Optimizing Web Analytics for Better Business Decisions
Optimizing Web Analytics for Better Business Decisions LEARN MORE In today's fast-paced digital world, web analytics isn't just about counting... READ MORE
Changing the reality of
REALITY CHANGERS
Turning First-Gen Dreams Into a Movement
When a powerful mission meets the right strategy, big things happen. Reality Changers was ready to scale — they just needed a brand and campaign that matched their ambition.
THE MISSION
From Underdog to Unstoppable
Reality Changers helps youth from underserved communities become first-generation college graduates — and undeniable forces for change in their families, communities, and beyond.
When I joined as the organization’s first Director of Marketing & Creative in 2015, they were already changing lives — but the brand wasn’t keeping pace with the momentum.
There was no structure. No roadmap. Just a powerful mission, a growing waitlist, and a vision that deserved far more visibility — and a brand bold enough to carry it.
Over five years, we (re)built everything from the ground up — transforming scattered messaging into a unified voice, dated visuals into brand presence, and siloed efforts into a full-scale, cross-channel strategy.
By 2020, Reality Changers had served more than 3,500 students and cemented its role as one of San Diego’s most recognized nonprofits.
We didn’t just build the brand. We built belief.
"Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Always Do."
-- Reality Changers Mantra
THE CHALLENGE
An incredible mission. A growing reach.
But a brand that couldn’t keep up.
By 2015, Reality Changers had already helped thousands of students become the first in their families to attend college. But a standout mission was being held back by outdated branding, inconsistent messaging, and a website that didn’t match the energy or excellence of their work. They needed a brand built to scale, move people, and raise dollars.
We were facing:
Fragmented messaging across platforms and programs
A brand identity that didn’t reflect the impact
Events that lacked cohesion
A website that didn’t inspire action
Inconsistent donor engagement and digital reach
To meet the moment, we didn’t just need better marketing. We needed a creative strategy built to scale the mission. Because Reality Changers wasn’t just educating youth — we were rewriting legacies.
What happens when you mix purpose, pressure, and a relentless drive to build something that matters? You get results.You get momentum. You get change.
THE WORK
Every touchpoint became a tool for transformation.
I led the creative strategy across every channel — but we executed it as one team. With strategy, design, and storytelling fully integrated, we rebuilt the brand from the inside out — honoring the mission, elevating the voice, and delivering a platform that could grow alongside the movement.
Visuals, voice, and strategy all built to reflect ambition, trust, and grit – from event branding to fundraising materials.
We rewrote everything. Website. Emails. Appeals. One voice. One mission. Transformed scattered messaging into one that spoke with clarity, rallied community, and made every word work harder.
Designed and developed a responsive, optimized site that told our story, engaged the community, and scaled with the org. From digital dead zone to conversion machine. UX-forward. CTA-optimized. Emotion-led.
Launched mission-driven digital campaigns, community activations, and year-end appeals that turned full-funnel. We didn’t just ask for money — we made people believe.
Revenue That Grew With Purpose:
From 2015–2020, we drove year-over-year fundraising growth through integrated giving campaigns, grant strategy, and donor engagement — fueling student success and organizational scale.Community in Action:
For Reality Changers’ 18th birthday, the Advancement team and I led a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign that raised $10K in one weekend — proof that community power, when mobilized, delivers.- Flagship Event, Six-Figure Impact:
The strategy and creative direction for the Malin Burnham Awards transformed it into a standout fundraiser — earning six figures and amplifying the mission with every moment.
Gave events a real identity. Consistent branding. Story-driven themes. Digital campaigns that filled rooms and raised dollars.
Real students. Real stories. Led all content creation — from video to photography to social storytelling — to spotlight student success and community impact.
Elevated the org’s credibility with civic leaders, media, and sponsors. Visibility? Unlocked. Significantly elevating Reality Changers’ profile and outreach.
Utilized advanced analytics to continually refine and optimize strategies, ensuring each initiative maximized impact, effectiveness, and return on investment.
Built plug-and-play templates, guides, and brand systems so the internal team could move fast and keep the impact growing, long after I was gone.
Voted San Diego's Most Outstanding Nonprofit
-- San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
FEATURED EVENT
The Malin Burnham Awards
What began as an inspiring fundraiser quickly ignited, becoming an unstoppable community force.
Named after civic icon Malin Burnham, the event honored San Diego’s most impactful leaders and organizations — all living his “Community Before Self” philosophy.
We transformed The Malin Burnham Awards into a marquee experience: sold-out rooms, six-figure fundraising, and community energy you could feel. It wasn’t just an event. It was San Diego’s most anticipated nonprofit night — with media buzz, donor momentum, and purpose at its core.
As Director of Marketing & Creative, I owned the full strategy — from brand positioning and creative direction to digital campaigns, web development, event design, press partnerships, and donor engagement.
Through visionary campaigns, dynamic design, and impeccable execution, the Malin Burnham Awards consistently delivered six-figure fundraising results, directly fueling academic and leadership opportunities for first-generation students.
Every detail—from vibrant event collateral and sophisticated staging to engaging email campaigns and powerful video storytelling—was passionately curated to amplify our brand’s promise and elevate each honoree’s impactful story.
We didn’t just announce awards. We told real stories — spotlighting the connection between local changemakers and the students whose lives they were helping transform.
Coverage in Ranch & Coast Magazine and other media outlets helped the event reach well beyond the room — growing brand equity, awareness, and trust..
"It takes a high skill level to incorporate one’s own abilities and an organization’s unique mission to produce quality work that can simultaneously inspire a wide variety of audiences - from struggling, inner-city youth to high-income, potential donors. Jaime did this time and time again, always producing superb, quality work."
-- Chris Yanov, RC Founder & Direct Supervisor
THE OUTCOME
We didn’t just tell the story —
we rewrote the playbook.
Through a comprehensive and strategic approach encompassing design, digital, and event initiatives, Reality Changers strengthened its position as a leading nonprofit, empowering first-generation college students and fostering positive community change.
Financial Growth: Through diversified fundraising strategies, including events and online campaigns, Reality Changers achieved a significant increase in annual revenue, enabling the expansion of programs and services.
Enhanced Digital Presence: The website redesign and digital marketing efforts led to a substantial increase in website traffic and online engagement, resulting in higher online donations and volunteer sign-ups.
Program Expansion: With increased funding and visibility, Reality Changers expanded its programs to serve more students, providing comprehensive support from 8th grade through college graduation.
Community Recognition: The organization’s enhanced branding and successful events elevated its profile within the community, leading to awards such as “San Diego’s Most Outstanding Nonprofit.”
CASE STUDIES
Every Brand Has a Story –
Let’s Make Yours Unforgettable
Working with brands to deliver lasting impact is my passion. Explore how I’ve partnered with organizations to reimagine their presence, connect with their audiences, and achieve game-changing results.
CASE STUDIES
Every Brand Has a Story – Let’s Make Yours Unforgettable
Working with brands to deliver lasting impact is my passion. Explore how I’ve partnered with organizations to reimagine their presence, connect with their audiences, and achieve game-changing results.
TESTIMONIALS
Delivering results that matter
"Jaime’s knowledge of user experience, website auditing, and SEO/analytics helped our department tremendously in both workload and client satisfaction. Jaime single handedly revamped our UX audit process. Every project that she worked on was amazing from both an internal and client-facing standpoint."
CHRIS DENNIS
"Having worked closely with Jaime both within the company and on freelance assignments, I can attest to her exceptional knowledge and expertise in the field. Jaime consistently exceeds expectations by delivering high-quality work that not only meets but surpasses requirements."
Paula Maccagnano-Brown
PORTFOLIO
Print, Web, Video & More
Explore real-world examples of creative strategy, branding, and marketing that moved the needle.
CONTACT
Ready to Transform Your Brand?
The best marketing doesn’t just sell—it inspires. If you’re ready to break through, I’m ready to build.
PORTFOLIO
Print, Web, Video & More
Explore real-world examples of creative strategy, branding, and marketing that moved the needle.
CONTACT
Ready to Transform Your Brand?
The best marketing doesn’t just sell—it inspires.
If you’re ready to break through, I’m ready to build.
LATEST INSIGHTS
Expert strategies and creative ideas to drive growth, engagement, and innovation
How Data Visualization Enhances Decision Making
How Data Visualization Enhances Decision Making LEARN MORE In the era of big data, the ability to interpret and act... READ MORE
The Importance of UX/UI in Modern Web Design
The Importance of UX/UI in Modern Web Design LEARN MORE WHY UX/UI MATTERSFirst Impressions CountYour website's design creates an immediate... READ MORE
SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY CALL
Fill out your details below with the service that you need, date and preferred hour and I’ll get back to you to book an appointment.
©2025. I'm Jaime. All Rights Reserved.
Contact: 302.542.2839
"Jaime is a creative problem solver who always goes above and beyond. Her ability to thrive in team environments and effectively work independently means that group objectives will be met and expectations will be surpassed every single time. Simply put, with Jaime you’ll get more than the results you were hoping for!"
CHRIS YANOV Reality Changers Founder & CEO (2001-2018)