The KGL Team
We're a small, women-owned communications firm delivering thoughtful strategy, creativity, and a personal, hands-on approach. Our size keeps us agile and invested, allowing us to tell stories that connect, inspire, and drive results.
Meet the Team
Karyn Le Blanc
CEO
Karyn is the CEO and founder of KGL Communications. Since founding the firm in 2019, she has led communications initiatives for clients across the region and the nation, with a particular focus on government and transit. Before launching KGL, Karyn spent nearly a decade leading high-profile communications and public relations efforts for the District of Columbia Department of Transportation and serving as Director of Communications for the DowntownDC Business Improvement District. In both roles, she elevated each organization's profile through creative strategy, responsive communications, and attention to detail.
Karyn brings more than 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing, creative strategy, and brand development across the public and private sectors. She specializes in transportation, infrastructure, and economic development in urban centers and is widely recognized for her expertise in these fields. Karyn is a graduate of the Leadership Montgomery Class of 2019 and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Destineé Mitchell
Community Engagement Manager
As an Account Manager at KGL, Destineé Mitchell leads the community engagement team in developing equitable public engagement strategies, conducting qualitative and quantitative research, and designing community-focused programs that strengthen local economies. Before joining KGL, Destineé advanced workforce development and educational outcomes across K–12 schools, community colleges, and universities throughout the United States. With more than a decade of experience in program, event, and stakeholder management, she combines data, gamification, and storytelling to create meaningful and effective community engagement strategies.
A native of the DMV area, Destineé holds a master's degree in public administration with a concentration in public policy and management from Bowie State University. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to her favorite podcasts and gardening.
Harper Mayhew
Digital & Account Supervisor
As a Digital and Account Supervisor, Harper Mayhew brings her design expertise to support clients through a variety of digital and physical communications projects. With nine years of experience, she specializes in strategic and outcome driven design that elevates brand consistency, visibility, and recognition. She expertly utilizes her problem-solving skills and attention to detail to ensure the execution and success of all communication and design projects. Harper attended Towson University earning her bachelor’s degree in art and design with a focus in graphic design and a minor in mass communication. Prior to her role at KGL, she worked as a brand designer and communication specialist where she honed her design, communication, and organizational skills. In her free time, you can find Harper renovating her home with her Husband, traveling, or spending time with her family and dogs.
Christina Underwood
Senior Administrator
Christina Underwood is KGL's Senior Administrator. In this role, she oversees financial reporting, audit preparation, contract administration, budget projections, human resources, accounting, and business development. Fueled by her passion for numbers, Christina analyzes financial data and interprets regulatory requirements to uncover insights that help drive the business forward.
Originally from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Christina graduated magna cum laude from Messiah University with a degree in sociology. Outside of work, she enjoys all things baseball and spending time with her family and furry friends.
Abby Manalo
Account Supervisor
Abby Manalo is an Account Supervisor at KGL, where she develops and executes integrated communications strategies for clients across the DMV. Her work spans community engagement, digital strategy, and client communications, translating complex initiatives into clear, impactful messaging. Abby collaborates across teams to manage campaigns, oversee social media and content development, and use data-driven insights to measure performance and refine strategy.
Abby earned her bachelor's degree in public relations & strategic communications, with a minor in international studies, from American University. Outside of work, she enjoys playing tennis, reading, and cheering on New York sports teams.
Danielle Jackson
Account Specialist
As an Account Specialist at KGL, Danielle supports client communications through strategic planning, project coordination, and data-driven problem-solving. She brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to every project, combining strong time management, organization, and data management skills to deliver measurable results. Committed to continuous learning, she approaches each challenge with integrity, perseverance, and a focus on growth.
Danielle earned her bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Maryland, College Park, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in digital Forensics and Cyber Investigations. Outside of work, she enjoys continuing her professional development and expanding her expertise through new learning opportunities.
Catalina Santander
Bilingual Account Specialist
As a bilingual Account Specialist at KGL, Catalina provides specialized support across a variety of client projects. With five years of project management experience and more than 10 years in client relations, she brings a detail-oriented, analytical approach to every engagement. She leverages these strengths to develop thoughtful solutions, support clients, and help drive successful project outcomes.
Catalina earned her associate degree in horticulture technology, a field that reflects her personal passion for gardening and nature. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring her interest in horticulture.
Danika Perez
Graphic Design & Digital Specialist
Danika Perez is KGL's Graphic Design & Digital Specialist, blending digital media and visual design across a wide range of communications projects. Her experience spans website development, graphic design, illustration, and UI/UX design, and she is especially passionate about creating clear, accessible, and human-centered designs that transform complex ideas into meaningful visual experiences.
Danika recently earned her bachelor’s degree in immersive media design, computing, with a minor in creative placemaking, from the University of Maryland. Outside of work, she enjoys expressing her creativity through dance, drawing, and music. These creative pursuits continue to shape her approach to design, inspiring work that is empathetic, expressive, and grounded in human connection.
Yahaira Landa
Bilingual Account Specialist
Yahaira Landa is a bilingual Account Specialist at KGL, where she supports ongoing client projects and communications efforts. She earned her Associate of Science degree in Information Technology with a focus on Cloud Computing and is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in information technology. With more than seven years of experience in client relations and customer support, Yahaira brings strong communication, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills to her work. She is passionate about building positive relationships and providing reliable support to both clients and team members.
Outside of work, Yahaira enjoys traveling, trying new foods, spending time with family, friends, and her animals, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
