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—so every story we tell is intentional, authentic, and impactful.
Meet the Team
Karyn Le Blanc
CEO
Karyn is the CEO and founder of KGL Communications, a full-service, woman-owned public relations firm she founded in 2019. KGL is based in Washington, D.C. but serves clients regionally and nationally with a special focus on government and transit. Karyn spent nearly a decade leading high profile communication and public relation efforts for the District of Columbia Department of Transportation and as the Director of Communications with the DowntownDC Business Improvement District. While there she helped elevate the profile of both organizations with creativity, responsiveness and attention to detail.
Karyn brings more than 20 years of experience in public relations, creative and marketing strategies and brand influence in both the public and private sectors to the KGL team. Her speciality remains transportation, infrastructure and economic development in urban centers, where she is widely considered an expert in the field. She is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Montgomery and serves on the board of directors for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Destinee Mitchell
Community Engagement Manager
As a Public Relations Manager at KGL, Destineé Mitchell leads the community engagement team in developing equitable public engagement strategies, conducting qualitative and quantitative research for clients, and building community- focused programs to boost the local economy. Before joining KGL, Destineé worked to increase workforce development and educational outcomes in k-12 schools, community colleges, and universities across the United States. With over a decade of program, event, and stakeholder management experience, she brings a combination of data , gamification, and storytelling expertise to facilitate effective community engagement. 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. In her free time, 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, Christina is responsible for administrating human resources, financial reporting and auditing, budget projections, government certifications and more. Fueled by her passion for numbers, Christina skillfully interprets financial data to uncover valuable insights that drive the business forward. In addition to accounting, Christina also leverages her human resources background to uplift the employees of KGL, furthering the culture of inclusivity and defining the firm’s direction for continued growth. Originally from the DC metropolitan area, Christina attended Messiah College where she majored in Sociology. In her free time, Christina enjoys reading and spending time with her family and furry friends.
Abby Manalo
Account Supervisor
Abby Manalo is an Account Supervisor at KGL, where she supports the development and execution of integrated communications strategies across the DMV. Her work spans community engagement, digital strategy, and client communications, helping translate complex initiatives into clear, impactful messaging. Abby collaborates across teams to manage campaigns, oversee social media and content development, and leverage data insights to measure performance and refine approach. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations & Strategic Communications with a minor in International Studies from American University. Outside of work, Abby enjoys playing tennis, reading, and cheering on New York sports teams.
Danielle Jackson
Account Specialist
I am an Account Specialist with a BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park, and I am currently pursuing an MS in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigations. I take a strategic approach to my work, excel at time management, am results-driven, and have strong data management skills. I combine analytical rigor with practical problem-solving to deliver measurable outcomes.
Professional personal mission statement: To continually grow by learning new skills and embracing challenges while staying true to integrity and perseverance.
Catalina Santander
Bilingual Account Specialist
As a bilingual account specialist for KGL, I provide specialized support for ongoing projects. I have 5 years experience of project management and over 10 years of client relations. I am detail-oriented and have high analytical skills, which allows me to provide effective and thoughtful solutions. In my current role, I leverage these strengths to support our clients and drive successful outcomes. I have an associates degree in horticulture technology, which compliments my personal interests in gardening and nature.
Danika Perez
Graphic Design & Digital Specialist
Danika Perez is KGL’s Graphic Design & Digital Specialist, blending digital media and visual design in all the work she does. Her experience spans website development, graphic design, illustration, and UI/UX, and she’s especially passionate about creating clear, accessible, and human-centered designs that turn complex ideas into meaningful visuals. She recently graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Immersive Media Design, Computing and a minor in Creative Placemaking. Outside of work, she enjoys creative expression through dance, drawing, and music, and these passions continue to shape her approach to design, making her work more empathetic, expressive, and grounded in human connection.
