Jay Ell Alexander
CEO of The Vaughn Strategy and Black Girls RUN!
Panel Discussion Topic:
Navigating Public Relations for Your Work and Business.
Panel Discussion Description:
In today’s media landscape where there is more citizen journalism, information overload, and misinformation, your brand’s reputation is important. This panel discussion breaks down how to strategically use public relations to build credibility, trust, attract opportunities, and present your brand in a positive light — whether you’re just starting out in your entrepreneurial journey, or manage a personal or corporate brand, you will learn how to effectively use public relations tools and best practices in your daily work.
About our Speaker…
Jay Ell Alexander is motivated by her passion for sparking a change in the minds and bodies of others through her entrepreneurial spirit. As owner and CEO of The Vaughn Strategy, a branding and public relations firm and Black Girls RUN!, a national running organization, she leads a powerful movement that has resonated with a huge audience. Over the last decade, she has established herself as a communications professional with a true commitment to community engagement through her passion for health and fitness. She is also the Founder of the BGR! Foundation, BGR! Junior and C+J Investments.
Black Girls RUN! has helped shift the consciousness of culture for over 250,000 African American women, encouraging them to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle through running, movement and community. It has also transformed the running community and aided in diversification and increased participation in the sport of endurance distance running. Alexander has received national and international notoriety since the start of her tenure including partnerships with Saucony, Ford, Facebook, Brooks Running, REI, Fleet Feet and media coverage on NBC News, Good Morning America, ESSENCE and Ebony Magazine.
A native of Norfolk, Va., Mrs. Alexander received her Communications degree from George Mason University and her master’s degree in strategic public relations from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also a graduate of the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Nonprofit Executive Leadership program and a Certified Run Coach.
She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She serves a variety of community boards and has completed 7 marathons and will finish the World Major Marathons in 2027. She is an author of a children’s book to support mothers in their motherhood journey. She has been recognized by iPower Richmond 30 under 30, George Mason University’s Black Alumni 40 Under 40 and the Rising Star Award by PRSA Richmond.
Jay Ell and her husband Christopher celebrated their 13th wedding this year and they are the proud parents of 6-year-old, Chris, Jr. and 4-year-old daughter, Jaycee. They are also proud pup parents to an 8-year-old black Lab, named Luna.
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