Raben Supercharges Government Affairs and Strategic Communications Practices with Star Hires and Makes Bold Leadership Moves

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Raben, a leading national public affairs firm that exists to shift power and change systems, announced today that Jheanelle Wilkins will join as a principal in the Government Affairs Practice Area to help expand federal and state offerings. Raben also announced new partnerships with Erica Loewe (Biden-Harris alum), Leticia “Letty” Mederos (appropriations advisor), and Jamal Simmons (CNN commentator and former communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris), who will serve as senior advisors. With these hires, Raben — the largest majority-minority public affairs firm — strengthens its commitment to amplifying voices and advancing inclusivity for clients and communities.

“At Raben, we are deeply honored to work with trailblazing individuals whose vision, talent, and passion for strategy and equity propel our mission forward. Jheanelle Wilkins, Erica Loewe, Letty Mederos, and Jamal Simmons have distinguished themselves as champions for fairness and opportunity,” said firm President and Founder Robert Raben. “As our clients pursue bold ambitions for 2026 and beyond, we are excited to welcome Jheanelle as a principal and expand our collaboration with Erica and Letty — and welcome back Jamal — as senior advisors to help turn those visions into reality.”

Jheanelle Wilkins is a policy and government affairs leader with deep expertise in advocacy, public policy, and social impact strategy. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, she is dedicated to expanding opportunity and community strength through equity-driven policy. Before joining Raben, she spent 16 years at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, leading the state and local government affairs portfolio and advancing voting rights, justice reform, educational equity, immigrant rights, and democracy. Jheanelle serves in the Maryland General Assembly, representing District 20 in the House of Delegates and chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, overseeing revenues, education policy, child care, and gaming.

“These new partnerships, along with adding such an experienced professional as Jheanelle, are critical to expanding Raben’s already robust Government Affairs and Strategic Communications offerings. They will help our clients shape and share their story, so it not only resonates but also moves hearts and sparks meaningful action, and serve as partners in navigating complex policy landscapes and championing the issues that matter most to our partners,” said Donald Walker, chief operating officer at Raben. “We will continue to expand our offerings and invest in top-notch talent to protect progress and institutional stability, defend progressive missions and credibility under pressure, and build long-term strategy and influence alongside our clients.”

Erica Loewe will advise Raben and its clients, focusing on Black media outreach. She is a communications strategist and political commentator with over a decade of experience in media, politics, and entertainment. Erica was recently a special assistant to the president and chief of staff in the White House Office of Public Engagement, and previously director of African American media for President Biden and Vice President Harris. She has also served as deputy communications director to House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn and advised Chairwoman Maxine Waters. Recognized by The Root 100, Essence, ColorComm, and others, Erica was featured in the Emmy-winning documentary “The Sixth” and honored by the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Leticia “Letty” Mederos is a leading advisor on the annual appropriations process, with nearly 15 years of service to Representative Rosa DeLauro on the House Appropriations Committee. Before joining Raben, she was a partner at Actum and senior managing director of government affairs at an international law firm. Letty has helped nonprofit advocacy organizations secure federal investments in childcare, education, the workforce, and health care. Her government roles include chief of staff to Rep. DeLauro, managing labor and education appropriations, and Director of Labor for Senator Patty Murray and Rep. George Miller.

Jamal Simmons is a strategic communications expert with three decades of experience in government, media, and corporate affairs. He is a CNN commentator and was formerly deputy assistant to the president and communications director to Vice President Kamala Harris. Jamal has contributed to CBS News and NPR, hosted for Hill TV, and previously designed media training and policy campaigns at Raben. He co-chaired the Internet Innovation Alliance, co-founded a digital media start-up, and gained prominence as an Obama surrogate on CNN in 2008. Jamal is also a published opinion writer and holds degrees from Morehouse College and Harvard’s Kennedy School.

Raben also announced that Larry González, a founding principal, has been promoted to managing principal of Government Affairs. Larry’s extensive knowledge of state and federal law — especially when it comes to congressional hearings and oversight; finance, banking, and impact investing; and tech and telecom policy — will be an asset to our clients and team as he takes the helm of the practice area. Previously, Larry was the lead lobbyist in Washington and director for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, a nationally recognized association of more than 7,500 Latino public and appointed officials throughout the United States.

Patty First has also been named chief client services officer. In her new role, Patty is charged with helping our clients, our staff, and the visionary campaigns we put out into the world achieve greater, more lasting impact. She was previously Raben's first chief strategy and impact officer. Patty is known for distilling complex issues and helping others to focus on the big picture and get clear on the best strategy to achieve success. Over her more than two decades at Raben, Patty has earned a stellar reputation for her diplomatic and persuasive approach, and for building and nurturing relationships with partners and across coalitions.

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Raben has offices in Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; and El Paso, TX, as well as senior staff in Austin + Fort Worth, TX; Seattle, WA; and Wisconsin.