Donalyn Dela Cruz

Donalyn Dela Cruz specializes in strategic communications with an extensive background in journalism, public relations, crisis communications, public affairs, and community engagement. She is the owner of DDC Consulting, LLC, and was a former news reporter, deputy communications director and spokesperson for former governor Neil Abercrombie, press secretary for the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, and director of communications for the Hawaiʻi State DOE. Donalyn has been featured in PBN’s 2009 40 Under 40; is an alum of the American Council of Young Political Leaders; and an inaugural member of Omidyar Fellows. She is a native of Wahiawā, Oʻahu, where she danced under the late Kumu Hula Hokulani DeRego. Donalyn holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UH Mānoa and a master’s degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School.