about
DESIGN
Hi! I'm Kate (she/her). I live in Tacoma, WA, with my partner and two cats, Miko and Leo. Photo by Kaitlyn Hall, Capital Region Educational Service District 113.
Communications is more than creating beautiful materials.
To support work that empowers communities, influences leaders, and creates systemic change, effective communicators must be adept at building relationships, understanding lived experiences, analyzing landscapes, and developing relevant subject-matter expertise.
An award-winning communications scholar, educator, and practitioner, my work with non-profits, public agencies, and communities spans the spectrum of communications focus areas to deliver place-based and context-specific support.
my approach
From strategy to social media, from metrics to motion graphics, my work begins with a holistic landscape analysis to truly understand the context(s) in which my clients work, focusing on:
- Cultivating meaningful relationships across communities. In working with communities, I strive to listen more than I speak, let community voice guide my work, and honor localized knowledge and histories.
- Gathering subject-matter expertise. Supporting critical public issues requires deep knowledge. My academic background helps me learn quickly to tell the stories behind the issues in ways that resonate with specific audiences.
- Understanding audiences' lived experiences. I research and gather stories about communities' histories, values, and cultures, ensuring communications efforts leverage community assets and address community needs.
- Assessing the historical and political landscape of clients' work. I conduct extensive research to understand how historical and political influences shape communities' experiences and perceptions of critical public issues.
my Services
With expertise spanning the full spectrum of communication services, I bring a holistic understanding of how each element—whether strategy, storytelling, design, or outreach—is interconnected to create meaningful systemic change.
- Branding and Identity
- Campaign Planning
- Communications Analytics
- Design
- Editing
- Event Support
- Grant Support
- Motion Graphics and Video Effects
- Key Messaging
- Photography
- Proofing
- Research and Citational Support
- Social Media and Email Marketing
- Communications Strategy
- Training
- Video Editing and Post-Production
- Videography
- Website Design and Support
- Writing: Academic, Technical, and Plain Language
my Background
My 17+ years of experience working in academic, practical, and creative contexts has allowed me to sharpen my technical and strategic skills across the communications field.
Experience
Education
- Freelance Communications Consultant
- Communications Manager at Educational Service District 113 and Region 16 Comprehensive Center
- Director of MediaLab at Pacific Lutheran University
- Assistant Professor of Communication at Pacific Lutheran University
- Graduate Teaching Instructor and Technology Coordinator at University of Denver
- Associate at SE2 Communications
- Digital Campaign Manager at Progressive Future
- Public Interest Fellow at Pikes Peak Community Foundation
- PhD, Communication Studies (Rhetoric), University of Denver
- MFA, Emergent Digital Practices, University of Denver
- BA, Political Science, Colorado College
Awards (selected)
- Official Selection, various film festivals, The Resting Place: Nơi An Nghỉ, 2023-4
- Faculty Excellence Award, Mentorship, Pacific Lutheran University, 2022
- College Emmy Award, Eyes Above, 2021
- Top Article, National Communication Association, 2019
- College Emmy Nomination, Living on the Edge, 2019
- Finalist, Denver Film Artist of the Year, RAW Artists, 2012
Clients
testimonials
Kate is an outstanding teacher-scholar, a skilled artist, and a hard-working and generous colleague whose skill is backed by a commitment to social justice. Kate has already proven herself a true asset to the departments she’s been a part of. Kate gives of herself in ways that truly advance others’ work and the values of the collective.
Professor Hoyt brings both disciplinary knowledge and applied technical expertise that is rare. Her work has given our department the ability to adopt an aggressive commitment to integrating interactive technology and pedagogy in emerging media production. She produces critically influential scholarship and public work.
Professor of Communication and Chair of Faculty
Pacific Lutheran University
Kate delivers beautiful, thoughtful work. She is culturally adept, perceptive, and can quickly analyze situations with little context or orientation. She is a big-picture thinker who never loses focus on why we do this work.
Executive Director
Strategy and Engagement
Educational Service District 113
Kate’s many contributions helped us complete a groundbreaking video series. The script she wrote for Governor Kotek is superb; her research created a strong, culturally sustaining message; her videography skills made every interview sing.
Oregon State Director
Region 16 Comprehensive Center
Kate’s storytelling is anchored in the purpose, perspectives, and people at the core of her message. She leads with culturally responsive approaches to weave narratives that honor her clients’ cultures and identities and grow meaningful connections across diverse audiences.
Associate Director
Region 16 Comprehensive Center
Dr. Hoyt is a fantastic creative leader. Her experience in media and communications blends concepts, practice and research like few are able. Her work on award-winning documentaries helps nurture future creatives to understand the importance of media in today's society.
Director
Brand Marketing
YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties
Kate's creative vision, impeccable attention to detail, and ability to compellingly tell stories through innovative graphic design and captivating video helped us elevate our state's literacy work in a way that would not have been possible without her talent and expertise.
Tamara Van Whye
Alaska State Director
Region 16 Comprehensive Center
I was fortunate to work with Kate on the Alaska Native Language Literacy Guidebook. I began the story, but Kate took it so much further. She created a beautiful, cohesive narrative that honors the historical trauma and experiences of Alaska Native peoples. Kate is a master storyteller.
Senior Advisor
Education Northwest
