Sonya Gavankar McKay

Sonya Gavankar-McKay is an expert brand storyteller with the heart of a journalist and the voice of a publicist. An award-winning director of strategic communication with exceptional success showcasing the mission and achievements of public and private sector organizations, she currently serves as Senior Director of Digital Strategy for Axiom Space, Earth’s first commercial space station company. She seamlessly ties together an earned, owned and shared media strategy that is innovative, creative and takes calculated risks.

Prior to her current role, she was brought to the U.S. Space Force from the private sector, to deliver much needed vibrancy to the Department of Defense’s digital media practices, breathing life into establishing the newest branch of the military in 75 years and creating a unique and recognizable brand. Her work with the Newseum brought a cohesive voice to the 250,000 square feet of exhibit and interactive programming by representing the organization in live interviews, producing award-winning documentaries and lending her likeness to animated characters.

She is also the host of the nationally syndicated “The Tech Show” and can be seen hosting programs and giving commentary on everything from hard news to cooking shows on affiliates, PBS, QVC and even the Puppy Bowl!

For two decades she has been an in-demand speaker, moderator and trainer. She loves working with young people to cultivate career success using a unique connection between personal brand building and social graces. In doing so, she is able to tap into their potential and push them to new career heights. The herExchange podcast is a supporting endeavor that brings a unique perspective and insightful conversations coupled with professional development tools. Philanthropy is an important part of her life. Sonya has served on several non-profit boards that focus on education and social change, like the Hugh O’Brian Foundation, The Miss America Organization, and Ladies America.

Sonya represented Washington, DC in the 1997 Miss America Pageant and was the first Indian American contestant in the history of the competition.

She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, 10-year-old son, and Rottweiler puppy.