Strategic Communications
Great communication starts with understanding people. Tools have changed a lot over the years, but I've found the work itself hasn't. It still comes down to knowing the audience before deciding what to say, when to say it, and where it will have the greatest impact.
It’s also the approach behind every project in this portfolio. I enjoy tackling communication problems. Sometimes the challenge is reaching a new audience. Sometimes it's making complex information easier to understand. Other times it's helping an organization tell its story more clearly. The solution is different every time, but it always begins with striving to understand the people first.
Featured Case Studies
District Website Redesign & Digital Governance
Led a full website redesign from RFP through implementation, translating a complex multi-program organization into a clearer, more accessible digital experience while aligning stakeholder needs across teams.
Responsibilities included developing the public RFP process, coordinating vendor communication, rewriting and restructuring hundreds of webpages, planning new photography and video content, curating visual assets, and supporting long-term content management across the organization.
Moon Lake Park Launch & Public Engagement
The launch brought together residents, local leadership, and community stakeholders around the opening of a new public park space, developed in response to a community need.
Responsibilities included creating event collateral, public-facing communications, promoting the event across multiple channels, supporting stakeholder outreach, and documenting the launch through on-site photography and visual storytelling.
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Screenshot of a multi-step internal Marketing Request form created for Hoffman Estates Park District staff. The form collects the requestor’s contact information, program or event details, enrollment goals, registration dates, requested deliverables, project specifications, and deadline needs. Required fields and conditional deadline options help staff submit complete information before a communications project enters production.
Communications Operations & Workflow Systems
Developed a centralized communications intake and workflow system to improve project visibility, prioritization, accountability, and coordination across a large multi-program public agency.
Responsibilities included designing request processes, creating workflow structures, developing staff documentation and training resources, and supporting long-term adoption across departments.
Additional Work Samples
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Website Content
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Social Media Storytelling
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Community Outreach
“Marisa is a highly skilled and dedicated professional, demonstrating passion and giving it her all in everything she does. Marisa’s creative spirit and tenacious work ethic make her an asset to any company”
— Tina Tsonis, Graphic Designer
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