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Author Archives: Heather DeVine

Reintroducing Transcend Ideas after 5 years in business

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It’s Heather DeVine 👋 here. It’s been nearly six years since I began Transcend Ideas. I thought it was a good idea to reintroduce myself and the business to you and share my “why.” I have worked with businesses and nonprofits for twenty-two years, and what motivates me most is the discovery and the joy of transcending brand identity, visibility, and storytelling tactics. 

What ignites the most curiosity for me in all aspects of my life and in this line of work is “human connection”—this undeniable need that we all seek. People yearn for more ways to connect with one another. Our world is so connected through a multitude of devices, but what we find is a more divided, disconnected, and disenchanted world in its wake.

Enter AI: 🤖 an intelligence that serves as a reflection of our own humanity. It holds a mirror up to our own isolation, loneliness, and our eagerness to be seen. Many have found themselves enchanted by AI’s allure. Regarding my pushback and hesitation, I see it as a tool and not a replacement for humans. The efficiency of AI is undeniably useful in many applications. What makes human-powered businesses like Transcend Ideas more favorable is the humanity itself: the empathy, authenticity, and the first-hand human experience that a machine cannot possibly replace.

Speaking of humans, here’s a bit more about me. I am originally from Virginia; I went to school for animation and media studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. I made it out west with my husband, Mike, for the shared love of the mountains and wide-open spaces. We have a sweet and sassy 13-year-old dog named Sadie and our 8-year-old son named Elliott. I founded a nonprofit organization 11 years ago called ♥️ People Spread Love (PSL). Similar to Transcend Ideas’ “why,” it follows the human connection thread. PSL encourages community volunteers to write notes of love to people facing adversity. My heart remains with the eagerness to serve and to connect in the many ways I show up in my life. You may find me at local workshops or webinars in Jackson or Teton Valley, expanding and learning more based on the roles I hold and strive to cultivate.

TI is comprised of a collection of compassionate people. Meet the Team to discover the amazing humans behind the work for over the past five years.

The mission for Transcend Ideas is to elevate how we bridge ideas, serve, and cultivate communities that lead to connection.

Transcend Ideas’ offerings:

  • Brand identity
  • Website design & maintenance
  • Marketing strategy & implementation
  • Social media marketing
  • E-newsletters 
  • Print marketing
  • Advertising
  • Interview-style videography
  • Video editing
  • Copywriting

Let’s get coffee ☕️ and transcend ideas 💡 together.

——

For now, I will leave this AI topic for another post. In my opinion, AI needs to be challenged, regulated, and formed to fit and serve the collective good. 

How to Support Small Communities After a Crisis

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TI Branded Graphic: 2 illustrated characters pointing to the words "How to Help in a Crisis"

Mr. Rogers once shared that when he was a boy and saw frightening things on the news, his mother reminded him: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” As positive forces in our communities, these words carry special meaning when disaster strikes. Tornados, floods, wildfires, or mudslides remind us how important it is to come together as helpers. The platforms, networks, and connections we’ve built can make all the difference — and the best way to help is to be prepared.

Preparation means that once the smoke clears, we can act quickly to save lives, livelihoods, and property. While national agencies like FEMA and DHS have large-scale contingency plans, it’s equally vital to have plans tailored to Jackson and surrounding communities.

Whether you’re leading the charge, supporting however you can, or simply creating safe spaces, here are some resources to guide your plan of action:

Inspiration for Your Plan

Stay alert, stay informed, and know before you go.

When You Need Support

  • Dial 911 if you need immediate assistance near town.
  • In the backcountry, download the Backcountry SOS app

Ways to Be a Helper

  • Lead: Trained responder? Contact Teton County Emergency Management at 307-732-8200 or your local rescue unit.
  • Follow: Join CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) to assist under trained leadership.
  • Make Space: Not trained? Step back, let professionals work, and support in other ways:
    • Donate funds or supplies, or volunteer through VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).
    • Use community pages and social networks to spread updates about safe spaces, resources, or relief funds.

Most importantly, secure yourself and your family first. Once your needs are met, you’ll be in the best position to help others. Our community’s strength lies in compassion and connection — and together, we can be the helpers.

Are you a government entity or community non-profit that wants to get an emergency messaging plan in place before a disaster strikes? Contact Transcend Ideas to create a comprehensive plan that ensures your resources reach the community when it counts.

Utilize Trauma-Informed Messaging in Your Marketing

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Trauma Informed Messaging in your marketing Transcend Ideas branded graphic

What does trauma mean?

“Trauma” is a term that refers to a human response to an event or experience built into our biology to help keep us safe. This survival response is a natural occurrence all throughout nature. Trauma experiences can be a variety of incidents like: a car accident, natural disaster, loss of a loved one, illness, verbal abuse, physical abuse, abandonment, and so much more. Unresolved trauma is a public health issue.

  • 76% of high school students have adverse childhood experience (ACE)
  • 70% of the world’s population have experienced trauma

What does it mean to be trauma-informed?

It means to be aware of the trauma that has taken place and provide safety and agency. Approaching a person who has experienced trauma with sensitivity and empathy is called “trauma-informed care,” and trauma-informed storytelling provides safety and resists harm. 

Having trauma-informed care in your marketing toolkit will help benefit your organization and show up for the community and become a more compassionate leader. 

In the work we offer at Transcend Ideas, much of our position in strategy, copywriting, supportive graphics, and video/audio storytelling is informed with care and consideration of the person sharing their story. Some of the clients we support have sensitive testimonies or stories that must be handled with great consideration and compassion. Privacy, anonymity, and confidentiality are all factored into the decisions we make and how we craft the stories we share to the public at large. Here are a few ways to stay trauma-informed:

Assess story readiness

Establish goals and outcomes you’d like to achieve when capturing this story, assess the emotional stability, and ensure there is a support system in place. Trauma-informed care is providing safety and agency for the storyteller.

Have consent conversations

Explain when and where the story will appear and offer review or revision. Never assume consent extends to future use.

Remember closed stories are safer stories

When sharing impactful stories, it’s always safer to feature people not currently in crisis. Shift the focus on what has changed and improved, acknowledging the past without dwelling on it.

Set funder expectations and ethical storytelling

To motivate giving, center the impact and not the trauma itself or the graphic details. When you focus on the transformation and the growth and align with the funders values. Prior to providing testimonials ask how the stories might be used internally or shared publicly. 

Takeaways: 

  • Lead with care, slow down the storytelling process
  • Tell stories with the same respect you’d like yourself
  • Protect storytellers even when no one is watching
  • No exploitative stories
  • Alternatively use composite stories using themes from real life with no identifiable names

Learn more at Trauma-Informed Messaging – MariaBryan.com

Preparing Your Giving Tuesday Campaign + Our Team’s Favorite Community Non-Profits

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Giving Tuesday is a powerful reminder of how philanthropy can bring our communities together.

Having generated more than $18.5 billion in the U.S. alone since its inception, it marks the beginning of the holiday giving season. The positive impact of the Giving Tuesday movement grows every year — and we’re proud to support our Jackson community non-profit clients in their fundraising campaigns. We love telling their stories and shining a light on the magic they work behind the scenes.

Creating Impact with a Tradition of Annual Fundraising

Across the country and around the globe, fundraising campaigns will be launched and impact stories shared on December 2nd this year. Giving Tuesday offers the perfect opportunity for us all to pause and reflect as we learn about the stories that ground us in our shared humanity. It makes people stop. And they listen. Want to help that critical moment translate to dollars for your organization?

A few #GivingTuesday Campaign Tips:

  • Plan Your Campaign Early: You still have four weeks to make an impact—start now!
  • Get Personal: Tell real stories about real people, while protecting privacy, to create the emotional connection you need.
  • Give Ownership: Compelling storytelling about your organization’s work on social media, blogs, and newsletters can create urgency, responsibility, and inspire sharing.
  • Stay Grateful: Wherever you are in fundraising, thanking current and prospective donors for advancing your mission adds fuel to your fire. Make them feel appreciated!
  • Provide a Clear CTA: Include a clear ‘Call to Action’ or ‘Invitation to Donate’ on your campaign graphics, in your copy, and on your donation page.

Our Team’s Favorite Non-Profits

Looking for inspiration for your year-end giving and charitable contributions? Enjoy a write-up of a few of our team’s favorite non-profits and why their heartfelt missions resonate.

Jojo’s Pick:

Disability Rights Idaho

Disability Rights Idaho (DRI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of people with disabilities across the state. Their mission is to “educate, advocate, investigate, and litigate to protect and advance the rights of Idahoans with disabilities.” 

Through their work, DRI provides critical resources, legal representation, and advocacy to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities and are treated with dignity and respect. From addressing issues in education and healthcare to ensuring accessibility and combating discrimination, they play a vital role in strengthening communities and empowering individuals. 

Now more than ever, it is important to support organizations like DRI that are working tirelessly to ensure the voices of those with disabilities are heard, valued, and acted upon. Their efforts not only protect fundamental rights but also help create a more inclusive Idaho for all. 

Conrad’s Pick:

The Catcade

The Catcade is a nonprofit, arcade-themed cat rescue and lounge with a simple mission: rescue cats from under-resourced situations and place them in friendly, quality homes through a thoughtful adoption program. Their home-like lounge lets cats live cage-free while they decompress, play, and socialize so potential adopters meet them as they truly are.

They partner with open-intake shelters, prioritize cats most in need, and handle essential veterinary care before adoption. In the lounge, structured socialization and staff guidance help match each cat to the right home. Every step of the way they focus on welfare, dignity, and long-term success for every feline friend.

Chicago locals can help by visiting the lounge, adopting, fostering or volunteering, and anyone can donate or join the monthly Friends of Leo program—named for their 17-pound resident orange cat who went from needing extra attention to being the role model for all incoming cats. Your support fuels lifesaving medical care, ongoing socialization, and more happy endings for cats who deserve them.

Heather’s Picks:

Teton Arts

Teton Arts is local to Teton Valley in Driggs, Idaho, providing a space for artistic expression and exploration for all age groups. This non-profit organization offers accessible art classes in various mediums for all ages, Friday programs, and after-school programs for children. They also offer scholarship opportunities for children to attend their art enrichment classes. To Teton Arts, everyone deserves a space to create and explore art. Transcend Ideas proudly sponsors Teton Arts’ Souper Bowl fundraising event this month, October 24, 2025. The evening is full of fun, between raffle prizes, touring delicious soups and picking out a ceramic bowl of your choosing, live music and community fun, it’s a night you’ll look forward to every year. 

Little Free Library

Little Free Library (LFL) is a non-profit that has GPS located boxes sprinkled throughout communities nationwide encouraging children and adults to read. “Take a book, give a book” mantra is the admired touch stone LFL represents. You can build your own box or order it through LFL and with permission you can register with a GPS location, and position the box publicly. Through the LFL app the public can find boxes near them. Heather happens to have a box on her property in Victor, ID, her husband, Mike graciously built a beautiful bench attached to the box and charmingly positioned under the aspens at the edge of their property bordering the public Victor park. Heather recalls when the COVID pandemic closed all the doors, including the public libraries, these little library boxes helped save parents with something to look forward to every day.

Rachael’s Picks:

The Center for the Arts

The Center for the Arts houses concerts, community arts courses and individual and group dance instruction. It is truly the center for arts and culture in the community – housing conferences, motivational speakers, and year-round non-profit and agency events. It was one of my favorite places to escape to my first summer in Jackson, while on summer break. I took all of the dance classes I could – I had such a great experience. The venue is stunning, the instructors are beautiful people, and it just felt good to be there. The Center is such a gift to the community – I hope locals will continue to invest in this special haven for years to come.

Donate at: https://www.jhcenterforthearts.org/support-us/donate/

Cache Arts

Cache Arts is the non-profit foundation that brings live concerts and events to the Ellen Eccles Theatre in Logan, Utah. I love community programming! Access to a vibrant arts community in any town seems to translate to the well-being of residents. The building has been restored while maintaining a lot of its historic structure, making concerts and musicals at this venue completely timeless. The Ellen Eccles Theatre is located in historic downtown Logan, close to dozens of independent shops. All of these help contribute to the unique character of Logan, while giving a nod to its history – with the Logan Tabernacle housed just across the street. If you’re looking to support a beautiful tradition for local residents – supporting events at the Ellen Eccles Theatre is a great place to start.

Donate at: https://www.cachearts.org/support

Friends of the Bear River Refuge

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is used by more than 250 bird species annually and more than 67 different species nest on the land. It is one of the closest wildlife refuges to my house – I love driving with my babies through wildlife refuges! We look for all of the animals and enjoy the pace of finding every bird hiding behind reeds or just around the next bend. It’s scenic, tranquil, and a beautiful way to slow down – watching wildlife, taking pictures, and enjoying time with family. Conserving these designated water habitats and wildlife areas across the West, and every area of the country, is so critical to protecting bird, plant, and animal species. Birds utilize wildlife refuges as stopover sites during migration and desperately need these areas to nest as industry continues to take over well-established areas they historically have lived. Preserving these areas is the perfect way to invest in the future, so our children and their families can continue to enjoy these same areas and local wildlife can thrive for years to come.

Donate at: This link 

Are you looking for help with your Giving Tuesday campaign? Contact the Transcend Ideas team today to create a compelling fundraiser before the holiday giving season begins.

Self Care in the Swing Season

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Winter is right around the corner, and we’re excited for the winter season in Grand Teton National Park and all of the recreation activities that will be available within the next month!

Living and working in a seasonal community as we do means a year-round array of activities. But even the most hardworking among us can experience burnout. Before marching into the next busy season, here are a few habits you can instill to combat stress:

  • Regularly practicing mindfulness can renew your sense of gratitude for all the good things in yourself and your life.
  • Engaging in low-impact, brief exercise can release the natural benefits of endorphins in both your mind and body. A bike ride on Teton Park Road, an Emily’s Pond walk with your dog, or a nice push up the King.
  • Taking time to laugh with those closest to you — it is the best medicine after all. Check out Laff Staff for a community venue locals love to laugh at.

It’s important to take time for ourselves. Self-care is healthcare; doing our best to keep our stressors low goes a long way in keeping us at our best. We get more energy, a stronger immune system, more empathy and patience. It makes us more reliant for whatever comes our way. 

Take some time today to take care of yourself!

This seasonal swing doesn’t have to overwhelm your business, either. Before the busy summer season begins, let Transcend Ideas show you how your business can greet the broader summertime audience by amplifying your message and reach through creative, refreshed content.

Don’t Take the (Rage) Bait — How Marketers Can Take Social Responsibility

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Rage Bait - Social Responsibility as Marketers

Anger is normal. Things go wrong, annoyances happen, we see an injustice — it’s part of life. Healthy. But what about when a brand or individual goes out of their way to spark it? To purposefully incite anger for a few extra clicks? Meet rage bait.

Image of various newspaper headlines that are fear or panic-inducing

What is Rage Bait?

“Rage bait” is content that’s deliberately crafted to provoke anger and indignation. The goal is to drive clicks, comments, and shares through emotional reactions, usually through polarizing hot takes, inflammatory headlines, or by driving controversy. 

Sure, rage bait is a quick and easy way to boost engagement, but just like fast food is a quick and easy meal, it’s unhealthy in the long run. Rage bait damages trust, polarizes (or even radicalizes) audiences, and weakens brands.

Rage Bait - Image of frustrated girl looking at her cell phone

So what’s our responsibility as marketers?

The Role of Social Responsibility: Stand Against Rage Bait

As marketers, we have a duty to our brands and their communities. Choosing to manipulate audiences with rage-inducing content might get us short-term views, but in the long run it:

📢 Amplifies misinformation with sensationalized or distorted facts.

⛔ Fuels division with content designed to groups against each other.

😡 Undermines trust and destroys credibility once audiences see the manipulation.

Being socially responsible marketing means resisting the temptation of rage bait. It means not taking shortcuts, respecting the audience and their well being, all while fostering healthy engagement. 

In short, it means think before you speak (or write).

Why Responsible Marketing Helps Everyone

For brands, long-term trust beats short-term clicks. Outrage is easy, but if you make audiences feel good and show off your positive values, your brand will be seen with integrity. 

For the world, you can have an impact beyond the feed. Social media that promotes rage-filled narratives can cause real world harm through misinformation or deepening cultural divides.

How to Market Responsibly

Create value-driven content: Share insights and positive storytelling that genuinely help your audience.

Lean into empathy: Seek to understand issues rather than provoke division.

Engage in healthy dialogue: Open discussions can open minds.

Audit your content: Always be asking yourself “Am I inspiring, or inflaming?”

A More Sustainable Approach

The brands with the biggest impact today prioritize meaningful connections, not easy outrage. By taking a stand against rage bait and fostering positive content, you can create healthier online spaces, strengthen brand trust, and be a leader worth following.

Are you looking for conscious content for your organization? Schedule a time to get coffee with our team and discuss how we can help your messaging to make a positive impact.

Meet Conrad Navarro

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Transcend Ideas graphic featuring new team member and image of Conrad Navarro, copywriter.

Meet Conrad Navarro! He’s been copywriting for about 7 years and has been good for about 6. Born and raised in the Indiana part of Chicago, he did a bit of everything before landing at Transcend to be their Swiss Army writer. Get to know him a little more from the Q&A below!

What are your favorite projects to work on and how do you want to grow professionally?

I love working on new things; anytime I get to explore a new topic I get excited. That being said, any client/account that lets me be funny or use puns is 10/10. Professionally, I just want to keep wearing more and more hats, move up the creative ladder, get more experience and eventually run a team.

Where do you pull inspiration from for creative work?

Anywhere I can get it. I watch a ton of movies, shows, read books, etc. I’ll also troll Pinterest or Ads of the World; you never know what might spark sometimes.

Picture of Conrad and his cat

What’s a bucket list item you’ve held off on completing for years and when do you hope to complete it?

More world travel! I had big international plans at the beginning of 2020. You’ll never guess what put them off.

What small object in your house means the most to you and why?

I’m a big tchotchke collector, so I have a ton. A few tops would be the Buddha statue my grandpa got from Japan when he was stationed there, my grandma’s bolo tie (that lives in my car), and the ceramic cat jar my girlfriend made — among the tons of other things littering my shelves.

what advice do you have for small businesses looking to amplify their
messaging and brand?

Find what sets you apart, find the audience looking for that exact thing, and lean into that heavily. If you try to appeal to everyone all the time, you’re gonna have a bad time.

Transcend Ideas graphic that reads: "What advice do you have for small businesses looking to amplify their messaging and brand? Find what sets you apart, find the audience looking for that exact thing and lean into that heavily. If you try to appeal to everyone all the time, you're gonna have a bad time."

How do you like to spend your free time?

Besides hanging with my cat, I love watching movies. I also play in a few bands on the side for fun, so playing music.

Who keeps you inspired and why?

My grandma, she had the craziest work ethic and kept her positivity through some really hard times. Also my girlfriend, she’s a teacher and a super talented artist in so many mediums.

Image of Conrad when he was young, in a devil costume for Halloween

What’s your favorite life lesson you’ve ever learned and held on to?

Things will almost never work out how you plan. Be willing to adapt and roll with the punches, because there will be punches.

What are you grateful for? What are you hopeful for?

I’m grateful for my family for always supporting me and my friends for being ride or dies. I don’t think I’d be where I am without those systems.

What are you proud of right now?


About a year ago I was part of a pretty big layoff from an agency, but I was able to rely on my freelance chops to keep my head above water.

Also, my band just finished recording an EP I’ve been excited about for years. Each song is devoted to our favorite Chicago dives.

Image of Conrad playing in a band

Want to work with Conrad for your next fundraising project? Schedule a time to meet with Heather and discuss how Conrad can help your organization reach their marketing goals!

What We Care About: Non-profits and Causes

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Let’s be real, non-profits keep the sky from falling. They provide essential support to communities all over the country and worldwide. These organizations support causes that matter broadly, ranging from housing and food insecurity, domestic violence, animal welfare, child welfare, mental health advocacy, education, wildlife and land conservation, art, music, and many more. These public servants care about the community they serve. The Transcend Ideas team recognizes their important work and wanted to spotlight our personal favorite non-profits and why we support their efforts.

“Real lives are saved every day. People with real names whose families weep with joy to see them still alive.” - Peter Singer, As The Life You Can Save

What We Care About: Non-profits and Causes

What JoJo cares about:

Teton Valley Community Recycling

JoJo holds sustainability and environmental causes close to her heart. She recognizes this work seems more vital now than ever. One organization she deeply admires is the Teton Valley Community Recycling (TVCR), based in Teton Valley, Idaho. TVCR is a passionate advocate for waste diversion, recycling, and reuse efforts that directly benefit the local community. One of their most inspiring initiatives is Pierre’s Pedal Project, which gives discarded bikes a second chance. The team repairs and restores these bikes, offering them to community members at a low cost—or completely free for kids! It’s an incredible way to make biking more accessible while promoting reuse. 

Animal Adoption Center

Another nonprofit she greatly respects is the Animal Adoption Center based in Jackson, WY. Their dedication to finding forever homes for animals is truly inspiring. Beyond adoptions, they also focus heavily on spay and neuter services, particularly in areas that don’t have easy access to pet care support. By providing these services at no cost, they help ensure that pet care is accessible to everyone.

Education Foundation of Teton Valley

What Rachael cares about:

Rachael shares where she feels most passionate about Teton Valley, ID, particularly because her grandpa helped build one of the main bridges in Ashton, Idaho years ago and she loves everything supporting the surrounding Yellowstone/Grand Teton region. The Education Foundation of Teton Valley is a big priority for her, especially in small communities, and directing critical funds where most needed in school districts. 

Friends of the Valley of the Tetons Library

Friends of the Valley of the Tetons Library is another local Teton Valley organization that stands out, with Rachael’s experience working at North Logan Community Library in Logan, UT for seven years. Working there opened up how she saw the world in a whole new way. Thanks to libraries everywhere that open our hearts and minds through literacy.

Teton Valley Chamber Music Festival


Lastly, Rachael used to play the violin, guitar, and piano. Teton Valley Chamber Music Festival is another organization she feels strongly as she believes early music education is a strong indicator of future success.

What Brennan cares about:

Hole Food Rescue

Brennan cares deeply about Hole Food Rescue. Their efforts in the Jackson Hole community simultaneously reduce local food waste and help cultivate greater food security in Teton County. After volunteering with the organization for several years, she witnessed firsthand just how much food was diverted from landfills and how many people were positively impacted by having access to more healthy food for their families. Brennan finds their mission incredibly inspirational because it directly improves the environmental, economic, and social well-being of our community.

What Heather cares about:

Teton Arts

Heather wears her heart on her sleeve and loves to support the community she serves in her local region within Teton Valley, ID, and Jackson, WY. She’s lived in this area for the past 15 years and with so many deep roots in the non-profit sector, she’s driven to help support nonprofits. Teton Arts tugs on her heartstrings. With art being a prominent part of her life, creating art has always helped ground her life’s journey and her 7.5 year old son also loves making art. Teton Arts’ mission is to make art education accessible, affordable, and fun for the entire community. 

Dog is My CoPilot

Another cause Heather greatly admires is Dog is My Copilot based in Jackson, WY. This organization has transported, rescued, and housed 1,000 dogs nationwide per month. Dr. Peter Rork started this organization after the tragic and sudden passing of his wife in 2012. Peter needed a purpose and teamed up with Judy Zimet, combining their passions as animal lovers and Peter’s passion for flying, and the organization was born. 

Sandy Hook Promise

Sandy Hook Promise is an organization that dedicates itself to educating and empowering youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. This organization began in direct response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut mass shooting taking the lives of twenty children and six adults. 

How Transcend Ideas supports non-profits

Transcend Ideas’s passion for non-profits extends into the marketing we provide, as a majority of our clients are non-profit organizations. We understand the formula for storytelling, cultivating community, and inspiring partnerships and donations to support their work. We happily offer a non-profit discount for our work and donate to organizations that our team cares about. Are you with a non-profit organization or business that could use some help with your marketing and branding? Let’s get coffee and discuss your how we can help amplify your meaningful message.

Meet Johanna Denmark

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Transcend Ideas braned graphic titled: "Johanna Denmark, content creator" with image of Jojo and her dog.

Meet Johanna Denmark—better known as Jojo—the newest member of the Transcend Ideas team! We’re thrilled to welcome her as a designer and copywriter. Jojo brings a fresh, local perspective to content creation and design, giving her valuable insight into how our clients can best connect with their audiences.

She also brings several years of experience supporting nonprofits, including Integrated Waste & Recycling in Jackson. Living on the Idaho side of the Tetons, Jojo loves spending time outdoors exploring our beautiful communities and trail systems with her dog, Archie. Get to know her better in the Q&A below.

What are your favorite projects to work on and how do you want to grow professionally?

I love creating things from scratch, and having general creative freedom. I want to continue to develop my graphic design skills!

Where do you pull inspiration from for creative work?

My everyday life! I also love looking at what other people I admire are creating, and getting inspiration from that.

Jojo in Pinedale

What’s a bucket list item you’ve held off on completing for years and when do you hope to complete it?

Going to the Basque Region of Spain, but we’re going to go in the Spring of 2026!

What small object in your house means the most to you and why?

Hmm, this isn’t an object, but my most favorite thing about my house is that my dog Archie lives there. He makes life so much fun!

what advice do you have for small businesses looking to amplify their
messaging and brand?

Lean into the fun side of things. Be unapologetic about taking up space in an original
way.

Graphic for new team member, Jojo. "What advice do you have for small businesses looking to amplify their messaging and brand? Lean into the fun side of things, be unapologetic about taking up space in an original way.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Generally outside, or with a good book. Or both. I just really enjoy spending my free time around people I love!

Who keeps you inspired and why?

Loads of people keep me inspired, including my closest friends and family.

What’s your favorite life lesson you’ve ever learned and held on to?

Never stop learning.

What are you grateful for? What are you hopeful for?

I’m grateful for the opportunity to do the things I love, both professionally and personally. I am always hopeful for the future!

What are you proud of right now?

I’m really proud of myself for following my heart and pursuing a career that brings me joy & fulfillment.

Want to work on Jojo for your next project? Schedule a time to meet with Heather and discuss how Jojo can help fit the role for your organization’s marketing goals!

Nonprofit Workshop: From Connections to Contributions

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Heather DeVine of Transcend Ideas is happy to partner with The Community Foundation of Teton Valley this year and announces Pocket Talk: “From Connections to Contributions,” in-person workshop Wednesday, May 7th, 12-1 PM.

Join this free in-person workshop, we hope you’ll find it informative and an inspiring discussion. Heather will share helpful storytelling tips and available resources that you can use now as you prepare to inspire, engage, and motivate donors to actively participate in the Giving Period ahead of the Community Foundation of Teton Valley’s 18th Annual Tin Cup Challenge. 

“Now more than ever, our non-profits need our support… there is an evident shift in funding priorities and spending hesitancy is on the rise. Despite the hurdles of today’s economic climate, there is a surge of energy surrounding the support of non-profit organizations that impact the community. I’m delighted to be a part of this philanthropic energy ahead of this year’s Tin Cup Challenge and can’t wait to ignite more with attendees of the Pocket Talk: “From Connections to Contributions on May 7th!”

Heather DeVine

Build Connection with Community

Nonprofits should consider the following when building a connection with community members and donors:

  • Authentic approach to storytelling with supportive graphics and videos to keep it dynamic and expand your reach
  • Identify your theme to wrap your “ask” around (ie. anniversary, impact/program focus, expansion)
  • State your case – tell the donors what/whom you are impacting and why it’s important
  • Set specific fundraising goals & give them voice to your donors
  • Identify donors: ask for an increase in the amount they donated last year
  • Pledge card – commitment made, making it tangible and real for both the org and the donor
  • Offer donation increments that will impact your org and the community
  • Highlight the important programs these non-profits do (maybe the ones that are not as well known, or at the forefront of the org). These could be small and simple. 
    • Some examples include: 
      • Hole Food Rescue (HFR) in partnership with Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling (ISWR): during the Tuesday Food for the Community Event at the Grove, put on by HFR, ISWR provides free residential composting for anyone who brings their food waste to the event. It’s a small but really cool way that 2 orgs come together to help with food distribution and food waste in the community. I also don’t know if a ton of people know about this.
      • The Animal Adoption Center (AAC): Highlighting the Spay and Neuter events that they do in nearby Reservation communities. Yes, they adopt out cats and dogs, but they’re also helping the bigger picture by providing necessary care to communities that do not have access to such things readily available. 
      • Teton Valley Community Recycling (TVCR): I feel a lot of people in the community know about Pierre’s Pedal Project (PPP), but they may not know that kids can go in and get free bikes, or that adults can buy bikes for cheap- creating a sustainable way to commute to work or just an affordable and accessible way to get outside. 
  • Be strategic with your messaging – use multiple platforms, outlets to share your story (e.g. social media, newsletter, mailer, direct email, formalize letter, paid advertising, peer-to-peer campaigns – a personalized ask, yard signs)

“It really comes down to how we work together to support local nonprofits in our community. Year after year, the Community Foundation of Teton Valley works with local businesses, individuals, and volunteers, developing and nurturing a culture of giving that empowers local nonprofits that provide critical services to the people in the valley. Now more than ever, our non-profits need our support. With this new administration, there is an evident shift in funding priorities and spending hesitancy is on the rise.” Heather adds, “Despite the hurdles of today’s economic climate, there is a surge of energy surrounding the support of non-profit organizations that impact the community. I’m delighted to be a part of this philanthropic energy ahead of this year’s Tin Cup Challenge and can’t wait to ignite more with attendees of the Pocket Talk: “From Connections to Contributions on May 7th!”

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