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The Wakeman Agency is a social change firm that deploys culturally competent and transformative communications practices to address the most pressing social issues of our time. We partner with nonprofits, foundations, and socially responsible companies that aim to leverage strategic communications to advance society
towards systemic equity and justice.
We help organizations:
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• Use behavioral science and public relations practices to build emotional connections with target audiences
• Craft messaging and narratives that effectively position mission-driven causes and socially responsible companies within the social justice ecosystem
• Navigate crisis events and reputation management through strategic counsel and advisory services
• Garner media placements that elevate brand prominence and drive action
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• Produce in-person, virtual and hybrid event experiences that strengthen audience engagement and fundraising opportunities
• Develop organizational lexicons and communications resources that articulate cultural competency and reflect the principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
• Action diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives via strategic advisory and communications
• Develop and improve thought leadership platforms to elevate organizational expertise and positioning
Insights
What is the one thing every nonprofit needs now?
The past two years have highlighted the relevance and value of communications across every sector, with comms leaders playing a pivotal role in connecting with internal and external audiences, against the backdrop of a world of uncertainty due to rapidly changing global events. However, the approach to comms that drives action is one that takes a strategic approach that goes beyond traditional media relations efforts focused on “awareness” and just getting an organization’s “name in lights.” Having a communications agency or internal team available to take the big picture ideas and concepts and translate them into stories and narratives that resonate with various audiences is an imperative.
Wakeman in the LA Times
The Los Angeles Times covered our recent collaboration with the Institute of PR, focused on the use of DEI language in the communications industry. Addressing the use of language is a core service offering for our agency. As part of our Lexicon Project, we invite organizations into the deep exploration of developing and operationalizing language and narratives that translate to effective and culturally competent communications with key audiences.
New Clients Announcement
We always strive to work with clients seeking to provide the most innovative solutions to today’s most pressing issues. For that reason, we are excited to add Echoing Green, Interledger Foundation, Scratch Foundation and Choose Healthy Life to our client roster.
New Report by The Wakeman Agency and IPR on DEI language in the PR Industry
The Wakeman Agency and the Institute for Public Relations Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion launched a report on the current state of diversity-related language in the public relations industry, “The Language of Diversity.” The first-of-its-kind report examines how nearly 400 communications professionals perceive the current language of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) being used in their organizations and its impact on workplace ecosystems.
Vanessa Wakeman recognized as PR Innovator by PRovoke Media
Founder and CEO of The Wakeman Agency, Vanessa Wakeman, has been named to Provoke Media’s Innovator 25 of 2021. Innovation and disruption have been at the core of our work at the agency for almost two decades. Acknowledgment of Vanessa on this list reflects her ever-evolving vision for the practice of public relations and how it can help to accelerate progress on important social issues.
New York City
60 East 42nd Street, 46th Floor
New York, NY 10165
(212) 500-5953
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445 Hamilton Avenue #1102
White Plains, NY 10601
(212) 500-5953
Silicon Valley
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Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 663-6770