Lesley Lopez

Lesley Lopez is a public affairs professional with two decades of experience on Capitol Hill, campaigns, C-Suites and newsrooms. She is a graduate of GW’s Political Management Program and, prior to her appointment as Program Director of the Public Relations and Communications Program, served as an adjunct faculty member in the program (formerly Strategic Public Relations). Professor Lopez is also currently a state delegate in the Maryland General Assembly, representing District 39, and serves as Deputy Majority Whip.

Before founding her own boutique public relations firm, Professor Lopez was the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer for the political start-up Run for Something. She also served as the head of global communications for the U.S.-China Business Council and the Director of Communications for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the official party organization dedicated to winning state legislative seats.

Other notable experiences include Professor Lopez’s service as Communications Director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the group of 27 Hispanic Members of the House and Senate dedicated to voicing issues that affect Hispanics in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, such as education, healthcare and voting rights. Preceding her political career, Professor Lopez was a journalist for nearly a decade, including stints with ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, BBC, CNN, America's Most Wanted and Eurovision.

Professor Lopez has a long-held commitment to social justice and equity and, in addition to her work as a Maryland state delegate, has served on the boards of YWCA USA and NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, as well as being a National Volunteer Partner for Girl Scouts USA.