About Us

Ensemble Media, Inc. is a woman-owned, purpose-driven creative services and sustainable behavior change firm. We work with changemakers in the environment, education, health and social impact sectors to amplify their voice and extend their reach. We do this through strategy, storytelling, and sustainable behavior change programs. 

We’re strategy-driven and intentional about the questions we ask. We ensure our products and solutions solve the right problem, tell the right story, and are worth the investment.

Beyond deliverables like style guides and explainer videos, we help organizations develop effective communications strategies and knowledge management systems that empower projects and people to communicate effectively in a wide range of environments.

Team Qualities and Values

Everyone on the Ensemble Media team is a creative problem solver and is committed to sustainable change. We feature a strong network of vetted communications and production people around the world, from London to Tunis to Manila, across the US and locally as well. Our team members bring decades of international development and nonprofit experience, as well as the most innovative creative tools, technology and research currently used in advertising, media and behavioral psychology.

5 Reasons to Work with Us
1

We maintain a professionalism that comes from over two decades of experience in our craft, with some good humor mixed in.

2

Our approach is grounded in strategy and collaboration–we ask the questions up front that lead to better solutions for your organization, and we check in with you throughout the engagement to ensure we’re on track.

3

We make collaboration as easy for you as possible. We don’t expect you to understand all of the technical jargon–that’s our job.

4

We use the best and most innovative approaches from the current creative landscape for our solutions.

5

We love deadlines.

Meet the Team

In addition to our core team, we have a vetted group of creative professionals, including writers, editors, photographers, animators, and instructional designers.

StephanieF

Stephanie Foerster

Founder and Director

For over 25 years, Stephanie has worked to refine brand strategies, tell compelling stories, and create enriching, engaging learning tools.

She began her nonprofit work at the City of Chicago on workforce development projects, and next honed her skills in Senegal as communications lead for a local environmental organization. There she produced a radio show and filmed a documentary, “Trees and People,” about natural resource management in the Sahel. Stephanie has since worked in over eighteen countries as a filmmaker, communications trainer, strategist and storyteller. She founded Ensemble Media in 2008 as its Creative Director, and works with environmental, educational, equity and public health partners to strengthen outreach and impact. This has included initiatives of USAID, the Smithsonian, UNICEF, NatureServe, and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Illinois (BA in French and Business), the Institute of Development Studies at University of Sussex (MPhil in Development Studies), and she is pursuing a certificate in sustainable behavior change from UC San Diego and has a cinematography certification from NYU. Stephanie is fluent in English and French, and speaks some Wolof. She loves native gardening and co-hosts a monthly podcast called Three Seeds Natives.

John Cockrell

Writer and Brand Strategist

John is a writer and brand strategist who helps clients understand their audiences, find their voices, develop stories and create innovative messages. Some of his recent successes include the Lincoln Park Zoo’s rebrand and development of its new tagline, “For Wildlife. For All.” and multiple communications campaigns for accounting firm Grant Thornton. His expertise includes writing for social media, newsletter development, print collateral and ad campaigns. When he’s not writing onscreen, John writes in his head while traveling, cycling and watching soccer matches.

Paul Chiemmongkoltip

Graphic Designer

Paul has stewarded brands and their narratives for over 20 years. Whether developing new brands or creating integrated marketing campaigns for established ones, he infuses insight, thoughtfulness, and a discerning eye so brands reach audiences with meaning, purpose and clarity. He has worked across a wide variety of industries, but is most thrilled when his craft has the chance to improve the lives of people and our planet. Some organizations he’s proud to have collaborated with are Off the Street Club, the V foundation, Ted-X, and Walimu.

Paula Ribeiro

Graphic Designer

Paula brings over 25 years of experience conceptualizing and producing work that demonstrates brand through visual storytelling. With an expertise in higher education and nonprofits, she has designed and directed the creative expression of organizational brands in recruitment campaigns, fundraising initiatives, capital planning and improvement projects, and more. She is passionate about collaboration, design thinking, and the Oxford comma.

Abigail Schwartz

Behavioral Researcher and Environmental Communicator

Abigail is a researcher, communicator and educator with a focus on the intersection of psychology and societal issues (especially climate issues). As a researcher she has worked on the Princeton Stakeholder Survey on Delivering Net Zero, as well as at the Roman Family Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She is most proud of her work with 350 Chicago including on their successful campaign to divest the city of Chicago’s operating budget from fossil fuels. She currently serves as the head of communications for 350 Chicago and teaches psychology at the University of Chicago.