a bit about us

Lizanne Hart

Founder + Creative Director
(she/her)

Over the course of her career, Lizanne has worked in a variety of nonprofit communications, graphic design, and fundraising capacities. From grant-writing and developing campaign materials for a major art museum to advising a celebrated national art collection in Prague as they sought funding for a world-renowned genealogical research library, to serving as head of communications for a Manhattan concert hall and performing arts center, Lizanne believes in the essential role communications and design play in enabling non-profit organizations to thrive.

Today, Lizanne uses her experience, insights, and creativity to help her clients tell their stories, and to invite others to support them, buy goods, and participate in their vision. Clients include ExpandED Schools, the David Rockefeller Fund, Merkin Concert Hall, International Center for Journalists, Astraea Foundation, Penguin USA, and The Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

Jennifer Friedlin

Principal + Strategy Director
(she/her)

Jennifer spent a decade as an international correspondent and freelance journalist before deciding to use her storytelling and writing skills to support mission-driven organizations in their efforts to increase their visibility and fundraising capacity.

Since 2012, Jennifer has worked as a consultant and staff communications director to develop organizational narratives and create fundraising campaigns that consistently exceed their goals. She has secured a million-dollar endowment for one organization through a newsletter she started, generated media attention for political actions through savvy campaign photo-ops, and created marketing assets for a range of organizations, including Hunter College, Repair the World, and Indivisible Nation.

  • Emily is a graphic designer devoted to advancing mission-driven organizations. She values practicality, accessibility and inclusivity over trends and design driven by consumerism. Her main focus is on building relationships with clients who share a deep passion for effecting positive change in the world. Prior to her design work, Emily's professional experience includes six years of arts assisting in performing arts and interactive design studios, project managing in the education technology space, and leading animation workshops for a Cambridge-based nonprofit serving the neurodiverse community. A native of Southern Massachusetts, Emily earned her B.A. in Printmaking from Wheaton College. Beyond her design skills, Emily is a songwriter and musician. In 2021 she started two bands and is an active part of the Providence, Rhode Island music scene.

  • Lauren Gray is a dynamic, results-oriented development executive with over 20 years of expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, leadership, and outreach. She has been instrumental in transforming and accelerating corporate and foundation fundraising at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and leading comprehensive fundraising efforts at Welcome.US.

    Lauren excels in creating and managing multi-million dollar portfolios, forging top-tier donor partnerships. She adeptly collaborates with both established organizations and emerging startups, driving impactful philanthropic initiatives.

    As the Chief Development Officer at Welcome.US, Lauren built and led a high-performing development team, established robust internal processes, and pioneered innovative corporate partnerships. Her tenure at the IRC spanned nearly 14 years, where she directed the corporate partnerships team from 2016-2022 and the Foundations team from 2016-2019, navigating through significant growth phases. Lauren holds a Master of Arts and Business Administration from the Bolz Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.