Helping Organizations Increase Visibility, Build Trust, and Drive Impact

About Me

Makala Blake

For more than 13 years, I’ve helped organizations increase visibility, build trust, and achieve their goals through strategic communications and public relations.

As a strategic communications and public relations consultant, I partner with mission-driven organizations to develop messaging, secure press coverage, increase awareness, and execute communications strategies that support organizational goals.

My experience spans public relations agencies, nonprofit organizations, and national advocacy campaigns. Throughout my career, I’ve led communications initiatives that have strengthened brands, influenced public conversations, and helped organizations reach new audiences.

Before launching my consulting practice full time, I served as National Communications Director for the Alliance for Safety and Justice, where I led national media strategy for one of the country’s largest public safety and crime survivor organizations. My work generated coverage in The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, USA Today, the Associated Press, CBS News, Axios, The Hill, and numerous regional and local outlets.

Earlier in my career, I advanced from Account Manager to Vice President at public relations agencies, managing integrated communications campaigns that included earned media, paid media, social media, community engagement, and experiential marketing.

Whether launching a new initiative, raising organizational visibility, navigating a major announcement, or positioning executives as industry thought leaders, I help clients communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

What I Do

Services

Strategic communications is more than media coverage.

I work with organizations to develop communications strategies that advance organizational priorities, increase visibility, and strengthen stakeholder trust.

Services include:

Communications Strategy & Planning
Media Relations & Story Development
Messaging & Brand Positioning
Crisis Management
Community Engagement
Paid Media Planning
Media Training

Schedule a Consultation

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Local and National Media Success

Testimonials

Lenore Anderson, Co-Founder and President, Just Safe

“Makala is an exceptional strategic communications professional whose work elevated our national visibility and strengthened our voice on some of the country’s most important public safety issues. After seeing the results she delivered as our agency partner, we recruited her to join our team full time—a testament to the value she brought to our organization. She combines thoughtful strategy with flawless execution, consistently securing high-impact national media coverage while serving as a trusted advisor to our leadership. Any organization would benefit from her expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Aswad Thomas, National Director, Crime Survivors Speak

“Makala played an instrumental role in elevating my profile as a national voice on public safety and the experiences of crime survivors. She consistently identified meaningful media opportunities, secured high-profile interviews, and ensured I was fully prepared to communicate with confidence and clarity. Her strategic guidance, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence made her an invaluable partner. I recommend her to any leader looking to increase their visibility and amplify their impact.”

Juan R. Thomas, 75th President, National Bar Association

“Mrs. Blake served as a valuable partner for the National Bar Association’s annual convention last summer in New Orleans. Her communications strategy allowed us to successfully publicize our convention activities as well as highlight the substantive initiatives that were adopted by our General Body. I also appreciated Mrs. Blake securing several local interviews with New Orleans radio personalities, but the crowning jewel was that fact the Washington Post ran one of Mrs. Blake’s stories on the National Bar Association establishing, for the first time in our history, a Division for our LGBTQ Lawyers. This was one of my initiatives as President and I’m proud that the members of the NBA moved to embrace all lawyers regardless of their sexual orientation. Thank you Makala Blake for helping the NBA tell the nation and the world our story!”

Mark Romig, President and CEO, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation

“It has been a professional and personal pleasure to have been able to work alongside Makala Blake over these past several years as we advanced the tourism industry for New Orleans. She is the consummate professional, filled with enthusiasm and passion for doing the best. In addition, Makala approached each task with the same degree of imagination and focus, which always helped her deliver programs and projects on budget and ahead of schedule.”

Janene Tate, Director of Communications, Southern University System

“I had the absolute pleasure of working with Makala on our commercial and a number of student testimonials for our massive rebranding campaign for our five-campus university system. From start to finish, Makala was not only our account manager, but a true part of our creative team right here on the ground in Baton Rouge. We never had to worry about our vendors or product. Everything was top-notch and I always look forward to working with Makala again!”