What we do
C-Strategies is an award-winning, 100% women-owned, WBE and ACDBE certified strategic communications and public affairs firm led by government, public policy and campaign veterans that uses results-driven tactics to build strategic plans, guide public opinion and manage crises for clients.
Our Services
From advocating against sexual harassment in the workplace and for sensible gun laws, to representing big industry disruptors, education pioneers, and community-based developers, we build teams and strategies to get our clients’ stories told.
media relations
We’re on speed dial to the most influential beat reporters and opinion writers in Illinois.
message development
You have a story to tell. We’ll help you get the message out.
Strategic Planning
We create and execute strategies tailored for each client to meet their business and advocacy needs.
community engagement
We drive public discussion and shape opinion.
DIGITAL STRATEGY
From social media plans to websites and beyond, we develop sustainable and effective digital strategies to help you succeed online.
DESIGN & BRANDING
We help craft your visual identity and equip you with the assets you need for consistent and compelling creative content.
Crisis Management
We put out fires. We’ll manage you and your organization through crisis.
stakeholder and Relationship Management
We'll help connect you to key influencers throughout Chicago and Illinois to help you reach your goals.
Thought leadership
We help elevate the profile of our clients to inspire others through their lens and expertise.
Content Development
We develop owned content across platforms to communicate custom client narratives.
EVENT PLANNING and management
Don’t worry – we got you! We build, manage and execute events from start to finish.
CEO & EXECUTIVE BOARD CONSULTING
We build roadmaps for corporate and nonprofits boards to successfully guide them through crises and lead CEO onboarding plans to ensure a successful transition.
Who we are
We've served on the front lines of major public policy, advocacy and political campaigns in Chicago and Illinois. We will help you meet your business goals, turn big ideas into action and simply get things done.
Becky Carroll
President & CEO
FAVORITE QUOTE: "It’s handled." - Olivia Pope
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Determined
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: Precognition
Marisa Kollias
Chief Operating Officer
FAVORITE QUOTE: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Selfless
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: Teleportation
Caroline Brooks
Senior Director of Communications
FAVORITE QUOTE: “I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity... I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be.” - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Committed
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: Teleportation
Lara Cooper
Senior Vice President of Communications
FAVORITE QUOTE: “For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it." - Amanda Gorman
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Compassionate
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: Teleportation
Joel Dickens
Digital Associate
FAVORITE QUOTE: "A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” - Unknown
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Driven
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: No bugs can come within a 50 ft radius of me
Emma Kluever
Senior Director of Content
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Intentional
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: Omnilingualism
Jane Mather-Glass
Communications Manager
FAVORITE QUOTE: “The more you give, the more you have, the more new things you are a part of, the more you are truly alive.” - Jenny Slate
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Optimistic
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: Flight
Alejandra Moran
Latino Communications & Engagement Advisor
FAVORITE QUOTE: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” - Steve Jobs
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Visionary
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: Omnipresence
Mary Priller
Director of Communications & Marketing
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Make each day your masterpiece.” - Coach John Wooden
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Invested
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: Flight
Claire Salzman
Vice President of Digital Strategy
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.” - Pablo Picasso
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Dedicated
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: Teleportation
Shawn Taylor
Content Development Advisor
FAVORITE QUOTE: “What distinguishes a good traveler is how many people you meet.” - Rick Steves
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Reliable
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: Humor
Sarah Zegart
Communications Manager
FAVORITE QUOTE: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” - Nelson Mandala
A WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME: Passionate
MY IDEAL SUPERHERO POWER: Teleportation
Check out our panel on mental health and the media with the Publicity Club of Chicago.
How is mental health covered by media, and how can communications professionals and journalists responsibly talk about such a complex issue? C-Strategies and the Publicity Club of Chicago were proud to host “Communicating Mental Health: Best Practices and Beyond” — an engaging discussion with experts at the intersection of mental health and media in Chicago. Watch the conversation now!
