Donalyn Dela Cruz specializes in strategic communications. She has over 20 years of combined experiences in broadcast journalism, print and digital media, public relations, government affairs, and community outreach. Her career includes being a reporter for KHON, Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka, a lobbyist for Pacific Management Consultants, Inc., Deputy Communications Director for Governor Neil Abercrombie and, Communications Director for the Hawaii State Department of Education.  Currently, Donalyn is the owner of DDC Consulting, LLC where she provides strategic communications consulting and community engagement services. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Hawaii – Manoa and a master’s in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Donalyn is a native of Wahiawa and a proud graduate of Leilehua High.