About Manya

Manya Chylinski is a keynote speaker, advisor, and communications specialist focused on strengthening leadership after crisis, so fewer people get left behind. Her work centers on what happens after the headlines fade—when systems move on, and people are still affected.

A survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing, Manya brings lived experience and long-term perspective to conversations about recovery, responsibility, and invisible human impact. Over more than a decade, she has worked with leaders and institutions to examine how unseen psychological and cultural consequences shape organizations, communities, and public trust.

With a background in writing, research, and strategic communications, Manya translates complex human realities into practical leadership insight. She has spoken nationally at venues including TEDx, SXSW, and the National Homeland Security Conference, and her work has been featured on CBS, NPR, and in The Boston Globe.

Manya also collaborated with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley on the Post-Disaster Mental Health Response Act, which expanded federal mental health support for disaster and terrorism survivors. In addition to her speaking and advisory work, Manya is the founder and principal of Alley424 Communications, a boutique agency specializing in research-driven, long-form content. Through her speaking, advisory work, and writing, she helps leaders navigate recovery with greater awareness, accountability, and long-term impact in mind.