ABOUT PADO

A wave starts small.
So does change.

Pado comes from the Korean word for "wave." Like the kinetic energy that transforms drops of water into ocean waves, we believe real-world stories, clear information, and shared values can connect individuals while unlocking their potential to create a better world together.

WHO WE ARE

Strategic storytelling, creative problem-solving, and deeply held values.

Our communications strategies and bold tactics bring clarity to complexity in ways that help people see how systemic issues affect us all. We don’t just push back against harmful narratives.

We move stories of our communities’ resilience, resourcefulness and creativity from the margins to the center — harnessing our collective power to shape the world we deserve.

With backgrounds in journalism, public policy, advocacy communications, and community-driven campaigns, we’re uniquely positioned to help our clients navigate ever-evolving political and media landscapes. Our work centers the wisdom and experiences of the people most acutely affected by issues such as poverty, gun violence, addiction, disability and homelessness, while building broad-based support and solidarity to make change possible.

Meet the founder →

Collaborators

 
HOW WE CAN HELP

We meet you where the work gets hard.

  • Audience Research

  • Communications Strategy

  • Communications Implementation

  • Crisis Communications

  • Community Engagement

  • Campaigns

  • Training & Coaching

  • Branding & Marketing

We tailor our work to each client’s goals, context, and real-world constraints.

Clarify Strategy & Direction

When the stakes are high and the landscape is complex, clarity is everything. We help organizations make smart, values-aligned decisions about what to say, who to reach, and how to move people to action. We equip you with the clear direction you need to lead, rather than react.

Listen, Learn & Build With Community

We design and lead community-centered research and engagement processes that surface real insights — so you’re moving from data, not assumptions. From insight interviews to community listening sessions, we help you build trust and momentum from the ground up.

Shape Stories That Move People

Great strategy only works if people can feel it, understand it and act on it. We turn complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that travel — across campaigns, media, digital channels, and everyday communications.

Steady Guidance Through Turbulence

When scrutiny is high, the margin for error is small. We support organizations through moments of risk and sensitivity with steady strategy and clear messaging so you can show up with confidence and values, rather than fear.

Build Internal Capacity

Some clients don’t only need to win big moments — they need stronger foundations and thriving team members. We work with leaders and teams to build the skills, processes, and decision-making frameworks that make communications more effective and less reactive. 

Continuity That Protects Momentum

Sometimes what you need most isn’t a big new strategy — it’s steady, reliable execution. This offering is designed for organizations with limited in-house capacity due to budget constraints, staff transitions or medical or parental leaves. We step in to keep your communications program running smoothly and your momentum intact.

HOW WE SHOW UP

You’re doing important work in a complicated world.

We show up for you the same way every time.

While every issue and client is unique, our approach to our work remains consistent: We’re values-driven, relationship-based, and always grounded in strategy.

  • We partner with organizations we believe in and with people who believe in us. The success of our work together relies on the trust we all earn, build, and demonstrate at every step.

  • Everything we do springs from thorough, thoughtful research and audience insights. We keep our clients a step ahead of new developments and plan proactively instead of reacting to change as it happens.

  • We work with clients that inspire us and issues that we’re passionate about. We’re invested in the success of every strategy, campaign, and project because we believe each one is a step toward a better future.

  • We often work with clients who have transformative visions and limited internal resources. That means we work efficiently and collaboratively, developing programs, strategies, and processes that our clients can realistically carry forward — with our help or on their own.

  • We refuse to let fear or scarcity drive our decisions. We follow the inventiveness and solidarity seen throughout the histories of Black, Asian, Latino and Indigenous organizing and apply their lessons to everything we do.

Trusted By

Clients

City of Portland

Oregon Health Authority

Port of Portland

ACLU of Oregon

Portland Housing Center

Alliance for a Safe Oregon

The Street Trust

APANO

Represent Justice

Gun Violence Prevention Cooperative

Oregon Health Equity Alliance

Health Justice Recovery Alliance

Welcome Home Coalition

Sisters of the Road

Hygiene4All

Ready to make waves?

Tell us about your organization and what you’re working toward. We’ll start with a 15-minute conversation.

Let's talk →
See our work →