Erika Young is an outreach and engagement specialist with more than 20 years of experience working with non-profit organizations, as well as local, state, and federal governments to turn their ideas into action. 

 

A policy strategist, an engagement professional, and a communicator; Erika became an advocate at 9 years old when her mother volunteered her to work at a community crime prevention event. 

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Erika brought that passion to DC, where she has spent the past 20 years in public service. From running nationwide transportation advocacy campaigns to planning the relaunch and rebrand of a national advocacy organization;  Erika has helped non-profit organizations and public agencies who are struggling to communicate and gain support for thorny issues.

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Erika has helped a number of non-profits align their business development goals with their outreach objectives, which created new, revenue-generating programs that secured more than $100,000 in small-dollar donations in the first year and has turned around flagging programs, and returning them to profitability.

 

With a collaborative, action-oriented approach; ELY Public Affairs is focused on the transportation, community development, and environment spaces. As the Principal, Erika has spent her career breaking down barriers between people and power. Prior to the creation of ELY Public Affairs; Erika served as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for both Smart Growth America and Transportation for America. She also directed the transportation policy and program portfolio for the National Association of Regional Councils, and served as the Legislative Director for Congressman Nick J. Rahall (ret.), as well as other congressional offices including the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the Budget Committee for the U.S. House of Representatives.