excellent opportunity to network and learn the best practices from other HR professionals within Head Start programs. You will be amazed by the level of talent and experience of the participants.
The Summer Camp training was powerful and inspiring! Each presenter was very engaging, it’s hard to even pick a favorite session!
The Leadership Challenge training was very relevant to my work as a Head Start leader! Great facilitation; stayed with the program yet allowed time for individual and small group reflections.
Regular price $12.00
Regular price $39.00
Questions? Contact us at headstartr9@headstartwest.org.
