Sonya Clay Director Sonya Clay brings over 10 years of diverse public affairs and policy experience to DCI Group. Ms. Clay’s professional background includes experience with Congress, non-profit advocacy groups and the private sector. Prior to joining DCI Group, Ms. Clay advocated for reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and global health policies for almost five years. As Domestic Policy Director for Advocates for Youth she focused on federal and state adolescent reproductive health. Ms. Clay also worked as a legislative representative for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America where she promoted global HIV/AIDS and women’s health policies. In both capacities Ms. Clay provided strategic counsel, managed grassroots advocacy activities, participated in health coalitions and lobbied the U.S. Congress, resulting in increased congressional support for international family planning programs. In addition, Ms. Clay worked with two well-established lobbying firms on behalf of universities, hospitals, non-profits and municipalities. During that time, Ms. Clay helped raise clients’ profiles within Congress and secured millions in federal funding for local projects, including her alma mater Alabama A&M University. Ms. Clay also spent six years working in the U.S. House of Representatives. While there she served Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Representative Barbara Lee of California, where she was Legislative Director. Her portfolio included federal appropriations, health, education, telecommunications, international affairs and community development. During Ms. Clay’s tenure on Capitol Hill, she helped secure federal funding for special projects and also led the effort to increase global AIDS funding by $40 million. Ms. Clay is a graduate of Alabama A&M University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science.   Back to Our People