donnicahs
Donnica Hawes-Saunders is the Founder and CEO of The Averity Group, a public affairs firm recognized nationally for its work in public policy, strategic communications, and reputation management. With a career that spans Capitol Hill, global corporations, and community leadership, she has built a reputation for helping highly regulated organizations turn complex challenges into opportunities for progress and trust-building.
A mission-driven strategist, Donnica has led groundbreaking initiatives at companies like Philip Morris International and Heineken USA, creating cross-sector partnerships that advanced sustainability, public health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her work has been featured in World Leaders Magazine, Diplomatic Courier, SheMedia, Sustainable Brands, and Authority Magazine, as well as on multiple podcasts and global stages.
Donnica has been named Yahoo Finance’s EMpower 100 Global Future Leaders and honored with the PRISM International Diversity Impact Award. She is also a 2025 Business Journal Forty Under 40 Honoree and Better Business Bureau Women to Watch Honoree. Beyond her professional work, she serves on the board of Dayton Live, the Influencer Council of Running Start, and as an Ambassador for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
At her core, Donnica is passionate about using strategy, storytelling, and coalition-building to empower communities and create lasting impact.
