We are the people behind the people at the forefront of social change.

The Wakeman Agency helps mission-driven causes and socially responsible companies leverage the power of strategic communications in pursuit of social change.

Our Expertise

The Wakeman Agency started more than two decades ago as a public relations agency for nonprofits. Building on those early wins, we have come to understand the power of communications to shape perception, influence policy, fundraise, engage with audiences, navigate crises, and build a better future. Today, our service offerings leverage strategic communications for the social change sector.

Click below to learn more about our service offerings:

Brand Journalism

Communications Audits

Communications Innovation Lab

Communications Planning

Crisis & Reputation

Crisis Drills

Executive Visibility

Media Coaching

Media Digests

Narrative Resilience

Public Relations

Research & Data Analytics

Special Events

Strategic Advisory

How to Plan Successful Fundraising Galas, Even in Difficult Times

Check out our article featured on the Candid blog

Read the Article Here →

Tune in to our podcast, the Social Changes Diaries. In conversation with our guests, we explore pivotal aspects of the social change sector through the lens of communications. Listen Here →

The Wakeman Agency's Social Change Diaries Podcast with Vanessa Wakeman

Work in Action

Discover how our unique capabilities and methodologies create impact and ignite action.

Case Study: A Strategic Approach to Equitable Social Change

Developing an Ecosystem of Strategic Communications for a Global Organization

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United Way of New York City (UWNYC)

Strategically Addressing Multiple Service Areas Via Public Relations

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Identity and Culture Communications for Nonprofits

Increasingly today, effective communications are using identity and culture to reach more audience members.

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Testimonials

The Wakeman Agency transformed Day One’s Gala into a platform for influence, elevating visibility, clarifying institutional voice, and exceeding fundraising goals. Their strategic, communications-informed approach lifted operational burden, aligned leadership, and amplified the mission, combining professionalism, creativity, and responsiveness to deliver exceptional outcomes for events and organizational impact”.

Stephanie Nilva

Founder
– Day One

The Wakeman Agency excels at translating complex priorities into compelling narratives, strengthening institutional voice, and guiding high-impact work with clarity. Their strategic counsel and media expertise helped AFI amplify global financial inclusion efforts, elevate visibility, and build influence, all while maintaining credibility and delivering responsive, practical guidance in high-pressure moments”.

Monika Lahjner

Former Head of Communications, Media Relations & Events Management
– Alliance for Financial Inclusion

The Wakeman Agency took the time to understand our organization and a growing list of programs to identify how to effectively tell the stories of our work and the people that we serve with dignity and respect. Their expertise in storytelling, media engagement, and out-of-the-box strategies amplified awareness, secured extensive coverage, and positioned the organization as a city-wide leader in social services and economic mobility.

Liane Paonessa

Former Associate Vice President of Communications
– United Way of New York City

The Wakeman Agency led a rigorous, organization-wide Lexicon Project that transformed how we align language with our values. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic insight, they created a dynamic, evolving resource that clarified our voice, strengthened positioning, and empowered more intentional, culturally competent communications across our global organization.

Sam Mayer

Vice President of Global Strategic Partnerships
– The END Fund

The Wakeman Agency helped us clarify our mission and articulate our impact with renewed confidence through the Lexicon Project. Their thoughtful, structured approach translated complex dynamics into actionable insights, equipping our team with shared language and sustainable tools to move from reflection to implementation—focused, energized, and aligned with our mission.

Kristy Aurand

Chief Development Officer
– Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County

The Wakeman Agency is a trusted partner in guiding transformational work with expertise and integrity. Their strategic counsel, narrative insight, and institutional understanding helped ClimateWorks center justice and equity across communications and programs, translating intention into action while strengthening leadership, clarifying priorities, and embedding values throughout the organization.

Makeeba Browne

Vice President of Justice and Equity
– ClimateWorks Foundation

Our Clients*

*This is a partial listing of past and present clients.