About Us

Media Cause is a nonprofit marketing agency with a clear mission to accelerate the growth and impact of organizations and individuals doing good around the world. 

We are anchored by our dedication to social good and team-first company culture, with a group of talented, devoted, selfless dreamers ready to help our amazing clients.

Our Story

 

Media Cause was founded with a simple vision— to create a positive impact in the world by providing world-class marketing services to nonprofits.

We began in April 2010 as a volunteer matching platform for nonprofits and digital marketing professionals. In the first year, Media Cause built a global network of more than 1,000 volunteers and completed over 100 pro bono marketing projects for smaller nonprofits and NGOs. 

It quickly became clear that a volunteer platform wasn’t enough. As a result, in 2011, our small staff began taking on consulting projects for nonprofits that needed additional marketing support, which forever changed the direction of Media Cause—a nonprofit marketing agency was born.

Over the years, the company has grown and changed at a rapid rate, opening additional offices, adding new members to the team, expanding our services to adapt to the ever-changing digital marketing industry, focusing on DEI with programs like RiseUp, and giving others the tools they need to impact change with Rally Starter. Today we are a 70+ person team with 11 service areas and over 100 clients.

Who We Work With

diatribe foundation logo
Greenpeace logo
AARP logo
It Gets Better Project logo
Goodwill logo
Parkinsons foundation logo
Pathfinder logo
UNDP logo
Yosemite Conservancy logo
AKC logo
ACLU logo

Our Team

Everyone here has two things in common: a hunger to do good and the ability to do it. Our diversity in experiences, skill sets, passions, and viewpoints ensures that good missions get the brains and heart they deserve.

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Alyssa Adams See

Senior Account Strategist

Alyssa graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Communications. After college, she was a social media freelancer working with several small businesses. More recently, she worked at a marketing agency overseeing diverse clients across different industries. She prides herself in the involvement she has had in making small businesses thrive. Alyssa has always had a passion for getting involved with social issues/causes and nonprofits. When she discovered Media Cause, she was ecstatic because she saw the potential to have her passions and career overlap in a new way. She loves that she now has the ability to combine her love for advocacy with her experience in marketing. Outside of work, you can find Alyssa trying out a new recipe and binge-watching an outdated tv series with her husband or training for a marathon; there is no in between.

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Ashlynd Fine

Senior Brand Strategist

 Ashlynd is a program manager in the United States Air Force Reserve, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management from Grand Canyon University. After several years of working in the medical field as an EMT, Ashlynd made the career pivot to the marketing industry in 2020 in pursuit of serving her community by utilizing her creative talents and niche as an entrepreneur. She launched a freelance brand development studio and spent a year and a half serving several small, local businesses in Arizona before joining and completing the RiseUP Digital Marketing Fellowship in 2022.  After the RiseUP Digital Marketing Fellowship, Ashlynd knew that she wanted to continue work in an impact-driven environment, and accepted a position with Media Cause. She is grateful to be part of a team that cares deeply for the community, and to work with clients who are passionate about making the world a better place. When she’s not working, Ashlynd enjoys spending time with her daughter, watching Suns games, frequenting art museums, learning about the metaverse, baking, writing and listening to music, and attending local punk shows.

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Amanda Bartholomew 

MarTech Director

After graduating from college, Amanda worked in both formal and informal education roles and ultimately decided to go to grad school, receiving an MBA focusing on digital marketing. Amanda took the opportunity to pivot her career and put those marketing skills to use at a for-profit digital agency helping small to medium businesses generate leads. Most recently, Amanda worked as the Manager of Digital Communications for an urban non-profit health system, where she was responsible for managing the digital front door and all of the touch points a potential patient had with the health system online.   After navigating the many challenges that healthcare faced during peak Covid times, Amanda needed to step away from the chaotic grind of the health system. As luck would have it, one evening, Amanda stumbled upon a post by a fellow MC'er about MarTech that mentioned a job opening with the Media Cause. Amanda knew she wanted to work with a company or organization that aligned with her beliefs, and when she learned more about the company, she knew this job was tailor-made for her. Amanda reached out with an impassioned plea for an interview, and the rest is history.  Outside of work, Amanda crafts with her two young kids, attends live music performances with her husband, and bakes tasty treats. Amanda has a habit of developing new hobbies routinely, so there is no telling what activity she might be up to on any given weekend.  

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Anna Keaney

Senior Graphic + Presentation Designer

Anna's love of all things creative led her to Framingham State University, where she earned her degree in Communication Arts with a concentration in Visual Media. In 2017, she began her professional career working as the Graphic Design and Social Media intern for Jack's Abby Craft Lagers, one of the largest craft breweries in New England. In the winter of 2018, she was hired on full time as their first in-house Graphic Designer, and within months she was their lead designer, maintaining consistent brand voice and image across Jack's Abby Brewing, their on-premise restaurant Jack's Abby Beer Hall and Kitchen, and their sister company Springdale Beer Co. She's collaborated with several local and national partners, including The Boston Celtics. Her work has been featured in Craft Beer and Brewing, Octoberfest Magazine, and on shelves throughout New England. In 2020, her work was recognized at the Craft Beer Marketing Awards, honoring the best marketing and designs from around the world. The Springdale Beer Co. team was awarded three Crushies for excellence in Tap Handle Design, Brewery Rebranding, and Pandemic Marketing Strategy. You can find Anna decorating (and redecorating) her apartment, booking tickets to a new adventure, or fighting for her life in a mosh pit. But wherever you find her, her outfit will be on point.

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Ansley Luce

Associate Creative Director

Ansley has worked as a designer since graduating high school. She has worked as a product and graphic designer in Thailand, where she partnered with local artisans to help market their small businesses. She has worked in the for-profit world for a small but mighty creative team that managed expanding cafe and restaurant brands in the Bay Area. She has also worked as a freelancer, on projects ranging from web design for elephant rescue resorts in Nepal to UI/UX design connecting the county of LA to a directory of over 50,000 health and human services. Ansley has been traveled and worked all over the world. She holds an endlessly deep curiosity and compassion for the world’s people and places. She believes that in marketing if we’re going to sell something well, we should only sell something that does good for the world. She brought her variety of nonprofit and for-profit experience and drive for change to Media Cause to do so! Ansley is usually either headed to the mountains or the coast to find the best Norcal hiking trails or camping spots or writing music with her band under a tree somewhere. When she’s not on the move, she’s enjoying the local Bay Area music scene, or making art in her home with her best friends.

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Avi Mednick

Sr. Business Operations Manager

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Bethany Lee

Senior Project Manager

Bethany holds a Bachelor’s degree in English with a focus in writing and rhetoric from Pepperdine University. After graduating in 2018, she gained experience as a research assistant at a private foundation focused on elevating and expanding opportunities for refugees and vulnerable communities. Prior to joining Media Cause, Bethany worked in project management at a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that builds permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and provides social services and community resources to formerly homeless individuals. With professional experience in operations, project management, strategic initiatives, and communications, Bethany remains dedicated to supporting mission-focused work that contributes to social progress.  Bethany came to MC after searching for opportunities to join an agency that centers progressive, mission-driven clients alongside a strong and supportive staff culture. Pivoting from the nonprofit to agency environment, Bethany is thrilled to be a member of the MC team, working together to drive impactful change.  When not working, Bethany can be found wandering around the closest art museum, hunting for Chicago’s best almond cappuccino, and spending too much time creating new playlists on Spotify.

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Bridget Harrison

Senior Account Director

Bridget brings 15+ years of experience from both in-house and agency roles to the Media Cause team. Whether working as the Director of Communications for a national nonprofit or developing long-term marketing plans for clients as an agency Account Director, she has always enjoyed applying innovative approaches to her campaigns. Bridget holds a degree in Visual Communications from the American College of Applied Arts, and in Public Relations from the University of Virginia. Creating meaningful, measurable impact for nonprofits has been a constant thread in the fabric of Bridget’s career. She was immediately drawn to Media Cause for its focus on accelerating nonprofit missions, and for the vast knowledge and resources it employs to create positive results for its clients. Based in Charlottesville, VA, Bridget loves camping, hiking, and gardening with her identical twin boys. Much of her free time is spent riding her horse, seeing live music, exercising, or reading.

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Ben Bodipo-Memba

Senior Director of Growth

Ben brings years of sales and management experience in digital marketing and advertising.  Ben led the digital marketing team at Cumulus Media’s S.F. division, was a digital sales strategist for CBS radio and Entercom (after the merger), and he co-founded 2 Tall Guys Marketing. Ben played college volleyball at SDSU, was a member of the USA Men’s National Volleyball Team for 3 years, and played professionally in Finland. This led him to a 20 year college volleyball coaching career, prior to his marketing career. Ben serves on a number of nonprofit boards, and still gives back to the volleyball community giving occasional lessons at a local volleyball club. Ben was drawn to MC from the philanthropic and educational messages he noticed on LinkedIn. The selflessness and desire to make a true impact led him to learn more about MC. It was clear that this was a unique opportunity to make a difference in a field that he loves. When not working, he's taking in all that the Bay Area has to offer, from Napa wine tasting to volleyball, music shows in Oakland to restaurant hopping in SF.

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Brad Blake

Chief Operating Officer

Brad started his career in television casting and development before moving to the new world of the World Wide Web, spending the next several years working in digital media at startups and marketing agencies. From 2007 to 2010, he served as Director of New Media and Online Strategy for the Massachusetts governor’s office where he worked to better connect citizens with their government by tackling organizational, cultural and technical issues around government use of digital and social media including privacy, copyright, accessibility, data security, employee training and customer service. From 2010 to 2019, he was with ad agency Hill Holliday working on digital and social media strategy for Fortune 500 brands' consumer and cause marketing programs, and leading internally on team training, management, and diversity, equity and inclusion. He's also led seminars and taught graduate classes on digital and social media marketing and lends help to various small businesses and nonprofits. Brad came to Media Cause to work with a team and clients who are dedicated to doing smart, strategic, creative work that also makes a positive impact in the world at a time that it’s very much needed. When not working, Brad can be found hanging out with his husband and cat binge-watching the latest and greatest, trying not to hurt his aging body at the gym, reading or watching any type of content on happiness and purpose in life, or getting outside for a walk, bike ride or hike.

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Beth Guluk Isensee

Senior Media Strategist

With a Bachelor's degree in Communication from UC Santa Barbara, after graduation she joined the team at EvansHardy + Young an ad agency in Santa Barbara as a Media Negotiator. Beth came to MC through Linkedin job listing—and loved everything that she read about the company! She is currently working on the client side as a Sr. Media Strategist. When not working, you can find Beth reading in a coffee shop, playing pickleball or at the climbing gym!!  

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Bianca Rosen

Associate Director, Advocacy + Campaigns

Bianca brings years of experience in digital communications, from issue and candidate campaigns to marketing in several verticals. As the Lead Social Media Strategist with Farinella, LLC., Bianca developed and executed digital communications strategies across organic social, paid media, and email. In the summer of 2020, she co-founded the Coalition of Local Anti-Rape Advocates (CLARA) to influence local policies, elect surivor-centered candidates, and build the survivor community’s political power. A few months later, CLARA launched its Voter Education Guide with Bianca as the Communications Lead. To this day, Bianca continues to use strategic digital communications to create real world political change. Bianca is passionate about supporting organizations working to make the world a better place and believes in the importance of digital communications to achieve this. She is eager to work in community with a team of people who share these values. When I’m not working, you can find me walking around Lake Merritt or soaking up the sun with a great sandwich in hand.

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Christine Polite

Sr. Account Director

With over a decade of experience in strategy and communications, Christine excels at the intersection of creativity and operations, focusing on social impact and cause-based initiatives. Passionate about creating diverse, inclusive workplaces where justice, equity, and belonging are embedded in the culture, Christine brings a personal commitment to making a meaningful impact. As a mother of two in an interracial family and a dedicated advocate for antiracism, she leads with empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by under-recognized communities. Her journey, including a stint as a bake shop owner and an appearance on Cake Boss, reflects her belief in the power of creativity and strategic thinking to drive change.

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Clara Campbell

Senior Advocacy + Campaigns Director

Clara kicked off her career in New York City, working for the University of Oxford’s North American Office. While there, she learned from some of the best major gifts officers out there about stewardship and relationship building. Clara then started and managed Oxford’s social media channels to engage its alumni in North America. Her next job as the Advocacy and Mobilizations Communications Manager for International Justice Mission combined her international background and education with her passion for justice. Clara used her skills to develop a cutting-edge advocacy platform and leveraged digital media to mobilize thousands in the fight to end modern slavery. Clara went on to lead the charge in developing an organization-wide community platform for IJM, and building up and growing the organization’s peer-to-peer fundraising program. Throughout her career, Clara has supported causes and brands by articulating their purpose and voicing it on their behalf with professionalism, creativity, and passion. None of us can change everything that’s wrong with the world, but if each of us does what we can, we stand a chance of making this blue marble the type of place we all want to live. Clara believes in doing what she can while she can and in helping people who are doing good do it better—and have an even bigger impact. When she’s not working, you’ll find Clara at a restaurant (an old-favorite or a new-found spot) or cafe, playing Assassin’s Creed, nose-deep in a good book, or detoxing with some hot yoga. Wherever she is and whatever she’s doing, she’ll probably be with her person, Stephen, and her best fur-friend, Berkeley.

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Delaney Mullennix

Senior Director of Business Development 

Delaney holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Public  Administration with a concentration of Nonprofit Management from Grand Valley State University. She has certifications in digital marketing from Association Academy and Nonprofit Management Essentials from The Allstate Foundation’s Nonprofit Leadership Center and is a member of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids.    She is the former Executive Director, managing editor, and partnerships director at an internationally consumed publication, NonprofitHub.Org. Delaney played a major role in curating and creating educational content including the Forbes recognized nonprofit conference, Cause Camp, with a large network of innovative nonprofit service, product providers, and professionals that empowered organizations to achieve nonprofit excellence in one of the toughest sectors there is. In previous roles, Delaney helped a neuropsychological institute build an effective outreach and marketing program that led to several accreditations, regional recognitions, and an extensive referral network that assisted the company in expanding services and clinic locations.    Outside of work, you can find her spending time with friends and family, jet-setting to a new place, and enjoying the great outdoors. Delaney was born and raised in Michigan and takes advantage of over 3,000 miles of freshwater coastline and 20 million acres of forests where she embraces the beauty of nature on hikes, cozy bonfires, camping, kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating.  

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Dan Reed, CFRE

VP of Fundraising

Dan started his digital fundraising career at Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network, developing peer-to-peer activities for two annual Greater Chicago Prostate Cancer Run Walk & Rolls. From there, Dan spent seven years at the Smithsonian Institution, managing the digital components of the Friends of the Smithsonian direct response program, mid-level donor program and working across the different Smithsonian units, supporting their digital fundraising efforts. While at the Smithsonian, Dan earned his Masters Degree in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy. Next, Dan moved to World Food Program USA, building out their digital fundraising program from the ground up and developing an award winning monthly donor program over the course of three years. In 2021, Dan earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation from CFRE International and has 15 years of digital fundraising experience. Since joining Media Cause in 2018, the favorite part of his job has been the opportunity to work with a wide variety of nonprofits that are striving to make the world a better place. He’s been inspired on a daily basis helping passionate clients achieve their fundraising goals.

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Eric Facas

CEO

Prior to launching Media Cause Eric co-founded a digital business accelerator, Tallwave, where he focused on building a customer-centric digital ad agency, which became Ethology. Eric worked at Google from 2004 - 2008 where he managed partnerships with some of the largest search and digital agencies in the world, working closely with sales leadership and product teams. He received an EMG/Founder's award for his work on the creation and rollout of the multi-billion dollar AdWords API program in 2007. He founded Media Cause to give a bigger voice to those making the world a better place. He has always been passionate about creative problem solving and developing scalable solutions. Now he gets to do that with organizations that are solving some of the biggest issues facing our communities, people, and planet with the best team of digital marketers and nonprofit strategists in the world. When not in the office Eric can be found hiking, mountain biking, playing old man hoops, yelling about Bay Area sports, and trying to soak up every minute of life with Cheryl, Carter, and Quinn.

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Emily Greene

Associate Director, Project Management

Emily got her start in the local nonprofit sector working in a fundraising and development capacity. For the last eight years, she has served different agencies in human services like child advocacy and homelessness as well as in community arts programs. She loved when her fundraising duties allowed for her to meet the clients her organizations were serving as well as the volunteers making a difference in people’s lives. Getting to raise money and bring awareness to the issues in her community was a point of pride in her career.  Emily found Media Cause as a next step in her career path, and a way to continue helping nonprofits achieve success while being an ally knowing first hand the work that goes in everyday. She was blown away from the first meeting at how clear it was that Media Cause was something special and the team was passionate about their mission. Emily was delighted to join that team and adding her skill set to the diverse talent at Media Cause! When not working you can find Emily spending time with her husband and children, traveling when schedules allow, and cheering on her local Chicago sports teams.

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Ian Gardiner

VP, Operations

Ian has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit marketing and communications with a focus on digital strategy. Most recently, Ian worked as the digital strategist for Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, where he developed and implemented online brand awareness and fundraising initiatives. Ian is passionate about helping nonprofits tell their stories to increase awareness, engage supporters, and raise funds. Now at Media Cause, he can apply his skills to a variety of causes simultaneously. When not at work, Ian can be found on the soccer field or out camping with his wife and dog.

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Joe Cannella

Director, Data Strategy

Joe is an accomplished digital marketer and data analyst who began his career at Google, working with retail companies such as Macy’s, Walmart, and Williams-Sonoma on innovative data projects that drove new insights and business growth. Since November 2023, Joe has been with Media Cause, where he specializes in data and analytics reporting for non-profit organizations. Along with prior experience as an independent consultant for non-profits, he plays a pivotal role in guiding Media Cause and its clients into this next era of data-driven marketing.

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Joey Hammers

Senior Marketing Technology Strategist

Joey started his careers working with small businesses focusing primarily on website development. He learned HTML, CSS and Website Optimization and discovered a passion for MarTech!   Courtney Williamson, friend, and former MC’er,  kept telling him about this wonderful company that she worked for and the clients she got to work with. As soon as he discovered that Media Cause was hiring, he jumped at the opportunity to join the team!   When he's not working, I can be found playing with my two cats, Winnie and Roo, reading or playing video games!  

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Jillian Ingram

VP, Operations

Having spent a number of years abroad in international development Jillian's most recently come from the start-up world of SF, where she's scaled operations at an education technology start-up. A native of Chicago, she received her Master's degree in International Management from King's College London. Having seen and worked with many nonprofits abroad Jillian is very committed in helping social impact organizations spread their impact and reach. Jillian is committed to helping make this world a smaller, more connected place and is excited by the potential of digital marketing to further this along. When not working Jillian can be found doing anything outdoorsy in the Bay Area, brewery hoping, and trying to figure out how to navigate SF's hills on rollerblades (while still figuring out how to brake!)

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Jess Schroeder

Associate Director of Copy + Content Strategy

Jess has a healthcare, marketing, and entrepreneurship background. She used her education and experiences to start a career in writing, working with small businesses and large corporations as a freelance contract copywriter and digital marketer. She has partnered with companies in many industries, from entertainment and retail to politics, healthcare, education, and financial services. Her work with white-label sites, affiliate marketing, and retail helped hone her skills as a high-converting digital strategist and copywriter, while her work from professional industries to entertainment helped her write to diverse and niche audiences in differing brand voices. Her last role was as Marketing Director for a successful Executive Career Coach, building out marketing strategies, martech operations, employee training, branding, and content + copywriting for marketing, advertising, and sales. As a longtime advocate, Jess was interested in finding a role that allowed her to do work aligned with her passions and values. She was looking for a position where she could be of service while doing what she loves. Jess started as a freelance copywriter and content strategist with Media Cause in January 2022 and signed on to her role as Sr. Copywriter + Content Strategist in September 2022. When she’s not working, you can find Jess playing with her kids, hanging out with friends and family, getting lost in the woods, painting, writing, or catching a live show.   

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Kate Casey-Fleener

Media Strategist

Kate graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2019 with a degree in Marketing. Throughout college she gained experience through internships where she ran social media accounts, designed digital content, and managed email campaigns. Her work experience after graduation includes implementing grassroots marketing initiatives for a kids gymnastics school and doing paralegal work at a real estate law company. After almost three years working in real estate law, Kate decided it was time for a change. She wasn’t feeling passionate about the work she was doing and wanted to pursue a career in marketing. It had been a goal of hers to work for a marketing agency and she was drawn to Media Cause because of the company’s work with nonprofits. The prospect of making a positive impact with the work she was doing excited her and she can’t wait to start her new career with Media Cause! While not working Kate enjoys hiking, playing/watching sports, and exploring local restaurants. There is also a chance that she might be found attempting to bake bread.

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Katey Parker

Chief Strategy Officer

After graduating from Boston University's College of Communication, Katey chose to build online communities for consumer education initiatives. This passion point led her to a number of unique opportunities, including managing the digital presence for a national food labeling campaign. Katey believes in the power of leveraging digital media to influence social change. Her passion for nonprofits grew out of service trips to places like Nepal and the Dominican Republic, where she grew inspired to use her communication skills for the greater good. When not at the office, Katey can be found teaching pilates, snowboarding at Jay Peak, or finding something new to pickle.

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Kim Anderson

VP, Media

Over 15 years working agency side working on both B2C and B2B marketing campaigns.  While Kim “grew up” in the digital media space she has since become skilled at planning cross-channel media campaigns including outdoor, print and audio.  Past clients include Emirates Airline, Choice Hotels, BNYMellon, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Bayer Pharmaceutical, Tribe Hummus, Toy State, Bright Horizons Child Care, Children’s Hospital Boston and Gallo Wines.

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Luisa Chil

Media Director

Luisa has seven years of Marketing experience and three years of experience in Paid Media specifically. Her area of expertise is Paid Search strategy, although she also has a strong background in Paid Social, Programmatic Display, and partnerships. Prior to Media Cause, Luisa worked on the Client Delivery team at Kepler, owning paid media strategy for Fortune 500 financial service and retail clients. While at Kepler, Luisa worked on the pro bono team and is a founding member of Kepler Academy, a not-for-profit program designed to bridge the opportunity gap in the advertising industry. Through her pro bono work and Kepler Academy, she has worked on Paid Search and Paid Social campaigns for a variety of nonprofit organizations. Luisa is most passionate about organizations that are dedicated to providing opportunities for BIPOC women, education for women and girls, refugee resettlement, and immigration assistance. Luisa is eager to apply her digital marketing experience to mission-driven organizations at Media Cause. When not working, Luisa enjoys traveling, being outside, karaoke, baking, and hanging out with her husband and puppy.

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Lydia Menasria

Senior Media Strategist

Lydia started her career in media strategy as a digital associate at DDC Public Affairs where she was responsible for coordinating paid media launches and providing analytical reports on campaign performance to clients in the energy, healthcare and agriculture sectors. She also has experience in social intelligence as well as cross-channel campaign management. Lydia is a graduate of Salisbury University on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where she majored in English with a focus in Business Writing and minored in Marketing and Management. While at Salisbury, Lydia was a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority where she was Director of Recruitment and first discovered her passion for advertising, PR and social media. After gaining valuable insights into media strategy at her prior agency, but feeling as though she could be making a more positive impact on the world, Lydia found Media Cause to be the perfect home for her. She is inspired daily by the wide scope of clients and goals that MC dedicates themselves to and feels that she can come to work every day with the proper means to inspire effective change in the advertising industry and challenge herself to work harder and learn more than the day before. You can find Lydia just about anywhere in the world! I have been to 23 countries, 60 cities and am fluent in French. When home, I am usually at a Caps games, enjoying good HH with friends, or hanging out with my big, loud Polish/Algerian family 🙂

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Melvin Karsenti

VP, Group Account Director

Melvin's path has not been traditional. Melvin started as a professional basketball player in France before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the press and communications officer for the Consulate General of France in San Francisco. Being in the Bay got him intrigued about Silicon Valley so he joined an early stage startup as their first employee. There, Melvin was leading all marketing efforts while also thriving as a jack of all trades. Last but not least, Melvin's been a part-time NBA journalist for the last six years. A trip to Iceland made Melvin rethink my priorities and realize that he wanted to have a bigger, more positive impact on the world. Melvin's also always been interested in many societal issues and curious about working for a marketing agency so Media Cause became a no-brainer. When not working, you can usually find Melvin hanging out in the city with his wife and his dog, planning their next adventure abroad or throwing dinner parties for friends. Melvin also spend a decent amount of time in the bowels of Oracle Arena interviewing NBA players.

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Maggie Rakovic

Art Director

Maggie's first internship was in high school at a nonprofit called WaterFire Providence. This is where her interest and passion for nonprofit work started. She then studied Economics and Sociology at Connecticut College with the goal of understanding how society and the economy can form a relationship to foster social good. After graduating, Maggie built the foundation for her digital marketing and communications career in the fashion industry and was reunited with her passion for social good work by partnering on a project with Make-A-Wish. Maggie became part of the Media Cause family because she wants to use her experience and skills to make an impact for nonprofit clients and for the world. When OOO, you might be able to find her training for a race, exploring nature trails, trying to perfect the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe or in the ocean.

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Megan Landau

Media Director

Megan’s passion for nonprofit communication began when she wrote her high school thesis on the water crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa. Shocked that she didn’t know the intricacies of this crisis prior to her research, she made it a mission to share nonprofits’ messages with the world.  After studying Public Relations at University of Maryland College Park, Megan moved to Denver to start gaining advertising experience. For five years, she worked in the for-profit world managing paid media budgets, campaigns, and reporting for clients including Ford, InnovAge, Denver International Airport and Hack Reactor. While Megan’s work with ad agencies fulfilled her career growth goals, she frequently searched for nonprofit-focused agencies to fulfill her passion points. Megan is thrilled to bring her media experience to the nonprofit world. She thrives when she’s able to use her creative, big picture-oriented ENFP brain alongside nitty gritty performance data. Megan loves the weekend warrior Colorado lifestyle. You can find her chasing fresh powder on her skis, galavanting around dog parks with her pup Karoo, hosting friends for backyard potlucks, and dancing at as many Red Rocks shows as possible. She grounds herself through hot yoga + meditation, journaling + reading, and learning about personality types.

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Michelle Thai

VP, Group Account Director

Michelle began her work with nonprofits as an intern for Californians for Justice, where she played a large role in event and grassroots campaign planning. Expanding her skillset, Michelle moved to GlobalMojo, where she helped execute user acquisition strategies for several foundation clients, including the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation and the Avril Lavigne Foundation. Michelle joined Media Cause in 2013 to leverage her marketing skills to create a better world. Michelle is especially passionate about organizations that are working to improve the lives of people with chronic health conditions. When not at work, Michelle can be found at the beach or local brewery.

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Nate Mize-Pressler

Media Director

Nate graduated from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic Communication. He’s worked in a variety of different industries including nonprofit work, eCommerce, retail and healthcare, where he utilized his passion for marketing to help his clients achieve their goals through digital marketing efforts. With a strong desire to help others and drive change, Nate wanted to take all the skills and experience he learned over his career to make an impact in the world with a team of fantastic, like-minded individuals. Outside of work, you can find Nate hiking with his three pups, eating a large bowl of pad thai (extra peanuts) or hanging off a rock wall at his local climbing gym.

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Ryan Dobran

Senior Account Director

For the last 8 years, Ryan has led communications and marketing efforts on the client and agency sides, most recently as founding Director of Communications at Character Lab (former MC client!), a behavioral science nonprofit founded by Dr. Angela Duckworth. Prior to that, he led content and design teams at a 4-time Inc 5000 agency dedicated to small business growth. Before that, he completed a PhD in English at the University of Cambridge, where his research focused on challenges in the interpretation of literary language. And before that he was a carpenter in New York City. Ryan first heard about Media Cause as a former client working at Character Lab. Working at MC is the ideal opportunity to combine his experience on the client and agency sides while working with clients across the social sector. Jotting down a few odd sentences, eating pasta, sipping whisky, reading a book, or watching the occasional basketball game.

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Rebecca Fenn

Senior Account Strategist

Rebecca’s love for the social sector began in New Orleans where she studied Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship before transferring to the University of Colorado in Boulder to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. She then joined the Peace Corps in Namibia as an English teacher where she gained a deeper understanding of sustainable international development and formed the basis of effective cross-cultural collaboration. After being evacuated from the Peace Corps due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Rebecca moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and joined a small nonprofit international economic development organization called Village Enterprise. As the Marketing and Development Coordinator, Rebecca worked closely with staff from all levels of the organization to market the organization through compelling designs and authentic communications. After two years of in-house marketing for a nonprofit international development organization, Rebecca’s former supervisor reached out about an opportunity to join Media Cause. Rebecca was excited about the opportunity to gain more breadth of experience in the nonprofit marketing field and engage with a wide range of causes. Through the Media Cause interview process, Rebecca grew even more excited about the organization as she met and spoke with several talented, passionate, and authentic individuals that she now gets to call co-workers! When not working, you can find Rebecca rock climbing at her local gym, exploring different San Francisco neighborhoods, traveling abroad, or petting other people’s dogs until she decides when to adopt her own.

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Rob Shaw

Design Director

Rob earned a Master of Arts in Visual Communication from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London and cut his teeth at a number of notable New York City and San Francisco design studios. After several years helping small tech start-ups and big global brands tell their stories, Rob felt that something was missing. He joined Media Cause so he could help nonprofits tell their stories instead. When not in the office, Rob can be found exploring the wilds of Oakland (both urban and natural) with his two-year-old son Jack.

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Ryan Fuquea

SVP, Client Success

Ryan spent 3 years at SapientRazorfish delivering web design and development projects for Mercedes-Benz and UPS, 11 years at Studiocom/VML leading digital marketing efforts for Kleenex Brand, and managing engagements for McCormick, Kimberly-Clark, Coca-Cola and others. Ryan believes in making positive change in the world and helping those who do the same realize those goals. He’s looking forward to the opportunity here! When not in the office, Ryan can be found playing with his son, walking his dog, enjoying time together with his wife, trying to get his cat not to bite his feet, or just having a drink with friends.

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Safiyyah Abdul-Khabir

Associate Director, Product Marketing

Safiyyah started her digital marketing career in the communications department at Earthjustice. She had the opportunity to work in user acquisition and growth marketing for Silicon Valley startups before returning to her roots in the nonprofit space. She is a graduate of Stanford University where she majored in Earth Systems. Safiyyah joined Media Cause to help nonprofits and social enterprises create a lasting impact using the latest digital marketing tools and strategies. Outside of the office, Safiyyah can be found watching cat videos on YouTube.

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Stephanie Schug

Director, Media

Stephanie started her marketing career in Boston, where she spent 4 years at Digitas LBi, as a Paid Search Analyst and Sr. Paid Search Analyst for a large ecommerce brand. From there, she moved to Shoes.com, where she spent a year managing search and display campaigns and helping to drive revenue growth. Most recently, Stephanie relocated to the Bay Area, where she worked as a Sr. Account Manager at 3Q Digital, managing digital marketing strategy for B2B lead generation clients, and gaining valuable experience on social platforms and YouTube. Volunteering and giving back to the community have always been a huge part of Stephanie's life as well. While in Boston, she served as a Volunteer Leader for Boston Cares, and upon relocating to the Bay Area, she immediately got involved at Marin Humane Society and looks forward to spending time with the cats there every weekend. Stephanie feels happiest when she knows the works she's doing is having a meaningful, positive impact. Working at MediaCause provides her the opportunity to take the skills she learned in the corporate world, and use them to help organizations achieve their missions to make the world a better place. When not at work, Stephanie can be found hiking, snuggling with her dog and cat - Noodle and Doris, going to concerts, cooking/baking, reading, or hanging out with the cats at Marin Humane.

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Shirley Kim Tang

Account Strategist

Shirley has always had a heart for humanitarian efforts and marketing since her college days at San Francisco State University (SFSU). Her first marketing gig was an open-campus event called Multicultural AIDS Awareness Day, where she was able to bring in about 4,000 participants. She was also the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator for a women’s business organization called Providing Opportunity for Women (POW). She was then recognized by the Marketing Department at SFSU, where she later became an event marketing intern. After obtaining her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing, she grew her skills + network at COOP Careers, where she eventually taught other aspiring marketers and worked with many nonprofits via the Google Online Marketing Challenge. She now has 3+ years of experience working with nonprofits of all sizes and brings her love for marketing strategy + DEI to the table to help nonprofits serve their communities. When not at work, you can find Shirley either on a hiking trail somewhere in Northern California, in a dance studio, or out with friends eating amazing local food.

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Stephanie Kong

Director, Project Management

Stephanie graduated Georgia State University with a degree in Social Work during the 2008 recession and saw severe cuts in social spending. Having witnessed so many organizations shutter, she transformed her skills to work with young children and became a founding staff member of Turning Sun School. As the Director of Curriculum and Community Engagement, she partnered with Atlanta experts, artists, and organizations to nurture place-based education. She eventually transitioned into the position of Program Director at WonderRoot, an arts organization focused on the intersection of art and activism. She oversaw public art projects, film and gallery programming, and school and community partnerships. Later, she accepted a position as Program Operations Manager at Moving in the Spirit. She led a team of teaching artists, managed community partnerships, and worked to embed justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion into program operations. Stephanie spends her time out of the office using her hands to build ceramic pieces, tend to her bees and flowers, and cook any Ottolenghi recipe with her partner. She serves as a co-editor and co-curator of fLoromancy- an art publication. As a new mama, Stephanie shares all of her joys with her baby while their jealous dog tries to join.

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Sarah Ackerman

Creative Director

Sarah started her marketing and communications career in the travel and tourism sector of Atlanta. From there, she moved to internal marketing at the Professional Photographers of America, handling their social strategy and conference communication. After growing membership and conference attendance year over year, Sarah transitioned over to the agency side where she worked with national consumer packaged goods in digital and print media space. She is a graduate of North Central College where she majored in Marketing and Finance, and attended Arizona State University for her masters in Recreation, Tourism and Non-Profit Management. The first agency Sarah experienced sold frozen, deep-fried food. After writing copy that tried to put cheese logs as a healthier option than broccoli, she knew that kind of agency life wasn't for her. She's always loved helping people and causes she believed in, so marrying her love of creative with the incredible roster of Media Cause clients was a natural draw. When not at work Sarah can be found playing tennis, at tennis practice, hiking in the North Georgia Mountains, or in her woodshop. 

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Tori Baskind

Account Director

Tori is a graduate of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., receiving a Bachelors of Arts degree in International Affairs with a concentration in Conflict Resolution. She began her career in the nonprofit industry at the World Affairs Councils of America as a program assistant, where she drafted grant reports, liaised with local grantees and program sponsors, and implemented multiple grant-funded national education program series. In 2017, Tori joined the Newseum’s in-house marketing staff as its marketing coordinator and later transitioned to an email marketing position on the digital team where she strategized ways to expand the Newseum’s web audience and mailing lists. She also produced engaging content for the Newseum and Freedom Forum Institute websites, and expanded monthly reporting to include data metrics on performance and engagement across website platforms and over 300 emails annually. Tori built and developed her professional skill set as an employee in the nonprofit industry and sought to continue using her talents to make a positive change in the world. She aspires to find creative solutions and provide effective support for nonprofits seeking to broaden the scope of their digital and fundraising programs. When out of the office, you’ll find Tori cooking her latest creation (lately she’s been experimenting with several risotto recipes), over watering her herb plants or exploring local Virginia wineries.

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Teresa Liu

VP, Brand Strategy + Insights

Teresa has worked in both agency and in-house environments, starting her career as a Brand Strategist at a creative agency in San Francisco, then taking a Brand Manager position at CVS/Pharmacy, followed by several years of freelance brand consulting. Over her 15 year career, she’s helped companies such as Clorox, Revlon, Facebook, Fidelity Investments, and PepsiCo conduct consumer research and develop audience-first brand strategies.  After years in the for-profit world, Teresa found herself wanting to help organizations do more than sell things. She believes that brands have the power to influence and shape human behavior, and has found the perfect place at Media Cause to apply that brand thinking to nonprofits.  When she's not at work, you can find Teresa at a park with her daughter and husband, slurping noodles at a local eatery, tending to her houseplants, or indulging in a Law & Order, SVU.

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Tiffany Rivers

Sr. Social Media Director

Started her career in philanthropy and youth development. Pegged as the “millennial” I transitioned into social media and corporate communications. From 2010-2016 I managed social media for both for profit and non-profit organizations including Georgia-Pacific, Carters|OshKosh B’Gosh, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Assurant. Most recently I spent 4 years leading social media for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Been featured on The Social Pros podcast and at The Social Shakeup Conference, Social Fresh Conference, Social Strategies Summit and more. Came to MC to build and strengthen MC’s Social Media Strategy capability and further establish Media Cause as a thought leader in the non-profit industry specific to social. Taking a stroll on the Atlanta Beltline, in North Georgia Wine country or the South Carolina lowcountry.

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