Jerrica Thurman

Meet Jerrica Thurman – a powerhouse in strategic communications and the visionary founder behind Elation Communications, a trailblazing firm helping mission-driven organizations amplify their voice, elevate their brand, and accelerate impact. With more than two decades of leadership at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and social change, Jerrica is redefining what it means to lead with purpose in today’s fast-moving world.
As President & CEO of Elation Communications, Jerrica is not just building a company—she’s building a movement. She leads with bold vision and creative edge, bringing fresh energy to brand strategy, organizational growth, and inclusive communications. Under her leadership, Elation has become a go-to partner for nonprofits, foundations, and purpose-led enterprises ready to reimagine how they show up and stand out in a crowded media landscape.
Jerrica’s career is marked by transformative wins—including securing a game-changing $15 million federal grant for people with disabilities, repositioning national associations, and leading communications campaigns that drive equity, innovation, and influence. Her award-winning work has earned national recognition—including the 2024 APEX Award for Publication Excellence in Campaigns, Programs & Plans for Public Service and the 2021 APEX Award in COVID-19 Media – Education & Training, further cementing her reputation as a leader who delivers both strategy and substance.
But Jerrica isn’t just an executive—she’s an educator, mentor, and changemaker. Whether teaching in the classroom, shaping policy conversations, or coaching rising leaders, her passion for empowering others is unmistakable. She brings deep expertise from the worlds of PR, education, disability advocacy, and association management—and she does it all with a creative spark and unapologetic authenticity.
Armed with dual master’s degrees in Business and Communications, Jerrica is also a published author, managing editor, and proud alum of the Emma Bowen Foundation’s media diversity pipeline. Her professional affiliations read like a who’s who of changemaking networks, and she’s not done yet.
Whether she’s helping a nonprofit rebrand, leading a storytelling session, or building the future of inclusive communications, Jerrica Thurman is the voice you want in the room when innovation, impact, and equity are on the table.