About this event
Today’s nonprofits are navigating a communications environment shaped by challenging pressures, narrative push back, and constant change. From political polarization and misinformation to shifting audience expectations and funding pressures, nonprofits can reclaim their voice through intentional planning and execution. This 3-hour virtual seminar invites nonprofit and social impact professionals to reimagine their communications and marketing strategies through a values-aligned, equity-centered lens. Guided by real-world examples and community-rooted practices, peer exchange, and actionable tools, participants will explore how intentional design, storytelling, and messaging can clarify purpose, build connection, and reinforce credibility in today’s climate. The session emphasizes collaboration, authenticity, and the importance of relationship-driven communications grounded in who you are and whom you serve.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic approaches for developing clear, cohesive communications plans aligned with your mission and today’s realities
- Tools for refining messaging that is community-centered, equity-informed, and responsive to today’s communications challenges
- Real-world examples of how nonprofits navigate narrative threats, reputational risk, or audience disengagement.
- Ideas for integrating storytelling, design, and values into everyday marketing and outreach.
- Peer-informed language, tools, and practices to bring your internal values to life through external messaging.
Who Should Attend:
This session is ideal for nonprofit professionals involved in communications, marketing, development, or leadership roles who want to strengthen their messaging strategy in today’s fast-moving context.
While open to all experience levels, it will be particularly valuable for:
- Communications or development staff adapting to shifting audience behavior and funding expectations
- Program or executive leaders seeking greater consistency across their organization’s voice and messaging
- Nonprofit professionals managing public narratives and storytelling during moments of organizational or sector-wide change
- Anyone seeking clarity on how to balance mission, messaging, and audience expectations in their communications work
Facilitators Bios
Mel deVivar, Founder and Design Director – Designing with Mel
Rooted in the belief that design should be a co-creative process, Mel centers empowerment, equity, and storytelling in every project. As Founder and Design Director of Designing With Mel, she leads a creative collective that partners with BIPOC and womxn-led nonprofits and small businesses to strengthen their branding, storytelling, and digital presence. Drawing from over 15 years in higher education creating equity-focused learning experiences, Mel brings a community-centered lens to visual strategy, user experience, and digital design.
Under her leadership, Designing With Mel has supported mission-driven organizations in developing brand identities, intuitive websites, and messaging strategies that reflect their values and connect authentically with the audiences they’re meant to reach. Her approach is relational, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that design should empower, not impose. By co-creating with clients, she helps nonprofit leaders communicate their purpose with clarity and confidence while advancing the social impact they’re meant to reach.
Mike de Vera, Content Strategist – Designing with Mel
In his role as Content Strategist, Mike supports nonprofits and small businesses in building authentic, audience-centered social media and content strategies. With a strong foundation in digital storytelling and higher education, Mike has produced videos, newsletters, and live virtual programming for learners nationwide, bringing clarity and connection to complex content.
His work is grounded in a commitment to social impact and community empowerment, shaped by years of experience leading marketing efforts for Project by Project Los Angeles, a nonprofit uplifting AAPI voices through philanthropy and service. As founder of Lil Nomad Productions, Mike also collaborates with purpose-driven organizations to produce compelling video content that centers culture, narrative, and mission.
