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

Organizational Lexicons

Communications Innovation Lab

Communications Planning

Crisis & Reputation

Crisis Drills

Thought Leadership

Media Coaching

Media Digests

Narrative Resilience

Public Relations

Research & Data Analytics

Special Events

Strategic Advisory

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