Explore our past work and meet the team ready to fuel Boston’s climate workforce.

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Campaign Strategy

A Proven Framework to Guide Every Step

Kaptivate’s experience in strategic communication and stakeholder engagementraser (1) has shaped our RASER™ methodology – Research, Aim, Structure, Enact, Rethink.  

  • Research helps us identify key audiences, messages, and the best communication channels.
  • Aim guides the creation of a structured plan using a mix of media, events, and activities.
  • Structure lays out the communications strategy and campaign branding.
  • Enact involves executing the plan and collecting feedback and data.
  • Rethink uses this data to adjust and improve the strategy.

RASER keeps our projects focused, inclusive, and flexible, and ensures every campaign starts with real data, includes the right voices, leverages the right channels, and can adapt and improve over time.

Audience Matrix

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Brand Guidelines

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Program Metrics & Data Storytelling

Youth Engagement

Youth Engaged as Co-Creators, Not Just Audiences

Kaptivate’s award-winning paid internship program empowers teen creatives as fully integratedVirginia Intern Day contributors to our client-facing projects. Our approach to internships is multifaceted:

  • Meaningful Work: Interns are entrusted with tasks that directly impact client projects, including: designing materials, analyzing data, and enhancing productivity tools.
  • Valued Voices: Interns are encouraged to contribute ideas, ask questions, and offer feedback during team meetings and strategy sessions, reflecting Kaptivate’s commitment to diversity of thought and inclusive collaboration.
  • Guidance and Mentorship: Interns work closely with our more experienced team members who foster their growth in areas like marketing, communications, and project management.
  • Training: Interns receive hands-on instruction in areas such as plain language writing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, building both technical confidence and workforce readiness.

By engaging youth as valued collaborators, Kaptivate helps cultivate the next generation of diverse professionals. We equip them with real-world experience, professional confidence, and a sense of purpose. In return, their ideas, energy, and creativity strengthen our work and enrich the outcomes we deliver to clients.

Intern Work Samples

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Creative Outreach

Outreach that Drives Action

Kaptivate’s creative outreach goes beyond eye-catching design and compelling content. Every asset we produce is crafted to move audiences from awareness to engagement to action. Our work reflects the voices of target audiences and the priorities of our clients, with the goal of building trust, deepening understanding, and delivering measurable results.

CTE Chips Challenge


The CTE CHIPS Challenge, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, is a multi-phase prize competition to foster innovation in student recruitment, training, and placement strategies in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing careers. Creative materials are examples of our multi-channel outreach during Phase 1.

OnPlan

Kaptivate partnered with OnPlan to lead a strategic brand refresh and website redesign that captured the company’s global expertise and innovative spirit. We began with a comprehensive competitive analysis to inform positioning and messaging, followed by a full brand modernization to align OnPlan’s visual identity with its enterprise-level services.

Challenge.Gov


Challenge.gov, managed by the General Services Administration, is a leading program that supports federal agencies to mature and scale the use of prize competitions in order to advance their missions. Creative materials are examples of our multi-channel outreach to public solvers and federal agency staff.

Video Production

522 Productions, Kaptivate’s video partner, is on a mission to rid the world of cheesy videos. Just one of the many reasons we love working with them! 522 creates powerful, authentic videos that humanize brands and connect with target audiences. Their team’s commitment to storytelling aligns perfectly with our values: finding smart solutions, staying humble, and taking initiative. 

Together, we build trust—with each other and with our clients—by delivering creative work that’s as strategic as it is meaningful.

Here are three examples of their work:

 

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Project Execution

Experienced People. Proven Process. Clear Path.

Kaptivate approaches every project with a thoughtful blend of strategy, structure, and staffing. We align our teams around shared goals, define clear roles and responsibilities, and apply agile project management practices to keep projects on track and communication flowing. Our cross-functional teams combine subject matter expertise, creative talent, and operational know-how to deliver results on time and with purpose.

Your OWD Project Team

We’ve brought together a team with deep experience in creative strategy, public-sector communications, youth engagement, and workforce development.  Our team is ready to begin working today.  We even have a work plan to guide our way. 

Boston (2)
  • Jenn Stein
  • Quinn Slayton
  • Amanda Ponzar
  • Joscelyn Young
  • Marni Hotchkiss
  • Scott Solberg
  • Karen Frey
  • Jenn Stein

    Jenn is a certified PMP with over 20 years of experience leading complex programs in workforce development, communications, and stakeholder engagement. As the Executive Sponsor, she’ll oversee the team’s work, ensuring timely delivery, strong coordination with the City, and high-quality outcomes across all deliverables. She currently leads Kaptivate’s Innovation and Workforce Solutions portfolio and directs the company’s youth internship program. Earlier in her career, Jenn worked as a social worker case manager connecting low-income families, youth, and individuals with special needs to education, employment, and other resources critical to economic security. These experiences inform her approach, enabling her to effectively design solutions rooted in empathy, equity, and community impact.

    Relevant Work Experience

    • Kaptivate LLC
      • Vice President, Innovation and Workforce Strategies, 2024 – Present
      • Kaptivate LLC, Senior Director, Program Management, 2020 - 2024  
    • BAE Systems, Manager, Community Investment, 2011 – 2017
    • Truist, Inc.
      • Director Strategic Partnerships, 2005 – 2010
      • Director Customer Support, 2002 – 2005
    • BlueStep, Inc., Senior Consultant, 2000 – 2002
    • Reading Is Fundamental, Director, Development Services, 1999 - 2000
    • Cleverex Systems, Inc., Training & Customer Support Manager, 1995 - 1999
    • D.C. Department of Human Services, Case Manager, 1994 - 1995
    • Center for Developmental Disabilities, Case Manager, 1993 - 1994


    Relevant Areas of Expertise

    Project Management | Workforce Development | Stakeholder Engagement | Communications | Data Analysis | Open Innovation | Business Process Improvement | Risk Management

    Education and Certifications

    • Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
    • University of South Florida, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace certification
    • SUNY at Stony Brook, MSW in Policy, Administration, and Research
    • Cornell University, BS in Human Development & Family Studies

  • Quinn Slayton

    Quinn will serve as the Project Manager for this initiative, overseeing day-to-day operations, coordinating team activities, and serving as the primary point of contact with the City of Boston. She will also supervise our Youth Interns and oversee the work of the Youth Advisory Council. With over 15 years of experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, workforce program support, and youth development, she brings a strong foundation in strategic outreach and youth-centered messaging. Her past work leading national campaigns like the Department of Education’s Career Z and CTE CHIPS Challenges, along with her experience training and mentoring young adults at City Year, makes her especially well-equipped to guide both the campaign strategy and its youth engagement components. Quinn has deep connections to Boston youth-serving organizations from her past work at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and City Year. As a resident of Portland, ME, she is available to attend in-person meetings in Boston (only a couple of hours' drive away).

    Relevant Experience

    • Kaptivate LLC, Manager, Community Activation, 2020 – present
    • Impact Director, City Year New Hampshire, 2015 – 2020
    • Community Action of Strafford County, Community Services Director, 2015
    • United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley, Development Director, 2012 – 2015
    • Washington Reading Corps, Project Manager, 2006 – 2012


    Relevant Areas of Expertise

    Project Management | Communications | Stakeholder Engagement | Copy Editing and Plain Language | Graphic Design | Workforce Skills Development | Youth Services

    Education 

    • University of Washington, Evans School of Public Affairs, Certificate of Non-profit and National Service Leadership
    • Ball State University, Bachelor of Fine Arts

  • Amanda Ponzar

    Amanda will serve as the Marketing Director for the Boston Climate Jobs Alliance campaign, bringing nationally recognized expertise in sustainable jobs, corporate social responsibility, and youth-focused outreach. She leads a national Social Impact Group of corporate citizenship professionals (including Boston-based members) and has helped thousands of young people and job seekers explore purpose-driven careers. In this role, she’ll oversee all phases of the marketing strategy, from audience research and message development to content creation and rollout, ensuring materials are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the City’s goals. She will work closely with the Youth Advisory Council, Kaptivate’s intern team, and Boston Climate Jobs Alliance partners to co-design campaign messaging, visuals, and outreach tools that reflect the values and voices of Boston teens. Amanda holds certificates in Sustainable Business Strategy and Social Responsibility from Harvard and brings deep knowledge of plain language and values-based communications that will guide the campaign.

    Relevant Experience 

    • Kaptivate LLC
      • Senior Advisor, Public and Corporate Relations, 2025 - Present
      • Senior Communications Consultant, 2024 - 2025
    • PR Daily and Ragan Communications, Communicators Roundtable Member, Advisory Board Member, and Contributing Writer, 2020 - Present
    • CHC: Creating Healthier Communities, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, 2016 - 2024
    • United Way of Central Maryland, Assistant Director, Marketing and Communications, 2015 - 2016 
    • Good360, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, 2014 - 2015
    • United Way Worldwide, Director of Communications, 2006 - 2014
    • American Red Cross, Senior Associate/Relationship Manager, 2006


    Relevant Areas of Expertise

    Communications & Marketing | Stakeholder Engagement | Public Relations | Branding and Licensing | Social Impact/CSR

    Education and Certifications

    • Executive Education in Corporate Social Responsibility, and Certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy, Harvard Business School
    • Master's in Media Communications, Webster University
    • Bachelor's Degree in English, Pennsylvania State University

  • Joscelyn Young

    Joscelyn will serve as the Outreach Manager for this project, bringing more than 20 years of experience in youth development, education, and workforce programming in Boston and other Massachusetts regions. She held leadership roles as Executive Director at the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation and Vice President of the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development. Joscelyn brings deep relationships with many Boston-area serving workforce development and youth service organizations, including: Women’s Energy Network Boston, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boston Magnet School, Excel Academy East Boston, MassTech, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and Commonwealth Corporation’s YouthWorks. These relationships make her well-positioned to tailor outreach strategies that resonate with local audiences. In her role as Outreach Manager, she’ll guide our youth engagement strategy, ensuring that it is meaningful, inclusive, and aligned with the City’s values. She’ll also foster relationships with community organizations, building a rich network of campaign champions and amplifiers.

    Relevant Experience 

    • Kaptivate LLC, Strategic Advisor, Workforce Development, 2023 - Present
    • Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development
      • Vice President, 2024 - Present
      • Consultant, 2023 - 2024
    • BV Education Foundation
      • Executive Director, 2022 - 2023
      • Program & Grant Coordinator, 2020 - 2023
    • Silver Spruce Montessori School, Integrative Arts Teacher, 2017 - 2020
    • Unitarian Universalist Society, Acting Director of Education Programs, 2018 - 2019
    • Wheeler Clinic & Community Healthlink, Professional Counselor, 2026 - 2011


    Relevant Areas of Expertise

    Workforce Development | Stakeholder Engagement | Youth Services | Community Outreach | Strategic Planning | Project Management | Social Media | Web Design

    Education and Certifications

    • Teacher License, Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
    • Master of Science in Professional Counseling, Central Connecticut State University
    • Bachelor of Arts in Theater, Bates College

  • Marni Hotchkiss

    Marni will serve as the Graphic Designer for this project. In this role, she’ll lead the development of all visual assets for the campaign, including social media templates, flyers, posters, campaign website, and an animated video. Marni brings over 20 years of experience in graphic and web design, user experience design and research, and creative direction, specializing in creating digital and print materials that are visually engaging, accessible, and user-friendly. She’s a Certified Usability Analyst (CUA), a professional credential awarded by Human Factors International (HFI) to individuals who demonstrate expertise in user-centered design (UCD) and usability principles.  She’s also a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), a globally recognized accessibility certification, and Department of Homeland Security Trusted Tester, a certification that ensures digital content and software comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. 

    Relevant Experience

    • Kaptivate LLC
      • Director, Creative Direction, 2022 - Present
      • Senior Manager, Creative Direction & UX, 2021 – 2022
    • EverCommerce., Visual Design Program Manager, 2018 – 2021
    • ConceptRethink, LLC, Principal, 2008 – 2021
    • CreateHope, Creative Director, 2003 – 2008
    • PrestoSports, Design Group Manager, 2001 – 2003
    • Agency.com, Site Builder, 2000 – 2001
    • DataPlay, Graphic Designer, 1999 – 2000


    Relevant Areas of Expertise

    Graphic Design | Content Management | Branding | Web Development | User Experience Design | Universal Design & Accessibility (508-compliance) | Mobile Responsive Design & Development | Social Media | Growth Marketing

    Education and Certifications

    • International Association of Accessibility Professionals, IAAP: CPAAC Certification
    • Department of Homeland Security, Section 508 Standards for Web
    • Interactive Design Foundation, Web Design for Usability Certification | Accessibility Certification
    • Human Factors International Certified Usability Analyst (CUA 2005-606)
    • Google Analytics Certified
    • HubSpot Certifications: Email Marketing | Inbound Marketing
    • Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, University of Colorado Boulder

  • Scott Solberg

    Scott is a nationally recognized leader in career development, workforce policy, and community-based education strategies. He brings decades of experience working with schools, workforce systems, and public agencies to design equitable career pathways and youth development models. A professor at Boston University and expert advisor to multiple state and local workforce initiatives, Scott will help ensure the campaign reflects the needs, values, and assets of Boston’s diverse communities while aligning with broader economic mobility goals.

    Relevant Experience

    • Boston University, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development
      • Co-Director, BU Center for Future Readiness, 2020 - Present
      • Professor, 2011 - Present
    • Coalition for Career Development Center, Vice President, Research, 2020 - Present
    • University of Wisconsin-Madison, Associate Director, Career Development Research, 2006 - 2011
    • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Associate Professor, Educational Psychology, 1995 - 2006


    Relevant Areas of Expertise

    Workforce Development | Career Counseling | Community Outreach | Program Development

    Education and Certifications

    • Doctor of Philosophy, Counseling Psychology, University of California - Santa Barbara
    • Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Counseling, University of California – Santa Barbara
    • Bachelor of Arts, Experimental Psychology and Sociology, University of California – Santa Barbara
    • Associate of Arts, Social Sciences, West Valley Junior College

  • Karen Frey

    Karen brings deep expertise in climate science and environmental change. She is a professor in the Graduate School of Geography at Clark University, where her research focuses on the impacts of climate change on the Arctic, sea ice loss, and the connection between global systems and local environments. Dr. Frey’s experience in translating complex scientific data into accessible insights will help ensure that campaign content is both accurate and engaging for youth and community audiences.

    Relevant Experience

    • Clark University, Professor, 2007 - Present


    Relevant Areas of Expertise

    Climate Change | Education | Student Advising  

    Education and Certifications

    • Doctor of Philosophy, Geography, UCLA
    • Master of Arts, Geography, UCLA
    • Bachelor of Arts, Geological Sciences, Cornell University

We're excited for what's next!

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