about.

give your brand a voice.

We believe everyone has a story to tell and we can help you shout it from the rooftops!

Our unique approach to building a strong brand for businesses and non-profit organizations focuses on four main points: what you do, why you do it, who you do it with, and how it makes the world a better place for all of us to live, play and work.

Together, we'll learn what makes you (and your colleagues) get out of bed in the morning and how to align that passion with purpose. With our more than 25 years of experience, we'll put pen to paper and come up with a plan to give your brand a voice from conference halls to board rooms, team meetings and sales pitches, media interviews and even around the family dinner table.

what we do.
• Brand strategy
• Executive communications
• Thought leadership
• Corporate social responsibility
• Media training
• Writing services (a la carte)

our services.

brand strategy

Your brand is the most important asset to your business for it defines your purpose of what you do and why you do it.

We'll conduct an analysis of your current position in the marketplace, identify areas for growth and improvement, and learn from internal and external stakeholders about what your brand means to them.

With our assessment complete, and through open and honest conversations with your team, we'll give your brand a new voice with meaningful messaging supported by a robust communications plan that aligns with your business' goals.

"In the 10-plus years that I have had the pleasure of knowing Lauren Howe, one definite attribute has become crystal clear...when she takes on a project, Lauren doesn’t stop until it is successfully completed. She is incredibly focused and determined to deliver the highest quality product...always. Whatever the challenge, Lauren will find the solution."

Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA
Director/Ethics Officer, PRSA Tampa Bay

our services.

brand strategy

Your brand is the most important asset to your company for it defines your purpose in the marketplace and for your stakeholders. Working together to develop your brand strategy, we will conduct an analysis of your current position in the marketplace, identify areas for growth and improvement, and execute a plan to build or reinvigorate your strategy for success

"In the 10-plus years that I have had the pleasure of knowing Lauren Howe, one definite attribute has become crystal clear...when she takes on a project, Lauren doesn’t stop until it is successfully completed. She is incredibly focused and determined to deliver the highest quality product...always. Whatever the challenge, Lauren will find the solution."

Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRS
Director/Ethics Officer, PRSA Tampa Bay

executive communications

Executives have the unique opportunity to establish and build a company’s brand and culture while setting the stage on how your colleagues, customers, investors and the community trust, perceive and engage with your business.

We'll work to build trust with your C-suite and show them how to take the lead in putting a face behind the brand.

"I had the opportunity to work with Lauren as I prepared to deliver a personal keynote address for an event. From the first time I met Lauren, she immediately understood what I wanted to achieve. She worked with me over several weeks to ensure my messaging was succinct and served as my trusted advisor every step of the way. In fact, I asked that she attend the event and interview me on stage in lieu of a keynote address to make the message more impactful. Lauren is compassionate, intelligent, a good listener and a true professional who helped make my address, and the event, a success.”

Ed Manzi, Jr.,
Chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank

thought leadership

Thought leaders have a unique opportunity to change the world with their knowledge, experience, and passion.

From developing compelling key messages to identifying the best tools to reach audiences and establishing an impactful profile, you’ll be the one voice in the room that’s heard—and trusted.

"I worked with Lauren to ensure clear messaging and identification of appropriate channels to achieve communication goals for a nationally recognized public health program. As a result of her work, we achieved significant interest from local and national media where she positioned me as a thought leader, resulting in increased media interviews and opportunities to speak about my knowledge on the topic. Lauren is also very knowledgeable about how to build a presence on social media, and we have the data to back it up!”

Dr. Nathaniel Hafer
Director of Operations, UMass Center for Clinical and Translational Science

corporate social responsibility

Being a good corporate citizen is more than just writing a check to sponsor a little league team or serving meals during the holidays at your local youth center. It means having a deeper impact to actually effect change!

We’ll identify what drives your colleagues to give back to their friends, family and neighbors, and establish programs that encourage volunteerism, promote pride in the workplace, and improve relations with the people and organizations creating a difference in the community.

"In my time working with Lauren Howe, I found her to be highly skilled with bringing a wide range of multiple stakeholders together and getting them on the same page. She’s a motivator and a creative problem solver who will literally roll up her sleeves to get the job done. The celebratory ribbon cutting, ground breaking and community engagement events she engineered has fostered partnerships throughout the YouthBuild network. Lauren Howe is a perfect mix of process, professionalism and passion."

Chris Cato, Former Project Manager
YouthBuild USA

media training

Responding to questions by a reporter for the entire world to see can be a stressful task!

By utilizing simple tools and tactics, we’ll prepare you for the tough questions to ensure you stay on message and maintain your credibility.

"As one of Lauren’s graduate students in Public Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility and Crisis Communications, her training and lessons were easily the most valuable during my time in graduate school. She knows how to effectively engage a room of people, and each class was filled with interactive conversations and assignments which emulated real-life situations. Lauren is a passionate PR professional and expert, and it was a great experience to learn from her."

Nikki Naccarto
Regis College, Master of Science, Organizational and Professional Communication, ‘17

writing services (a-la-carte)

When you need assistance with press releases, annual reports, marketing materials, grant funding submissions and more, we can help!

Our writing services are available a-la-carte to make sharing your news cost-effective and easy.

"Lauren is great to work with. She understands any challenge facing her from multiple perspectives, she is extremely thorough and driven to help your organization succeed. Most importantly, she takes great pride in her work and is a true professional. During her time working with USA Luge, she elevated our brand to new highs."

Gordy Sheer
Marketing Director, United States Luge Association

our team.

Lauren has the unique ability to develop strong, trusted connections with executives and business leaders to understand what drives their passion, purpose and mission. When she works with a client, Lauren doesn’t focus on what they “think” but rather what they “feel.” After all, when someone listens to their heart, body and soul, Lauren believes they'll make the best decisions (and also sleep well at night!).

By working collaboratively within all levels of an organization, Lauren’s guidance and strategic acumen can enhance a business’s reputation and influence in the marketplace and with their stakeholders. She deeply cares about her client’s success and puts the client—and the client’s colleagues, community and customers—at the center of all she does. In fact, many of her clients have made Lauren an honorary member of their team, with all of her first clients from 2020 still with her today.

While she thrives on storytelling and making connections, she always gets a thrill when she sees her clients in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, CNN, AP News, Worcester Business Journal, Boston Business Journal and on stages at conferences around the world.

As a business owner, Lauren is deeply rooted in the communities where she lives and works and encourages her clients to do the same. She sponsors the City of Leominster’s Pink Flamingo Day, volunteers at Ginny’s Helping Hand and as a board member for Why Me Sherry’s House, serves as an Ambassador for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and participates in Leominster's Festival of Trees, just to name a few. A passionate cyclist and two-time cancer survivor, Lauren spends the first weekend in August each summer riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge.

A highly sought after speaker on everything from entrepreneurship, crisis communications and PR, she has shared her expertise with the Women’s Leadership Connection, the Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Greater Worcester Chapter, the PRSA Independent Practitioner’s Alliance, and at local high schools and colleges.

In 2014, she was recognized by the Worcester Business Journal as a “40 Under Forty” award recipient and is a graduate of the prestigious Leadership Worcester program, Class of 2017. In 2025, she will graduate from the North Central Massachusetts Community Leadership Institute and complete certification in Public Policy and Government Relations to expand her services to include advocacy and policy work.

An award-winning PR pro, Lauren has received several recognitions over the years. In 2025, empHowered PR was named "Best Public Relations" by the Worcester Business Journal with a Best of Business (BOB) Award. Lauren has also received a PRSA Philadelphia Chapter Ladle for her work in corporate philanthropy, and Silver Bell from the Pub Club of Boston for an online media campaign.

Lauren holds a master’s degree in organizational and professional communication, as well as a graduate certificate in health care leadership communications from Regis College. Additionally, she graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she majored in journalism, and earned an associate's degree from Mount Wachusett Community College.

When she’s not running the business or working with her clients, she's listening to Coldplay, attending Broadway shows or cycling, and is currently learning to ski. A huge fan of the sport of luge, Lauren serves as PR Manager for USA Luge and has served as a self-proclaimed “loud bell ringer” for the team since 2011.

Learn more about Lauren by following her on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

As our Operations Director, Janine ensures the day-to-day operations of our business are running smoothly and oversees scheduling, media coverage reports and general business requests. Janine brings more than 25 years of experience in project and process management and earned a master’s degree in Business with a certificate in Project Management. In addition to work, she enjoys going on cruises and spending time with her three grandchildren, Kayla, Jason and James. She is also active in her church and community. Janine can be contacted via email at janine@empHoweredPR.com or by phone at 407 214-8406.

Tamar Russell Brown has led a woman-owned business for more than twenty years, with locations in Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, and New York City. She is a highly sought after graphic designer and social media marketer dedicated to sharing client stories through creative and visual content for organizations across the U.S. Tamar has a certificate in photography from Cumberland University in Tennessee, an associate degree in visual communication from Nashville State Technical Institute, a bachelor’s degree in design from Rhode Island College. During her studies, she spent a year abroad at Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem in Budapest, Hungary. She is an active member of the central Massachusetts business community and an ardent supporter of the arts.

Julianne Posco is an award-winning graphic and web designer with over two decades of experience in the industry. As the founder and creative director of her own design studio, Julianne has established herself as a leading figure in the design world, known for her innovative approach and ability to blend artistry with practical design principles.

Julianne's journey in design began with a passion for visual arts and a keen eye for detail, which she cultivated through formal education and hands-on experience. Over the years, she has honed her skills, mastering a wide range of design tools and techniques that allow her to bring unique and compelling visual stories to life.

Her expertise spans across various aspects of graphic and web design, including brand identity, user interface (UI) design, print media, and digital marketing. Julianne's portfolio showcases an impressive array of projects, from corporate branding and e-commerce websites to original illustrations and package design.

Mike's mantra throughout his 30+ year career is simply "Words Matter." He's taken that very fresh, basic, and yet effective approach in a career that started on-air as a radio personality and evolved into a marketing and communications career in non-profit, government, politics, and for the past two decades, construction materials, working for some of North America's leading manufacturers. Whatever industry it is, Mike brings a no-nonsense approach to getting the heart of the matter and helping clients communicate more clearly and on brand through integrated public relations, corporate communications, and marketing programs.

Brenda is a communications strategist and storyteller who helps organizations strengthen internal communications, manage high-stakes moments, and build meaningful connections with employees and communities.

With two decades of experience in corporate, internal and crisis communications, public relations and philanthropy, Brenda has partnered with senior leaders to craft clear messaging. She guides teams through change and aligns communications with business goals and culture. Her approach is hands-on and thoughtful, blending strategy with a deep understanding of how to reach people where they are.

A U.S. Army veteran, Brenda brings discipline, perspective, and calm under pressure to every project, along with a unique ability to see the bigger picture and guide others through challenges with purpose and poise. Her work also includes providing digital portfolios, employee toolkits, communication campaigns, and branded content to reflect who her clients are and what they stand for. She also offers public relations, crisis communication and internal communications support to help organizations communicate with confidence, authenticity, and impact.

kd

Kat Deal is a creative force dedicated to helping small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations elevate their brand through thoughtful design and strategic marketing. With over 20 years of experience in event management, program coordination, and communications, Kat brings a unique blend of creativity and logistical expertise to every project.

Her services range from logo development and social media graphics to full event branding, content creation, and promotional materials — all designed with an eye for detail and a heart for mission-driven work.

A Gardner resident for over 20 years, Kat is also a passionate community advocate. She volunteers her time with numerous organizations across North Central Massachusetts, including the Greater Gardner Relay for Life serving on the Event Leadership Team, Gardner Farmers Market as a founding committee member, sits on various the Boards of Directors including the HealthAlliance Guild, Fitchburg Access Television, and the Public Relations Society of America’s Greater Worcester Chapter.