YOUR STORY, captivated.

At Captivate Media + Consulting, we help purpose-driven organizations connect with their audiences through strategic communications, video storytelling, and creative media solutions. Whether you're in education, the nonprofit sector, government, or business, we specialize in transforming complex ideas into clear, engaging content that inspires action and fosters trust.

With over a decade of experience supporting more than 400 organizations, we’ve seen the power of storytelling to transform brands, fuel campaigns, and strengthen communities. From campaign strategy to cinematic video to design, we bring your story to life with creativity, clarity, and care.

What WE DO

Strategic
Communications

We develop research-based communications strategies that align with your goals and audience. From messaging frameworks and stakeholder engagement to multi-channel campaign planning, we create content with impact.

Video
production

Our video team captures authentic stories that connect. Whether it’s for a promotional video, community outreach, or internal communications, we produce content that resonates and drives results.

graphics &
animation

Make a lasting impression with custom graphics and animated videos. We design everything from logos and promotional materials to dynamic motion graphics that bring your message to life in innovative ways.

captivate
academy

Unlock the full potential of your team with Captivate Academy. Our hands-on training programs empower your staff with the skills to master video production, graphic design, and communication strategy to train your organization to tell its story effectively for years to come.

WHO WE SERVE

Education

We partner with school districts, universities, and education-focused organizations to enhance communications, build trust, and tell the stories that matter most.

Non-Profits

We help mission-driven organizations engage donors, activate volunteers, and raise awareness through emotional, action-oriented storytelling.

Government

We support cities, counties, and agencies with transparent, accessible communication, from public health and safety to referendums and policy rollouts.

Business

We help businesses grow through meaningful branding, professional media, and strategic messaging that connect with audiences and reflect your values.

YOUR TEAM

Jake Sturgis, APR

FOUNDER + CEO

Jake has spent nearly 20 years turning education and storytelling into magic. After more than a decade in school PR, he launched his own business in 2014 and never looked back. His award-winning work and lively talks inspire others to see the joy in authentic student stories.

steph kass

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY + PARTNERSHIP

Steph has spent more than 15 years helping schools and nonprofits share their best stories. She’s a master of messaging, referendums, and building bridges between communities. 

steven shega

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

Steven brings Emmy Award sparkle to Captivate with over a decade of production experience. His work has graced screens on ABC, NBC, HGTV, and Discovery+, to name a few. As Director of Production, he delights in crafting content that informs, entertains, and feels fresh every time.

stan alleyne

LEAD STRATEGIST

Stan is nationally known as a communications pro with a heart for social change. He’s the kind of leader CEOs call when they need advice, clarity, and connection. Whether using new tech or creative partnerships, Stan makes messages matter.

CLAIRE SOISSON

CREATIVE DESIGN MANAGER

Claire made the leap from video editing to motion graphics and never lost her playful spark. She loves bringing life to animation with her own creative flair. Originally from Indiana, she now happily calls Minnesota—and Captivate—home.

ALYSSA TEH

PROJECT MANAGER

Alyssa has always loved “making”—whether it’s art, videos, or friends. She especially treasures the giggles from kids seeing themselves on camera. Outside the office, she fuels up at coffee shops, wanders Costco aisles, and daydreams about her 2024 trip to Japan.

ADRIAN PEIL

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Adrian began behind a sports camera but discovered his true calling in telling school stories. Since joining Captivate in 2021, he’s been turning education’s big moments into moving visuals. His goal is simple: show the joy, heart, and impact of learning.

CALEB CURRAN

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Caleb is Captivate’s Production Manager, combining technical savvy with creative sparkle. His skills have earned him awards in digital cinema, but his real prize is guiding clients from the first brainstorm to the final cut. He’s the steady hand who makes projects shine.

ANNA BELLE ALBITZ

LEAD CINEMATOGRAPHER

Anna Belle started making videos at age 10 and never put the camera down. Her passion grew through school, college, and even an award-winning short film about cinema’s power to inspire. Since 2021, she’s been weaving heartfelt stories at Captivate with creativity and care.

ALEX AVEDIKIAN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alex is Captivate’s go-to for graphic design, logos, and illustrations—skills he honed at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design. When he’s not creating visuals, he’s on the mat competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or tending to his farm full of horses, goats, chickens, and two beloved pets, Smokey and Annie.

BRENT MILLER

MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Brent brings his motion graphics magic to Captivate, layering stellar visuals with thoughtful storytelling. He joined in 2023 from North Carolina and has been brightening projects ever since. Away from the screen, you’ll find him writing spooky tales, chasing internet curiosities, or exploring trails.

CHELSEA BRAUDT

COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST

Chelsea has worn many hats—school communicator, photographer, and now Captivate storyteller. She understands the ups and downs of education and loves helping districts celebrate their wins. On weekends, you’ll find her adventuring with her husband and daughter in the great outdoors.

ANGELIA VANG

CINEMATOGRAPHER + EDITOR

Angelia grew up in Orlando, studied film in college, and followed her love of storytelling from theater to video. Her wide-ranging experience includes reality shows, nonprofits, and even real estate marketing. At Captivate, she believes every story should spark real human connection.

TYSON HENKELS

CINEMATOGRAPHER + EDITOR

Tyson discovered filmmaking young and taught himself to edit, fueled by the magic of movies. After two years as a hometown videographer, he spread his wings and joined Captivate. These days, he keeps honing his craft when he’s not watching films, gaming, or laughing with his sister.

VANESSA M.H. POWERS

EDITOR

Vanessa is a theater director, filmmaker, artist, and unapologetic coffee devotee. At Captivate, she pours her creativity into visual stories while juggling projects as Artistic Director at a community theater. When she does slow down, she spends time with loved ones and her snort-happy French Bulldogs.

JENNIFER MARCUS

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Jennifer brings a communications degree and six years of marketing experience to Captivate, wrapped in a warm and thoughtful style. She loves the quiet beauty of the Minnesota countryside with her big family, three dogs, and 15 cats. In her downtime, she dives into Sims, storytelling, music, and her favorite shows.

Sam Hanson portrait

SAM HANSON

SALES + MARKETING MANAGER

Sam graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2023 with a degree in Business and Marketing. A Minnesota native with a competitive spirit, he grew up playing nearly every sport. Outside of work, he loves trying new restaurants, discovering music, and befriending dogs. At Captivate, he’s excited to use his marketing skills to help share community voices.

Jake Sturgis, APR

FOUNDER + CEO

    steph kass

    DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY + PARTNERSHIP

      steven shega

      DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

        stan alleyne

        LEAD STRATEGIST

          CLAIRE SOISSON

          CREATIVE DESIGN MANAGER

            ALYSSA TEH

            PROJECT MANAGER

              ADRIAN PEIL

              PRODUCTION MANAGER

                CALEB CURRAN

                PRODUCTION MANAGER

                  ANNA BELLE ALBITZ

                  LEAD CINEMATOGRAPHER

                    ALEX AVEDIKIAN

                    GRAPHIC DESIGNER

                    BRENT MILLER

                    MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER

                      CHELSEA BRAUDT

                      MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST

                        ANGELIA VANG

                        CINEMATOGRAPHER + EDITOR

                          TYSON HENKELS

                          CINEMATOGRAPHER + EDITOR

                            VANESSA M.H. POWERS

                            EDITOR

                              JENNIFER MARCUS

                              COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

                                SAM HANSON

                                SALES + MARKETING MANAGER

                                  OUR VALUES

                                  INTEGRITY

                                  Integrity is the defining quality of who we are and what we do. We are courageously accountable with our words and actions, especially during times of adversity.

                                  INVESTMENT

                                  Our people are our most important investment. By establishing a culture built on trust, respect and the fostering of independence, our employees are energized and empowered to produce the highest quality work for our clients.

                                  CRAFTSMANSHIP

                                  We bring passion, grit and meticulous attention to every project. When our collective heart intersects with our craft, it elevates the stories we tell and their impact on our communities.

                                  EQUITY

                                  We elevate diverse perspectives because inclusive storytelling creates understanding and drives meaningful change.

                                  WHY CAPTIVATE?

                                  Let’s Tell Your Story

                                  Ready to connect, inspire, and grow your organization through storytelling that makes a difference? Contact us!