A community is only as healthy as its non-profit sector; non-profit organizations are only as healthy as their systems are strong. Therefore, strong organizational systems yield healthier communities. In economic crises, that's more true than ever. That's where I come in.

I founded m²powered communications solutions in 2005 because I saw a need in the non-profit sector for more effective marketing and communications. Charitable organizations are very adept at communicating messages that are convincing to themselves, but tend to do a poor job of crafting messages that will bring in new supporters who may not be traditional allies, but who have just as much of a stake in the work of those organizations.

Since that time, the scope of m²powered communications solutions has changed. In July 2007, I began consulting full time, and expanded my focus to include resource development and systems building. Communications is still a core component of both of those practices, but it is no longer my sole focus. I especially enjoy (and am quite proficient at) evaluating a client's existing systems - be they development, programs, communications, or management systems - and applying creative and innovative thinking to improve on what works while eliminating what doesn't.

Your initial consultation is free. The consultation usually consists of an informal interview during which I'll ask probing questions to determine the crux of your current needs. Often, a client will know he needs help, but won't be able to fully articulate the challenges or an understanding of their root causes. If you had those answers, you probably wouldn't be looking for outside help in the first place! Once the consultation is complete, I'll summarize where I think I can provide appropriate services. You can decide from there whether to engage me in a contract for your short or long term needs.

My rates are highly competitive based on the projected hours per week you will need my support; the more hours per week, the lower my rates. Though I thoroughly understand the constraints of non-profit budgets in this economic crisis, my rates are generally not negotiable at this time.

As a passionate advocate for social justice, I wanted to give my new consulting practice a name that reflected my philosophy. Empowerment is at the core of that philosophy. Fortunately for me, my initials are MM, and I'm a big fan of puns. So I combined my initials (m-squared) with the concept of empowering my clients, and a consulting business was born!

What are you waiting for? Book a free consultation today or contact me to learn more!

Click here to view my full resume.

I was born and raised in New Jersey. I grew up in the same town where M&M's are made, an appropriate coincidence given my initials. I'm the youngest of three children in what was one of only three Jewish families in my rural hometown of about 9,000 residents. My mom was a member of the local Board of Education for 16 years, and it's from her that I learned the necessity of volunteering and public service. Both she and my dad gave back to our community in countless ways when me and my brother and sister were growing up.

I graduated from Ithaca College in upstate New York with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama. My years at Ithaca were absolutely critical in defining who I am today. The spirit of activism and the ambition toward equality and justice that define the campus and surrounding community have instilled in me a deep sense of purpose. During my senior year, I led a coalition to establish what would become the College's Center for LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. I am proud to say that the Center will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2011.

I started my post-college professional career at the local rape crisis center in Ithaca, where I was that organization's first LGBT Outreach Coordinator and a New York State Department of Health certified rape crisis counselor. I moved to Tucson in 2002 from Ithaca, and shortly went to work for the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault. I worked my way up in that organization to create the position of Communications Director. Along the way, I also wrote and managed the Center's first nationally-competitive federal grant, focusing on meeting the needs of crime victims with disabilities.

I went to work for Planned Parenthood of Southern Arizona in 2006 as Vice President of External Affairs. When my position was eliminated in a merger, I turned to consulting full time. Check out the clients page for a glimpse at my consulting clients.

In my spare time, I volunteer with local groups, including Wingspan, SAMHC, the Pima County/Tucson Women's Commission (which I currently chair), and Open Inn. Along the way, I've been recognized for my civic and community service - see the awards page to learn more.

I am also an avid yogi, and I practice at Yoga Oasis in Tucson. I have been very fortunate to take part in the Level I Anusara Yoga Teacher Training. My teachers are excellent and yoga has manifested many benefits in my life; I continue to discover new and exciting ways to bring these gifts into other aspects of my personal and professional life.

Because no personal website would be complete without a mention of the owner's cat, I should give a shout out to my late feline friend, Leif. He was my constant companion for most of my first 7 years in Tucson, but I had to have him euthanized in December 2009 after a short illness. I miss him.

I'm back to working full time, this time for the Primavera Foundation as Director of Transitional Housing. Our mission is "providing pathways out of poverty" and I am delighted that I get to work every day with the most compassionate, funny, talented, and professional staff in the business. We have built quite the effective little team since I started, and we continue to build on our successful systems. I continue to learn and benefit from my experiences working with and for some of the most effective non-profit organizations in Tucson.

You can use these sample materials and tools to create or strengthen your own systems. I will add more as I develop them. Click on any title below to explore:

Convince Conceive Compel Worksheet - Use this worksheet to connect your message to your underlying values, which are key to motivating your audiences to take action

Marketing Your Issue Worksheet - This worksheet will give your marketing a jumpstart by asking you to think critically about the context in which you will be delivering your messages