In the spring of 2024, STRIVE was in a moment of remarkable growth. The 40-year-old nonprofit founded in New York City had seen exceptional results in its workforce development initiatives, and funders were taking note. With transformational gifts from MacKenzie Scott and other philanthropists, STRIVE was expanding rapidly—yet its storied brand was trailing behind.

To ensure STRIVE’s messages matched the power of its mission, the organization engaged Mission Partners to lead a brand refresh. Over the course of three months, Mission Partners learned from dozens of students, alumni, staff, board members, and community partners about this workforce leader’s life-changing impact. Fueled by their insights, Mission Partners developed a new set of brand messages, visuals, and complementary campaign ideas to meet the moment for STRIVE. 

STRIVE rolled out its new brand in the fall of 2024 to great fanfare at its 40th anniversary gala. With a new color palette, a revised logo mark, person-first messaging, and a new tagline—Pathway to Possible (inspired by the words of a STRIVE graduate)—this national leader in workforce development and career solutions was now ready to share its story with a national audience. 

Since the brand was revealed, Mission Partners has supported STRIVE with a new website, vision video, and campaign collateral, all of which are helping them meet the moment. 40 years in, STRIVE is at the beginning of a new chapter of impact. Because, as the new brand revealed, it’s never too late to STRIVE for better. 

Testimonial quote: “Mission Partners helped STRIVE reimagine and reintroduce our 40 years of impact to new audiences of employers, funders and, importantly, students. With our bold, forward-looking new brand, and the support of the expert, passionate team at Mission Partners, STRIVE is positioned for continued success, despite challenging and uncertain times.” -Chief Marketing Officer, STRIVE

Kristine Neil

Fractional Web Partner

I'm Kristine Neil - a communications strategist who has spent 20+ years designing websites, first running a full-scale design and marketing agency, and now leading my own studio. I've been the creative director managing the work, the coder quietly fixing what others couldn't, and the strategist in the room asking why before how. Somewhere between the MBA and the other degrees, I decided web design was just one tool in a much bigger toolbox - the real work is figuring out what you're trying to say, who needs to hear it, and what's getting in the way. A website is just where all of that comes to life.

I mostly build on Squarespace, and after years deep in the platform I know how far it can go and when to push past its limits. These days, I'm especially drawn to working as a fractional partner - getting to know an organization over time and helping with whatever moves them forward, whether that's a full redesign, an ongoing hand with content and strategy, or just being the person who knows their site best. I write here about AI, UX, eCommerce, web strategy, and making the complex feel a little more human.

Contact Me

Previous
Previous

Center for the Study of Social Policy

Next
Next

Dr. John Paul Lederach