AMA PDX AGENCY
Marketing for Impact. Community for Change.
AMA PDX connects Portland nonprofits, community-based organizations, and mission-driven businesses with professional marketers for Pro bono consulting that drives real impact. Join a community where creativity and purpose meet.
Recruitment for the AMA PDX Agency is open year-round. Apply by December 31st, 2025 to participate in the next project cycle, March 2026.
OUR
HISTORY
Founded in 2007, AMA PDX pioneered one of the first pro bono marketing programs of its kind in the country BY pairing skilled marketing volunteers with Portland-area nonprofits in need of professional support.
In 2018, the program officially rebranded as AMA PDX Agency, evolving into a structured, high-impact consultancy for nonprofits, community orgs, and mission-driven businesses in the Portland and SW Washington areas.
A LEGACY OF IMPACT
By 2020, it transitioned to a hybrid model for accessibility and safety, continuing to provide flexible, high-quality consulting for mission-driven organizations.
Today, AMA PDX Agency remains committed to empowering nonprofits, strengthening community, and fostering professional growth for Portland’s marketing professionals.
OUR WORK IN ACTION
OPAL Environmental Justice
We helped OPAL refine their brand identity and inclusive marketing by creating a custom style guide and marketing templates, investing 250+ hours in their success.
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO)
We revamped MESO’s brand strategy and built a more effective social media approach to strengthen their growth.
Albina Vision Trust (AVT)
Our team contributed over 200 hours in 6 months to develop a full marketing strategy complete with workshops, audits, and actionable recommendations.
Past Participating Orgs
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![Logo for The Shadow Project with white text on a blue background.]()
The Shadow Project
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![Logo with the words 'RAIN catalysts', with 'RAIN' in gray and blue, and 'catalysts' in yellow.]()
RAIN Catalysts
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![Red background with white stylized text 'PR' and 'B' arranged vertically.]()
Portland Youth Builders
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![Logo for Rooted School Vancouver featuring green text and a stylized green pine tree.]()
Rooted School Vancouver
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![Logo with a circular design featuring hands, a house, and a family, with the text 'PRSG' below.]()
Portland Refugee Support Group
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![Logo with a yellow flame border, a red circle, and a blue and yellow hourglass in the center. Text reads "ACTIVE 20-30 INTERNATIONAL."]()
20-30 Club of Portland
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![Yellow circular badge with black text that reads "ALBINA" with a small white dot near the bottom.]()
Albina Vision Trust
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![Logo for Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) featuring three arches in teal, orange, and navy blue colors with the acronym 'MESO' and the full name below.]()
Micro Enterprises Services of Oregon
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![A logo for Farmers Market Fund featuring a watering can with water pouring onto a small plant with two leaves.]()
Farmers Market Fund
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![Logo of the Independent Publishing Resource Center (IPRC), featuring the acronym IPRC and full name below.]()
Independent Publishing Resource Center
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![Green logo with mountain graphic and the text 'PDXWIT' beneath it.]()
PDX WIT
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![A logo with a pink heart-shaped spoon next to the text "Rabah's Sisters" in dark blue letters.]()
Rahab's Sisters
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![The phrase 'with love' written in blue text with a heart in place of the letter 'o' in 'love'.]()
With Love
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![Green circular logo with the text 'Betties 360' and a silhouette of a woman with curly hair in the background.]()
Betties360
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![Junior Achievement logo with green triangle and stair-step design, and text 'Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington']()
Junior Achievement
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![Logo of Oregon Children's Theatre with stylized black text on a white background]()
Oregon Children's Theatre
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![A logo featuring a blue sofa with text above and below it. The text above says "The Living Room" and the text below says "A Safehaven for GLBTQQ Youth in Clackamas County."]()
The Living Room
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![The logo for the Pixie Project with the words 'the pixie project' in black and gray text.]()
The Pixie Project
RECENT AGENCY NEWS, UPDATES, AND RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS, COMMUNITY-ORGS, AND MISSION-DRIVEN BUSINESSES…
GET INVOLVED
Join Our Community of Change Makers
FOR MARKETING
PROFESSIONALS
Use your skills to make a difference. Join a team of marketing professionals collaborating on a project that supports our communities. Each team scopes, strategizes, and delivers creative work that amplifies local missions.
Recruitment is open year-round.
Apply by December 31, 2025 to join the next cycle: March-September 2026.
Volunteer Benefits
Gain real-world experience while giving back
Build your resume and portfolio
Learn new skills for career advancement
Expand your professional network
Access AMA workshops and mentorship
Volunteer Commitments
10–20 hours per month (March–August)
Attend project meetings weekly or biweekly
Join the kickoff in March and celebration in September
Bring experience or strong interest in marketing
Complete post-project feedback survey
Volunteer Roles You Can Step Into
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🎯 ACCOUNT MANAGER
The Account Manager is the primary point of contact for our community clients. They lead project scoping, clarify goals, and ensure every engagement stays aligned with client needs and expectations. This role bridges strategy and execution, guiding communication and keeping projects on track from kickoff to completion.
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🗂️ Project Manager
The Project Manager keeps the team organized, supported, and moving forward. They oversee project timelines, deliverables, and internal collaboration, ensuring work is delivered on time, within scope, and at the high standard AMA PDX Agency is known for.
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✍️ Copywriter
The Copywriter shapes messaging and voice across client materials. They craft clear, compelling language that connects with audiences and reflects each organization’s brand personality—from taglines to campaign narratives to print materials.
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🎨 Graphic Designer
The Graphic Designer brings ideas to life visually, creating the visual assets and creative deliverables that make the project memorable. They translate strategy into design—crafting layouts, graphics, and brand elements that engage and inspire.
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📈 Marketing Strategist
The Marketing Strategist provides high-level, big-picture marketing support to help create cohesive integrated campaigns for one local community org client. They unite the team’s different talents to execute projects in a consistent voice, with unified branding, across the right channels.
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💻 Digital Marketing Specialist
The Digital Marketing Specialist strategizes, develops, and executes digital tactics as part of an integrated marketing campaign. They’re the expert for all things digital—spearheading initiatives across social, email, and web as part of the overall strategy.
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💼 Associate Producer
The Associate Producer plays a key supporting role on project teams, helping keep work organized and moving smoothly. This position is ideal for someone early in their marketing or communications career who’s eager to learn how marketing projects come together from start to finish.
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📸 Content Creator
The Content Creator documents and shares the story of AMA PDX Agency’s work—capturing project milestones, volunteer highlights, and client impact through photos, video, and writing—and translates them into compelling narratives for campaigns, presentations, and AMA channels.
FAQs
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Volunteers range from early-career professionals to senior marketers. Teams are built intentionally to balance skill levels, so everyone can contribute and learn.
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No, membership isn’t required. However, AMA members gain access to extra networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities throughout the year. If you’re interested in learning more about national AMA membership check out the national AMA website.
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After applying, volunteers are matched to teams based on skills, interests, and availability. Each team includes a mix of strategists, designers, writers, and project managers.
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Not at all. Many volunteers come from in-house roles, nonprofits, or other creative fields. Curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to collaborate are what matter most.
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Yes. AMA PDX Agency operates in a hybrid model, with both virtual and in-person opportunities for collaboration.
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Applications are reviewed by AMA PDX Agency leadership. Interviews will take place in January and selected volunteers are notified in February and invited to a virtual orientation before projects begin in March.
Partner with skilled volunteers to elevate your marketing and expand your impact. Through AMA PDX Agency’s pro bono program, your organization will be matched with a team of experienced marketers, designers, and strategists who bring fresh perspective, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to community. Together, you’ll collaborate on a high-impact project—such as a brand refresh, website update, or campaign strategy—that strengthens your organization’s ability to connect with audiences, attract supporters, and advance your mission.
FOR NONPROFITS &
MISSION-DRIVEN BUSINESSES
Recruitment is open year-round.
Apply by December 31, 2025 to join the next cycle: March-September 2026.
Client Benefits
Connect with Portland’s marketing professionals
Strengthen your strategy with expert consulting for free
Develop new tools and resources to support your mission and community
Gain visibility through AMA’s site, newsletter, and social channels
Equip your team with the skills and systems to sustain your marketing
Client Commitments
Assign a primary contact (10–15 hours/month) who responds within 2-3 business days
Collaborate on a focused, measurable project plan
Attend kickoff (March) and final presentations (September)
Complete a feedback survey
Approve AMA sharing project outcomes (case studies, posts, etc.)
WHO
QUALIFIES?
We welcome community organizations, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses with a social mission. Priority is given to:
Organizations led by or serving underrepresented communities
Those addressing root causes of social injustice
Groups collaborating across sectors or stakeholders
TYPES
OF PROJECTS
Every AMA PDX Agency project is unique. Our volunteer teams tailor their approach to each community client’s goals whether that means building a campaign from the ground up or strengthening what already works.
Common project types include:
• Logo and brand creative guideline buildout
• Website UX development or overhaul
• PR and communications strategy
• Social media build-out and content planning
• Paid media and digital advertising
• Awareness campaign development
We also take on projects outside these categories, from storytelling frameworks to donor engagement strategies. If it helps your mission connect with more people, our volunteers can help you get there.
FAQs
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Each application is reviewed by the AMA PDX Agency leadership team. Interviews with select applicants will take place in January and selected organizations are notified in February and matched with a volunteer team ahead of the March kickoff.
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Each project is customized to your goals. Deliverables may include brand guidelines, marketing campaigns, communication strategies, or creative assets—depending on what will make the biggest difference for your organization.
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We prioritize organizations in the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington, with flexibility for those serving these communities or operating regionally.
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Applications close December 31, 2025. Interviews will take place in January 2026 and partner selections are announced in February. Project teams launch in March, and final presentations take place in September.
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No. AMA PDX Agency projects are completely pro bono. We only ask that partners commit time for collaboration and communication throughout the six-month project cycle.
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That’s fine, the list is just a starting point. If your need involves marketing, branding, or communications, our teams will work with you to define a clear, achievable project scope.
Community Voices
Need more details before applying?
Reach out to agency@ama-pdx.org
At AMA PDX, we believe inclusive marketing strengthens communities.
Our work prioritizes uplifting underrepresented voices and ensuring ethical, accessible, and equitable storytelling in every project.
OUR COMMITMENT
TO DEIA
NEED MARKETING HELP QUICK?
Book a Free One-Hour Marketing Strategy Session
In addition to our annual Agency program, AMA PDX Agency offers free, one-hour consulting sessions for area nonprofits and mission-driven businesses seeking a little extra marketing clarity. These sessions are led by members of our AMA PDX Agency leadership team and designed to help you:
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Workshop a communications challenge or campaign idea
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Identify quick, strategic shifts that move your marketing forward
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Strengthen your next AMA project application (optional, not required)
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Get expert advice on messaging, branding, or community engagement
Whether you’re just starting to build a marketing plan or need a fresh perspective on an existing effort, Consulting Hours are a space to think out loud with experienced marketers who care about your mission.
Sessions are free and offered year-round.
Availability is limited and scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meet the Leadership Team
The AMA PDX Agency is led by volunteers who serve on the AMA PDX board and believe in the power of marketing to create social impact.
VP, Community Engagement
Kate Ludgate is a marketer, connector, and education enthusiast who loves bringing people and purpose together. With 15 years in mission-driven marketing, she's all about work that changes lives and strengthens communities.
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Kate Ludgate is a marketer, connector, and education enthusiast who loves bringing people and purpose together. With 15 years in mission-driven marketing, she’s all about work that changes lives and strengthens communities.
In her day job as Account Director for the Education vertical at Kiosk Creative Agency, she partners with education-focused brands and organizations to design campaigns that deliver both measurable results and real societal change.
As VP of Community Engagement for AMA PDX’s Agency program, Kate provides support to the brilliant team that keeps the agency program running, jumping in wherever she is needed. She’s passionate about creating welcoming spaces, building genuine relationships, and championing stories that deserve to be heard. When she’s not talking strategy or collaborating with community partners, Kate is probably reading, out on a walk, cooking something cozy, or soaking up new-mom life with her son and husband.
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I’ve been drawn to AMA PDX’s Agency program since joining the board in 2018 — it’s truly my favorite part of what we do. I love that the program delivers meaningful support to organizations doing important work in our community, while also showcasing the real impact that thoughtful, strategic marketing can have.
At my core, I’m passionate about connection. This program brings that passion to life by creating a bridge between our nonprofit community and our talented network of marketing professionals. It’s incredibly energizing to help those connections form and to see the ripple effect of what we can accomplish together.
Director of Agency
Lauren Lester is a strategist, full-stack marketer, and designer with 14 years of experience building brands and digital platforms. Her work centers on systems thinking, clarity, and equity-driven impact.
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Lauren Lester is a strategist, full-stack marketer, and designer who builds custom systems for nonprofits, small businesses, and mission-driven orgs. Her work blends strategy, identity design, web development, and backend infrastructure to help organizations communicate clearly and operate sustainably.
With over 14 years of experience, Lauren has built and scaled businesses from the ground up. She co-founded two food media companies that reached millions of readers and landed a cookbook deal before both were successfully acquired. She also launched a creative agency that produced editorial and commercial content packages and campaigns for global food and wellness brands.
These days, her fractional client work ranges from complete digital ecosystem rebuilds to brand strategy and communications systems prioritizing community impact.
Rooted in sociology studies at ETSU and food justice graduate coursework at UCLA, her work centers on systems, access, and equity. Lauren is committed to helping mission-driven leaders build resilient, enduring organizations that support the communities we all call home.
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I’m here because I want our community to feel connected and cared for, especially at a time when so many people — including marketers — are stretched thin. AMA PDX Agency gives us a way to use our skills in service of the orgs that make Portland more vibrant and equitable. I’ve seen how grounding and energizing this work can be, and I’m committed to helping more people contribute in ways that make an impact locally.
Director of Agency
Renee Garcia is a brand designer who combines strategic thinking and heartfelt design to support purpose-driven organizations. She brings creative thinking, clear communication, and organization to the Agency program.
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Renee Garcia runs an independent brand design studio that supports purpose-driven founders and organizations in Portland and beyond.
She crafts memorable brands for people devoted to planting positive change, so they can expand their impact and make the right impression. Renee combines strategic thinking and heartfelt design to create with intention.
Bringing in her business experience, she brings a combination of creative thinking, clear communication, and organization into the agency program.
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My work with AMA Agency is driven by the desire to connect and support our community. I firmly believe that everyone deserves access to good design and marketing support, so this is an extension of the work I do through my design studio already.
Director of Agency Communications
Alexandra Hagel is a marketing communications strategist and creative producer who brings over a decade of experience empowering orgs to share authentic stories through storytelling, media creation, and community-building.
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Alexandra Hagel is a marketing communications strategist, creative producer, and independent artist with over a decade of experience supporting mission-driven brands, nonprofits, and Portland creatives.
She empowers organizations to share authentic stories through purpose-driven strategy. Spanning design, brand development, photography, and event coordination, her work blends storytelling, media creation, and data-informed insight to craft meaningful narratives and grow community.
Alexandra helps businesses stand out and reach audiences who truly resonate with their mission.
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I’m inspired by the opportunity to help volunteers, local nonprofits, and community members capture and share their stories with clarity and purpose—transforming creative ideas into impact. Through my freelance work blending visual storytelling with intentional brand strategy, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful communication builds trust and lasting connection. My goal is to make growth accessible and inspiring through impact-based strategy. AMA Agency allows me to expand that mission while amplifying the voices of those doing important work in Portland and beyond, connecting people through stories that matter.
