Rashay Layman is the founder and Senior Consultant at Sown Strategies and currently serves as the Senior Public Relations Manager at ESA. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Rashay has established herself as a leading expert in public relations, community engagement, and renewable energy development. Her journey from a passionate advocate to a respected leader in stakeholder relations is marked by her dedication to fostering collaboration and driving positive change. I had the chance to learn more about Rashay’s inspiring path and how she’s shaping the future of renewable energy through effective communication and advocacy.
Early Life and Education
Rashay Layman grew up in Worthington, Ohio, in a family that valued hard work, community involvement, and empathy. Her grandfather, Bobby Layman, was a well-known car dealer, and from him, Rashay inherited her commitment to service and an entrepreneurial spirit. Rashay attended Thomas Worthington High School, where she developed a love for advocacy and leadership, excelling in activities like ballet, lacrosse, and hiking.
A childhood friend recalls Rashay as always being the one who brought people together and took charge. “Rashay was the kind of person who could organize a group of friends around a cause, even when we were just kids,” they shared. This early drive to create positive change led Rashay to pursue her studies at Muskingum College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Business, with a minor in Philosophy.
Rashay’s journey into public relations and energy policy was fueled by her passion for making a difference in her community and advocating for sustainable solutions.
Launching Sown Strategies and Career Growth
After her studies, Rashay began her career working for advocacy groups like Working America and the Sierra Club, where she developed grassroots campaigns around energy and environmental policy. These experiences helped her understand the importance of building genuine relationships and the power of community organizing.
In 2023, Rashay took a bold step and founded Sown Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in public relations, stakeholder engagement, and land-use development for the renewable energy sector. “I saw a gap in how energy projects were engaging with communities,” Rashay explains. “I wanted to create a firm that put people first, ensuring that every project not only benefits the environment but also aligns with the needs and values of the communities it touches.”
Through Sown Strategies, Rashay has led impactful campaigns that help renewable energy developers engage with stakeholders in both rural and metropolitan areas. Her grassroots approach and ability to adapt to each community’s unique identity have set her apart in the industry. “The most successful campaigns come from a place of understanding and respect,” Rashay shares.
Rashay’s work at Sown Strategies caught the attention of ESA, where she now also serves as the Senior Public Relations Manager. In this role, Rashay continues to drive meaningful engagement in the renewable energy sector, building coalitions, and advocating for sustainable development.
Her Approach to Success and Challenges
“True success isn’t just about landing the big projects; it’s about cultivating relationships, staying committed to your values, and never losing sight of the bigger picture,” Rashay emphasizes. She believes that being an effective leader means being resilient, adaptive, and always ready to learn. Her journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but Rashay sees obstacles as opportunities to grow.
“I think the biggest challenge is often ourselves—the doubts, the fear of failing,” she says. “But I’ve learned that discipline, humility, and staying true to your mission are key to pushing through and achieving great things.”
A colleague in the industry shared, “Rashay is more than just a public relations manager. She’s a community builder who brings people together and inspires them to take action. Her ability to connect with others and lead with empathy is what makes her stand out.”
Future Plans & Passion Projects
Looking ahead, Rashay is focused on expanding Sown Strategies to work on larger-scale renewable energy projects across the Midwest and beyond. She’s passionate about ensuring that renewable energy development is done in a way that respects and benefits local communities. “I want to continue creating spaces where communities feel heard and valued, especially when it comes to projects that impact their local landscape and future,” Rashay explains.
Rashay is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of women in public relations and the renewable energy sector. “It’s important to me that women see there’s a place for them in this industry where we build each other up, that their voices are powerful and necessary.”
Balancing Career and Personal Life
Despite her busy schedule, Rashay finds time to dedicate to her role as a mother to her two children, who she describes as the light of her life. “My kids are my biggest inspiration,” she shares. “They remind me why it’s important to fight for a sustainable future.”
She enjoys being involved in her children’s activities, leading a Girl Scout troop, and participating in local community events. Rashay also practices self-care through ceramics, cooking, and spending time in nature. “Finding balance is a journey,” she says. “It’s about being present in the moment and prioritizing what truly matters.”
Giving Back and Empowering Others
Rashay’s commitment to giving back is evident in her work with CHOICE (Center for Humane Options in Childbirth Experiences), where she served as Board President for over three years. During this time, she led strategic planning, fundraising, and community outreach efforts to support families seeking midwifery-centered childbirth options.
She is also passionate about supporting mothers and advocating for better options in childbirth and breastfeeding. “Supporting vulnerable populations during one of the most critical moments of their lives is something I’m deeply passionate about,” Rashay shares.
“True success is not just about growth; it’s about impact and legacy,” Rashay says. “I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference, who empowered others, and who always led with integrity.”
Rashay Layman’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the impact one person can have in shaping industries and communities. As she continues to expand her influence in renewable energy and public relations, her story serves as an inspiration to professionals striving to create meaningful change in their fields.
Interview with Rashay Layman
What keeps you motivated and excited about what you do?
Honestly, it’s the people. There’s nothing like seeing a project come together in a way that actually respects and benefits the community. I love being able to sit down with folks, hear their stories, and figure out how to make alternative energy work for them, not just around them. It’s that human connection that makes all the difference for me. Every campaign is another chance to make a positive impact, and that keeps things exciting.
Plus, I get a real kick out of challenging the way things are usually done. In my industry, it’s easy to just follow the same old playbook, but I’m all about finding new, more genuine ways to connect with people. It’s thrilling to see how a grassroots approach can change the conversation and bring people together. That’s the stuff that gets me up in the morning, ready to dive back in.
What’s your go-to way to relax and enjoy yourself during your downtime?
When I really want to relax, it’s all about spending time with my kids. They’re my world, and there’s nothing better than just being with them, whether we’re doing crafts, cooking up something fun, or just hanging out. They’ve got this amazing way of reminding me to slow down and appreciate the little moments. It’s like a reset button for my soul.
And when I get a bit of alone time, I’m all about getting my hands dirty—literally. I love throwing clay on the pottery wheel or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. There’s something so calming about creating something from scratch. It gives me space to clear my head and just enjoy the process without any pressure. It’s my way of finding balance when life gets a little too hectic.
What do you think is your single most crucial trait for success?
I’d say resilience, for sure. Life and work throw a lot at you, and it’s easy to feel knocked down sometimes. But I’ve learned that it’s not about how many times you fall—it’s about how many times you get back up. I’ve faced my fair share of setbacks, and each one has taught me to keep pushing, keep adapting, and not be afraid to try again.
Resilience has also helped me stay true to myself. There’ve been moments when it would’ve been easier to just go with the flow or compromise my values, but sticking to what I believe in is a big part of who I am. It’s not always the easiest path, but it’s the one that feels right, and that’s what matters to me. At the end of the day, I’d rather be proud of how I got there than just the fact that I arrived.
What’s the weirdest thing that has happened in your career?
Oh, this one’s good. I was at a community engagement meeting, talking about a new renewable energy project, and out of nowhere, this guy stands up and starts singing a protest song about wind turbines. I’m talking full-on, guitar in hand, belting it out in front of everyone. For a second, I didn’t know whether to laugh, applaud, or just wait it out.
But instead of shutting him down, I went with it. I thanked him for sharing and used it as a chance to dive into a deeper conversation about his concerns. It ended up being one of the most productive meetings I’ve ever had. It taught me that sometimes the unexpected moments are where the real connections happen, and you just have to roll with whatever comes your way.
How do you handle negative feedback when you receive it?
Look, most people do not love hearing criticism, but I think it is the breakfast of champions, and it is a critical part of the process. I try to approach it with an open mind and tell myself, “Their feedback is a gift. It is an investment in a better me.” It’s not always easy—sometimes it stings, and that’s okay. But I’ve realized that if I let myself get defensive or take it personally, I’m missing out on a chance to grow.
The biggest thing for me is to remind myself that feedback isn’t about my worth as a person; it’s just about how I can do better. I try to separate myself from the work and look at it objectively. And honestly, I’ve found that some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned came from those tough conversations. They’ve made me stronger, sharper, and more determined. And, shows courage in the person who is willing to give that honest feedback because that can be an uncomfortable situation.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome in your life or career, and how did you do it?
Coming back into the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom was probably the toughest thing I’ve faced. I had all these doubts—wondering if I’d lost my touch or if anyone would take me seriously. It was intimidating, to say the least. But instead of letting that fear paralyze me, I decided to lean into it and just take things one step at a time.
I reminded myself that the skills I developed as a mom—patience, multitasking, problem-solving—were strengths, not weaknesses. I focused on what I could control, kept learning, and didn’t shy away from opportunities to prove myself. And little by little, I found my rhythm again. Looking back, I’m proud of how I faced that challenge because it showed me that I’m stronger than I give myself credit for. It wasn’t about bouncing back; it was about moving forward, and that made all the difference.
