process
It takes creativity, innovation and seamless implementation to scale a great program. Catchy taglines and good content help, but they will not set a program apart from the rest nor move your audiences to take action.
Our approach begins with deep collaboration. Our goal is not to employ some Mad Men genius in a back room, but rather facilitate a creative rapport between us. We strongly believe that this kind of collaboration is what nets rich material for creating effective communications. We know that good communications reflect the true mission and values of the organization – and this is what we seek to articulate.
Changemaking communications are based on solid research. We work with you to determine what kind of research fits your objective best. Some projects require the use of stakeholder interviews, focus groups, or surveys; other projects benefit from human-centered design. My team is experienced in selecting the appropriate research that will provide the necessary information to create compelling communications.
Through the creative process, research is distilled into the communications we produce in collaboration with you. However, we believe communications are not conveyed through a single story or asset, but rather an ongoing lively and engaging story that brings impact to fruition.
Services
Thought Leadership
Presentations
Writing - Blogs, Opinion Pieces
Content Development
Videos, Ted-Talks, Speeches
Design
Executive Communications
Branding and Identity
Audience Research
Narrative Development
Visual Identity
Brand Platform
Organizational Integration
Brand Implementation
Websites
Strategy & Design Thinking
Opinion Research
Landscape Analysis and Positioning
Prototyping and Testing
Communications Strategy & Planning
Training & Consultation
Strategic Communications
Advocacy and Marketing Campaigns
Content Strategy and Development
Media Relations
Influencer Marketing
Grassroots Mobilization
Selected Testimonials
What our clients say
"Melissa was such a great source of energy, inspiration, knowledge and deep experience for every member of my team. She and MDC helped us through a challenging transition, made our grantees work come alive, shaped our research and brought thousands to engage with us on social media."
Nicole Taylor, CEO, Thrive Foundation (former)
"Melissa and MDC’s communications support enabled one of our foundation initiatives to successfully evolve into an independent coalition. Today, aided by Melissa’s counsel, the Oakland Literacy Coalition has launched a new strategy, brand identity and website that empowers the coalition to work together so that all of "Oakland kids learn and love to read.”
Rhonnel Sotelo, Executive Director, The Rogers Family Foundation
"We are a start-up. From the moment I met with Melissa to think about our communications, to today, MDC has been an excellent thought-partner and collaborator, helping us think through all of communications and execute on our many competing priorities for our needs – in identity, website and content."
Catherine Atkin, Executive Director, The Early Learning Lab
"To leverage CYW’s thought leadership on ACEs and toxic stress, Melissa collaborated with us to create and build our national, #ChildrenCanThrive campaign. Thanks to her and MDC’s solid content and digital strategy, the campaign far surpassed expectations bringing thousands of pediatricians and Moms into CYW’s network. We appreciated their focus, effectiveness and strategic thinking."
Chris Padula, VP, Development & Communications, Center for Youth Wellness
"Melissa collaborated with our team to create a targeted approach–appealing directly to what matters most to those who hire, making a good hire for their company. Melissa and her partners created and effectively shepherded this new campaign strategy on LinkedIn where we reached almost a half a million viewers and engaged more than two thousand HR professionals whom never engaged with us before. We loved working with Melissa – her smarts, energy, attention and creativity–were infectious."
Candice Francis, Communications Director, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (former)