Deborah Evans, Founder and Content Strategist

Deborah Evans is the driving force behind Luminate Communications. As lead content strategist, Deborah has been a copywriter and editor for almost 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 not-for-profit sector before venturing out as a freelancer in 2009, and later founding Luminate Communications.

What have her diverse writing careers taught her? To become an expert on a variety of subjects in a short period of time, and to cut through the jargon and smooth out the details to create easy-to-understand copy. While her clients remain varied, the bulk of her expertise has been devoted to providing writing support to not-for-profits in an effort to help them further their mission and give meaning to their words. 

Deborah used to say that when she wasn’t writing you could find her at the local playground with her two kids – but now that they’re both taller than her, you’re more likely to find her sitting in a cold hockey rink on a Saturday. Or else, you’ll find her running away from them as she trains for her next race.

Cara Smusiak, Writer & Editor

Cara Smusiak is a writer, editor, and strategist with more than a decade of experience working with magazines, websites, marketing agencies and corporate clients. She most recently led the re-launch of Today's Parent Approved—an editorial product testing and seal program—and managed branded content and sponsored programs for Today's Parent. When she's not helping brands build awareness and meet their business goals, she's cooking with produce from her local farmers' market, hauling plants and soil home from a nursery, exploring the city, or immersing herself in a delightful read.

Emma Bowes, Writer & Social Media Coordinator

Emma Bowes 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. After this, she went on to join a communications team in a not-for-profit organization. Emma enjoys writing for the charitable sector and feels it’s a privilege to be able to use her words to raise awareness of important initiatives and share impactful stories. In 2021 Emma decided to pursue her dream of becoming a freelance writer. She feels very lucky to have the opportunity to work with clients from across the globe on a range of exciting projects. When she’s not writing, Emma is usually found outside with her toddler, meeting friends over cake or planning her next trip to explore somewhere new.

Jonathan Chan-Choong, Writer

Jonathan "JCC" Chan-Choong is a copywriter, brand strategist, and 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 folktales. He has built his career on helping non-profits and impact-driven organizations 'do more with words', notably working alongside Meeko Electric, Hollyhock, and Autism Ontario, amongst many others. When JCC isn't word-slinging as a copywriter, you can find him performing at open-mics as a spoken word poet and co-hosting Creative Mornings Toronto. He is also one of the creative minds behind the The XYZs Roundtable Business Podcast with Koyoti Inc.

Juliana Kedzior Kaminski, Writer & Social Media Coordinator

Juliana Kedzior Kaminski is a writer and editor from Toronto, Ontario. With an education in journalism, Juliana learned the ins and outs of what it takes to write a story. But after university, Juliana found her way into the non-profit world where she worked as a fundraising coordinator at a family shelter in the city. There she explored social media management, fundraising communications, donor relations and so much more. When Juliana isn’t working, she’s reading through her stack of books, biking along the waterfront, playing with her cat, Margot, or practicing bass guitar for her band’s next gig.

Suzanne Gardner, Writer & Project Manager

Suzanne Gardner is a writer, editor, and social media specialist by day, and a book fairy, tea consultant, and cupcake aficionado by night. Over the last 10 years, she’s worked her editorial magic in roles for major Canadian lifestyle brands Today’s Parent and Cityline, while also using her social media expertise to provide freelance support to everything from books, to restaurants, to politicians. When she’s not busy writing, you’ll likely find her chasing her toddler at the park, hosting ladies-only dance parties, or losing herself in a very good book.

Rachel Ott, Graphic Design Partner

Rachel Ott, owner of Varga Girl Design, is an award-winning, nationally and internationally recognized designer specializing in logos, branding, and graphic and web design. For over 20 years, Rachel has delivered smart, visually engaging and enduring design solutions for a varied and loyal client base, including the Elizabeth Fry Society, Mainstay Housing, ONPHA, OANHSS, the Southdown Institute, Juniper Insurance and many more. Whether your brand is due for a refresh or you’re starting from scratch with a great concept and need a visual identity to back it up, Varga Girl Design is your one-stop-shop for the entire creative process.

Lynn Zeelenberg, Executive Assistant & Project Manager

Lynn Zeelenberg is Luminate’s Executive Assistant. With more than 25 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 writes a mental health blog and enjoys hiking, photography and exploring the city's indie coffee shops.

Our Trusted Partners

We have a powerful network of trusted partners waiting in the wings.

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 medial campaign to help growing business stand out online.

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.

Mark Brodsky has been helping small business owners with their email marketing since 2008. A lone wolf at first, Mark Brodsky 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.

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.