RiverBot

Kaptivate is a strategic communications firm headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Kaptivate helps organizations pivot + thrive through change with AI and data storytelling; PR and media relations; digital marketing and communications; program management; community engagement and coalition building; and crowdsourcing/open innovation. We turn insights into action, driving growth and real results for our clients and partners. Kaptivate works with businesses of all sizes; local, state and federal government; associations and organizations, and more.

Preserving an Alexandria Legacy

Local Currents

Deep, Local Understanding

Like seasoned river pilots who know every bend, eddy, and current of the Potomac, our team brings a deep, local understanding to guide AlexRenew’s vision. We don’t just float—we navigate. With roots in the region and expertise shaped by its unique challenges, we know how to steer through regulatory rapids, public engagement channels, and the undercurrents of change.

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Expert Navigators

Together, we can chart a smarter, cleaner course for our community’s water future.

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Kaptivate

Strategic Communications

Helping organizations Pivot + Thrive with impact through strategy, data-driven insights, digital innovation, and community engagement for over 16 years.

522 Productions

Video Production

Located in Alexandria, 522 PRODUCTIONS is an award winning video production company with 20+ years of experience crafting innovative and creative video content.

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New Target

Website Design & Development

For over 27 years, New Target in Alexandria offers comprehensive digital services, including website design, creative design, and digital marketing, using the latest technologies to exceed client expectations.

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Preserving an Alexandria Legacy

Kaptivate collaborated with the Torpedo Factory Artists Association (TFAA) to develop a strategic business plan and communications strategy aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability and community engagement of the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia. This initiative was undertaken during a period of institutional uncertainty and high public interest, necessitating a thoughtful and urgent response to preserve the center's legacy and shape its future.

Key Components of the Project

Strategic Planning: Engaged over 180 artists to co-create a business roadmap focusing on financial resilience, service expansion, and performance benchmarks.
Communications Strategy: Designed and executed a comprehensive public engagement campaign, including political advocacy, grassroots outreach, and media relations, to mobilize public support and position TFAA as a credible steward of the Art Center.
Economic Impact Study: Conducted research and analysis to quantify the Art Center’s value to Alexandria’s economy and cultural landscape, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of the city's tourism economy and cultural identity.
Business Plan Development: Developed a strategic plan incorporating new revenue models, a capital campaign in partnership with the City of Alexandria, and a framework for accountability.

Through these efforts, Kaptivate equipped TFAA with the strategic foundation and public support necessary to confidently advance its case for leadership and control of the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Why Water's Worth It

WEF partnered with 522 Productions to create a compelling video for the WEFTEC Opening General Session, aiming to inspire both the water industry and the next generation. The theme, “Be a Hero. Water’s Worth It,” served as a call to action, emphasizing the emotional and practical importance of water conservation.

- Craft a message that emotionally resonates with both industry professionals and the general public.
- Highlight the urgency of protecting water resources, particularly for future generations.

522 Productions was inspired by children’s water-themed drawings, proposing a concept where a child narrates a poem about water. This poem, brought to life with animation and live-action scenes, illustrates the essential role water plays in everyday life and global ecosystems.

The project sought to:

- Promote the Water’s Worth It campaign.
- Encourage dialogue among decision-makers, educators, and the public.
- Emphasize communal responsibility in water protection.

The video debuted at WEFTEC, leaving a strong impression and leading to a physical book publication due to attendee demand. The campaign became a central tool for WEF, used by members and educators to engage stakeholders and teach young students about water conservation.

Building Alexandria Community Partnerships

The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) is dedicated to providing safe and affordable housing to low-income residents in Alexandria, Virginia. As the city's population grew and housing needs evolved, ARHA recognized the necessity to modernize its brand and digital presence to better serve the community.

ARHA's existing branding and website no longer effectively communicated its mission or met the needs of its diverse audience. The organization required a refreshed visual identity and a scalable, user-friendly website that could accommodate future growth and technological advancements.

New Target collaborated closely with ARHA to develop a comprehensive rebranding strategy. This included designing a new logo inspired by Alexandria's skyline, creating a cohesive brand book, and developing a clean, modern website. The website was built using Drupal to ensure scalability and integration capabilities, including features like a rent and maintenance portal and Google Maps functionality for housing listings.

Key Results

Enhanced Brand Identity: The new logo and brand guidelines provided ARHA with a modern and recognizable visual identity that resonates with the community.
Improved User Experience: The redesigned website offers intuitive navigation, making it easier for users to find information and access services.
Increased Engagement: Integration of tools like the rent and maintenance portal and interactive housing maps improved user interaction and satisfaction.

Through this partnership, ARHA now has a revitalized brand and digital platform that effectively communicates its mission and supports its commitment to serving Alexandria's residents.

Impact and Alignment with AlexRenew

The project aligns with AlexRenew's mission by enhancing public engagement and awareness. New Target is leading AHRA in rebranding to modernize its brand and digital presence for Alexandria's diverse community. We collaborate with ARHA to support its mission of managing public housing and providing affordable, non-discriminatory living for low and moderate-income residents. A modern, user-friendly, and secure website is crucial for ARHA's stakeholders and partners.

Powering Solutions Through Open Innovation

Kaptivate successfully managed two major U.S. Department of Education prize challenges aimed at driving innovation in education. The CTE CHIPS Challenge focused on expanding student recruitment, training, and placement strategies in semiconductor fab construction and advanced manufacturing careers. The Career Z Challenge invited schools, districts, and partners to design and scale high-quality, work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for students in grades 6–12. For both multi-phase, national initiatives, Kaptivate provided full program management—including challenge design, technical assistance, stakeholder engagement, and judging coordination—to ensure smooth execution and broad participation.

Kaptivate provided daily program management of Challenge.gov through communications, capacity building, technical assistance, and strategic public engagement for federal prize managers through GSA’s Open Innovation Program. Our outreach included multi-channel campaigns, hybrid events, and tailored content for community building and key stakeholders. We supported the Applied AI Challenge Social Media Style Guide, which helped establish a cohesive and accessible public-facing identity for a high-profile federal challenge.

Solution

Kaptivate’s work in Open Innovation has delivered scalable engagement models that drive public participation and innovation and support long-term communities of practice, demonstrating our ability to scale quickly, adapt to evolving needs, and deliver high-impact results.