Lorely De Leon
Lorely De Leon is a seasoned communications professional with over eighteen years of experience in public relations, media, and branding. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Communications and Public Relations at AVANCE Houston, Inc., where she leads strategic initiatives to enhance the organization’s visibility and impact. In her role, Lorely oversees marketing and communication teams, manages media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement, and crafts strategies that elevate awareness of AVANCE’s mission to empower families through education and opportunity. Her work also emphasizes fostering meaningful connections with corporate volunteers, alumni, and community partners.
Before her current leadership role, Lorely developed and executed a social media strategy that grew AVANCE Houston’s online engagement from zero to over 5,000 followers. She managed bilingual communications, media outreach, and produced over 800 educational and informational videos, demonstrating her expertise in creative content creation and brand storytelling. Lorely has also held roles in journalism and media, including Editor-in-Chief of La Prensa de Houston and Web Content Editor at Newspan Media Corporation, where she honed skills in writing, editing, digital media, and audience engagement.
A committed community advocate, Lorely serves on boards and advisory committees such as Jolt Action and the Alley Theatre, reflecting her dedication to civic engagement and Latinx cultural initiatives in Houston. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Lamar University and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Houston. Fluent in Spanish, Lorely combines her professional expertise with a passion for empowering communities, advancing nonprofit missions, and connecting people through strategic, impactful communications.
• Post-Production Certificate
• Lamar University- M.B.A.
• University of Houston- B.A.
• Houston City College- A.A.
• Go Texan Day
• AVANCE Houston Goes Western 2022
• Video Production/Internal Communications
• Nonprofit Communications Team of the Year
• Destacada Gestión Periodística
• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
• Houston Chapter – Member International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
• Houston – Member Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
• Greater Houston Chapter – Member Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Community Partner & Communications Advocate University of Houston Alumni Association – Active Member Texas Nonprofit Management Network – Participant & Communications Advisor
• Jolt Action
• Alley Theatre
• Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement
• Lean In Latinas
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a blend of curiosity, perseverance, and the courage to embrace unexpected opportunities. From my early days in the newsroom to leading communications at AVANCE-Houston, I’ve discovered that staying open to new experiences, leaning into challenges, and telling stories that matter are the driving forces behind meaningful impact and personal growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Don’t just build a career—build a reputation.” I’ve taken that to heart by striving to lead with integrity, self-worth, and a commitment to creating value for others. I believe the most enduring success comes from a reputation rooted in empathy, excellence, and respect. From the newsroom to executive leadership, I’ve learned that doing everything with love and purpose strengthens relationships and inspires trust. My father always told me, “Educate yourself, because that’s how you break barriers.” That wisdom continues to guide me as I stay curious, embrace challenges, and tell stories that create lasting impact in the communities I serve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace every opportunity, even the small or “starting” roles, because they teach invaluable lessons. Don’t be discouraged by a “no”—keep knocking on doors, stay curious, and be willing to learn from those around you; these experiences will shape your path and help you grow into the leader you aspire to become.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating career transitions and adapting storytelling to measure impact in deeper, more meaningful ways—not just in readership, but in lives changed and resources raised. These challenges, however, create powerful opportunities: to build authentic relationships, deepen community engagement, and use strategic communication to drive real, lasting change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are faith, family, curiosity, persistence, and a commitment to continuous learning. I believe that every opportunity—no matter how small—is a chance to grow, develop new skills, and make a meaningful impact. Faith grounds my decisions and gives purpose to my leadership. Curiosity keeps me open to new ideas, while persistence helps me navigate challenges with resilience. I strive to lead with integrity and empathy.