Who We Are
We tell stories that move your audience.
Communicate with purpose.
Our Mission
We use our creativity, skills, and expertise to amplify voices, strengthen efforts, and do good. It’s our way of helping to build a better world.
Our Vision
We envision a more compassionate and caring world, one that is free of bias, stereotypes, disadvantages, and discrimination for all.
Meet the Luminate Team
Deborah Evans
FOUNDER & CONTENT STRATEGIST
Deborah is the driving force behind Luminate Communications. As lead content strategist, Deborah has been a copywriter and editor for over 25 years. She began her career as a journalist, and was published in various newspapers, including the Toronto Star, The Wall Street Journal, the National Post, and The Globe and Mail. She then moved on to a five-year stint leading major marketing and communications projects in the non-profit sector before venturing out as a freelancer in 2009, and later founding Luminate Communications.
Deborah’s two kids are now old enough to tower over her. When she’s not standing around a cold rink watching them both play hockey, you’ll find her curled up with a good book or running away from it all as she trains for her next race.
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Cara Smusiak
WRITER & EDITOR
Cara is a writer, editor, and strategist with 15+ years of experience working with magazines, marketing agencies and corporate clients. She has a passion for helping non-profits connect with supporters by sharing the important work they do through engaging storytelling. She’s developed award-winning campaigns, led the relaunch of a major editorial product testing and seal program, and helped entrepreneurs showcase their products and services. When she isn’t immersed in writing and editing, Cara is usually out on a bike ride or kicking back with a great book.
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Emma Bowes
WRITER & SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Emma is a writer, editor, and all-round word nerd from the UK. Having always been a lover of all things literary, she studied English at university before starting an editorial career in the publishing industry. She then joined a communications team at a non-profit. Emma feels it’s a privilege to be able to use her words to raise awareness of important initiatives. She feels very lucky to work with clients across the globe on a range of exciting projects. When she’s not writing, Emma is usually found outside with her kids, meeting friends over cake, or planning her next trip.
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Hanna Wheeler
WRITER
Hanna lives and works in Toronto as a writer and translator from Dutch into English. She loves to write stories for inspiring non-profit organizations and innovative brands with a heart. As a translator, she has worked on marketing copy as well as literary titles — from beach reads to historical biographies, coffee table books, children’s picture books, and graphic novels. Hanna appreciates a good ampersand and owns a scraggly dog who may or may not be a tiny werewolf. Most days, you can find her at her desk by the big window or in one of her favourite coffee shops.
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Jonathan Chan-Choong
WRITER
Jonathan (JCC) is a copywriter, brand strategist, and published poet from Scarborough, Ontario. His love for dynamic wordplay and narrative began at a young age, with some of his earliest memories revolving around storytelling and Caribbean folktales. JCC's mission is to help non-profits and socially-driven organizations 'do more with words'. When he's not clicking and clacking at the keyboard, JCC is often running through woods and community gardening with The Stop.
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Keltie Thomas
WRITER & EDITOR
Keltie is a writer, editor, and content strategist with more than 20 years of experience working with magazines, websites, books, and corporate clients. She is a former editor of OWL Magazine, Canada’s science and nature magazine for kids, and an award-winning author of more than 20 children’s books, including Rising Seas: Flooding, Climate Change and Our New World. When not creating content to help companies achieve their business goals, she’s getting in the flow on her yoga mat, hiking in nature, and curling up with a great read.
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Lynn Zeelenberg
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & PROJECT MANAGER
Lynn is an organizational geek who sweats the small stuff and appreciates the beauty of a great spreadsheet. With more than 30 years experience in both the public and private sectors, Lynn uses her strong skills in administration, marketing, and project management to ensure that we stay on track. When not organizing other people, Lynn enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring the city's indie coffee shops.
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Rachel Ott
GRAPHIC DESIGN PARTNER
Rachel, owner of Varga Girl Design, is an award-winning, internationally recognized designer specializing in logos, branding, and graphic and web design. For over 25 years, Rachel has harnessed the power of experience and consistent creativity to break through cookie cutter design and deliver smart, visually engaging and enduring design solutions for a varied and loyal client base. When not helping her clients look good, Rachel is a drummer and puppy mama to her cockapoo, Claudia Jean (CJ).
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Suzanne Gardner
WRITER & PROJECT MANAGER
Suzanne is a writer, editor, project manager, and social media specialist. She’s worked for major Canadian lifestyle brands, while also using her social media expertise to provide support to everything from books, to restaurants, to politicians. Nowadays, she works almost exclusively with non-profit clients, which is some of the most soul-filling work she's ever had the pleasure to do. When not buried in her writing, you’ll find her on adventures with her kids, watching the Blue Jays, or getting lost in a good book.
Our Trusted Partners
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Hannah Martin
SORE THUMB INC.
Hannah Martin is the owner of Sore Thumb, a digital marketing agency that specializes in crafting bespoke content strategies, developing visually stunning websites, creating engaging videos and designing successful social media campaign to help growing businesses stand out online.
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Katy Jonker
KOSMIC CREATIVE
Katy Jonker, owner of Kosmic Creative, is a trusted website designer with over 10 years of experience. Her websites drive action, establish professionalism and look sharp on all devices.
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Mark Brodsky
MB DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mark Brodsky has been helping small business owners with their email marketing since 2008. A lone wolf at first, MB Digital Communications is now a team of experts working with retailers, health clinics and service professionals, including lawyers, accountants, mortgage brokers, and real estate agents.
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Stephen Caissie
PHOTOGRAPHER
Forged in the fires of the advertising industry and honed over more than a dozen years, photographer Stephen Caissie’s eye for compelling imagery is ready to make your customers laugh, cry and come back for more. See Stephen Caissie’s work here.
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Warda Nazir
FULLY PROMOTED HEARTLAND
Warda Nazir at Fully Promoted Heartland is your go-to for comprehensive branding and marketing solutions. Specializing in custom merchandise, Warda ensures that each product meets high-quality standards. She delivers on-time solutions tailored to your specific needs and budget, helping your brand stand out in today's competitive market.
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Brigitte Sachse
BEE VIDEO PRODUCTIONS
Brigitte Sachse is the founder and executive producer of Bee Video Productions, a video production studio specializing in compelling corporate videos, branded documentaries, and educational content. Brigitte leads a bilingual team fluent in French and Spanish. Bee Video has collaborated with clients like TVO, Kids Help Phone, CAMH, and RBC.