AMA PDX AGENCY
Marketing for Impact. Community for Change.
For nearly 20 years, we've connected Portland nonprofits, community organizations, and mission-driven businesses with professional marketers for pro bono consulting that drives real impact. This year, we're reflecting on that legacy and reimagining what comes next.
This is a Visionary Year for the Agency, a time of reflection and reimagining as we approach 20 years. We're not running our standard applications or consulting sessions right now, but we'd still love to connect. Subscribe to our newsletter to hear what's next, and use Work with us to introduce your organization for opportunities to engage and collaborate on some new ways of working.
OUR HISTORY
A LEGACY OF IMPACT
Founded in 2007, AMA PDX pioneered one of the first pro bono marketing programs of its kind in the country BY pairing skilled marketing volunteers with Portland-area nonprofits in need of professional support.
In 2018, the program officially rebranded as AMA PDX Agency, evolving into a structured, high-impact consultancy for nonprofits, community organizations, and mission-driven businesses in the Portland and SW Washington areas.
By 2020, it transitioned to a hybrid model for accessibility and safety, continuing to provide flexible, high-quality consulting for mission-driven organizations.
Today, AMA PDX Agency remains committed to empowering nonprofits, strengthening community, and fostering professional growth for Portland’s marketing professionals.
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A Visionary Year
Reflecting and reimagining at (nearly) 20
Since 2007, we've donated hundreds of hours each year to help mission-driven organizations market with confidence. This year alone, we donated $138,840 in marketing support to Portland organizations, not just sharpening their marketing in the moment, but sharing knowledge that keeps supporting them as they grow.
As we near our 20th anniversary, we're taking a year to reflect. FY2027 is a Visionary Year: a deliberate period to strengthen our model, build our foundation, and pilot new ways of working ahead of a full relaunch. We're still here, engaging the community on select projects, and driven by the belief that marketing, in the right hands and for the right causes, is a force for good.
We want your voice included as we shape the next chapter. We're asking our community to share what they need from a program like ours. Want to use your marketing skills for good, or introduce your organization for potential collaborations? We'd love to hear from you.
OUR WORK IN ACTION
Past Organizations
2026
Depave PDX
The Pathfinder Network
Oregon Farm Corps
Ethos Music Center
2025
Wonderfolk
Lloyd EcoDistrict
Playworks Pacific Northwest
Portland Fruit Tree Project
2024
Rooted School Vancouver
ELSO Project
Outside the Frame
2023
Rooted School Vancouver
Pacific Refugee Support Group
Rain Catalysts
2022
Albina Vision Trust
OPAL Environmental Justice
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO)
20-30 Club of Portland
PDXWIT
Portland YouthBuilders (PYB)
The Shadow Project
2021
API Forward Foundation
Call to Safety
CASA for Children of Multnomah, Washington and Columbia Counties
The Immigrant Story
Kinship House
p:ear
Saturday Academy
The Shadow Project
2020
Farmers Market Fund
Free Geek
Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington
Rahab’s Sisters
2019
Growing Gardens
Independent Publishing Resource Center
Oregon Farmers Markets Association
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon
With Love
2018
Animal Aid
PDX Women in Technology
Elders in Action
Ethos
2017
Betties360
ATD Cascadia
Disability Art & Culture Project
Friends of Portland Community Gardens
2016
Marathon Scholars
PlayWrite
Make-A-Wish
Pixie Project
World Pulse
Lift Urban Portland
2015
Easter Seals
Camp Fire Columbia
Fresh Start
WVDO
Brian Grant Foundation
Oregon Children’s Theater
RECENT AGENCY NEWS, UPDATES, AND RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS, COMMUNITY-ORGS, AND MISSION-DRIVEN BUSINESSES…
GET INVOLVED
Join Our Community of Change Makers
FOR MARKETING
PROFESSIONALS
Use your skills to make a difference. Join a team of marketing professionals collaborating on a project that supports our communities. Each team scopes, strategizes, and delivers creative work that amplifies local missions.
Recruitment is currently closed.
Recruitment for the 2026 AMA PDX Agency has closed. We are working on reimagining this program in order to better serve our community. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when applications open. Consulting Hours are open year-round, schedule yours today!
Volunteer Benefits
Gain real-world experience while giving back
Build your resume and portfolio
Learn new skills for career advancement
Expand your professional network
Access AMA workshops and mentorship
Volunteer Commitments
10–20 hours per month (March–August)
Attend project meetings weekly or biweekly
Join the kickoff in March and celebration in September
Bring experience or strong interest in marketing
Complete post-project feedback survey
Volunteer Roles You Can Step Into
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🎯 ACCOUNT MANAGER
The Account Manager is the primary point of contact for our community clients. They lead project scoping, clarify goals, and ensure every engagement stays aligned with client needs and expectations. This role bridges strategy and execution, guiding communication and keeping projects on track from kickoff to completion.
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🗂️ Project Manager
The Project Manager keeps the team organized, supported, and moving forward. They oversee project timelines, deliverables, and internal collaboration, ensuring work is delivered on time, within scope, and at the high standard AMA PDX Agency is known for.
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✍️ Copywriter
The Copywriter shapes messaging and voice across client materials. They craft clear, compelling language that connects with audiences and reflects each organization’s brand personality—from taglines to campaign narratives to print materials.
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🎨 Graphic Designer
The Graphic Designer brings ideas to life visually, creating the visual assets and creative deliverables that make the project memorable. They translate strategy into design—crafting layouts, graphics, and brand elements that engage and inspire.
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📈 Marketing Strategist
The Marketing Strategist provides high-level, big-picture marketing support to help create cohesive integrated campaigns for one local community org client. They unite the team’s different talents to execute projects in a consistent voice, with unified branding, across the right channels.
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💻 Digital Marketing Specialist
The Digital Marketing Specialist strategizes, develops, and executes digital tactics as part of an integrated marketing campaign. They’re the expert for all things digital—spearheading initiatives across social, email, and web as part of the overall strategy.
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💼 Associate Producer
The Associate Producer plays a key supporting role on project teams, helping keep work organized and moving smoothly. This position is ideal for someone early in their marketing or communications career who’s eager to learn how marketing projects come together from start to finish.
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📸 Content Creator
The Content Creator documents and shares the story of AMA PDX Agency’s work—capturing project milestones, volunteer highlights, and client impact through photos, video, and writing—and translates them into compelling narratives for campaigns, presentations, and AMA channels.
FAQs
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Volunteers range from early-career professionals to senior marketers. Teams are built intentionally to balance skill levels, so everyone can contribute and learn.
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No, membership isn’t required. However, AMA members gain access to extra networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities throughout the year. If you’re interested in learning more about national AMA membership check out the national AMA website.
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After applying, volunteers are matched to teams based on skills, interests, and availability. Each team includes a mix of strategists, designers, writers, and project managers.
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Not at all. Many volunteers come from in-house roles, nonprofits, or other creative fields. Curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to collaborate are what matter most.
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Yes. AMA PDX Agency operates in a hybrid model, with both virtual and in-person opportunities for collaboration.
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Applications are reviewed by AMA PDX Agency leadership. Interviews will take place in January and selected volunteers are notified in February and invited to a virtual orientation before projects begin in March.
FOR NONPROFITS &
MISSION-DRIVEN BUSINESSES
Partner with skilled volunteers to elevate your marketing and expand your impact. Through AMA PDX Agency’s pro bono program, your organization will be matched with a team of experienced marketers, designers, and strategists who bring fresh perspective, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to community. Together, you’ll collaborate on a high-impact project—such as a brand refresh, website update, or campaign strategy—that strengthens your organization’s ability to connect with audiences, attract supporters, and advance your mission.
Recruitment is closed.
Recruitment for the 2026 AMA PDX Agency has closed. We are working on reimagining this program in order to better serve our community. Currently our standard applications and consulting sessions are closed, but we'd still love to connect.. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when applications open. Consulting Hours are open year-round, schedule yours today!.
Client Benefits
Connect with Portland’s marketing professionals
Strengthen your strategy with expert consulting for free
Develop new tools and resources to support your mission and community
Gain visibility through AMA’s site, newsletter, and social channels
Equip your team with the skills and systems to sustain your marketing
Client Commitments
Assign a primary contact (10–15 hours/month) who responds within 2-3 business days
Collaborate on a focused, measurable project plan
Attend kickoff (March) and final presentations (September)
Complete a feedback survey
Approve AMA sharing project outcomes (case studies, posts, etc.)
WHO
QUALIFIES?
We welcome community organizations, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses with a social mission. Priority is given to:
Organizations led by or serving underrepresented communities
Those addressing root causes of social injustice
Groups collaborating across sectors or stakeholders
TYPES
OF PROJECTS
Every AMA PDX Agency project is unique. Our volunteer teams tailor their approach to each community client’s goals whether that means building a campaign from the ground up or strengthening what already works.
Common project types include:
• Logo and brand creative guideline buildout
• Website UX development or overhaul
• PR and communications strategy
• Social media build-out and content planning
• Paid media and digital advertising
• Awareness campaign development
We also take on projects outside these categories, from storytelling frameworks to donor engagement strategies. If it helps your mission connect with more people, our volunteers can help you get there.
FAQs
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Each application is reviewed by the AMA PDX Agency leadership team. Interviews with select applicants will take place in January and selected organizations are notified in February and matched with a volunteer team ahead of the March kickoff.
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Each project is customized to your goals. Deliverables may include brand guidelines, marketing campaigns, communication strategies, or creative assets—depending on what will make the biggest difference for your organization.
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We prioritize organizations in the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington, with flexibility for those serving these communities or operating regionally.
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Applications close December 31, 2025. Interviews will take place in January 2026 and partner selections are announced in February. Project teams launch in March, and final presentations take place in September.
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No. AMA PDX Agency projects are completely pro bono. We only ask that partners commit time for collaboration and communication throughout the six-month project cycle.
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That’s fine, the list is just a starting point. If your need involves marketing, branding, or communications, our teams will work with you to define a clear, achievable project scope.
Community Voices
At AMA PDX, we believe inclusive marketing strengthens communities.
Our work prioritizes uplifting underrepresented voices and ensuring ethical, accessible, and equitable storytelling in every project.
OUR COMMITMENT
TO DEIA
NEED MARKETING HELP QUICK?
Book a Free One-Hour Marketing Strategy Session
In addition to our annual Agency program, AMA PDX Agency offers free, one-hour consulting sessions for area nonprofits and mission-driven businesses seeking a little extra marketing clarity. These sessions are led by members of our AMA PDX Agency leadership team and designed to help you:
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Workshop a communications challenge or campaign idea
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Identify quick, strategic shifts that move your marketing forward
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Strengthen your next AMA project application (optional, not required)
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Get expert advice on messaging, branding, or community engagement
Whether you’re just starting to build a marketing plan or need a fresh perspective on an existing effort, Consulting Hours are a space to think out loud with experienced marketers who care about your mission.
Consulting Hours are Closed
Currently consulting hours are on hold during our reimagining time. They will resume January 1, 2027.
Meet the Leadership Team
The AMA PDX Agency is led by volunteers who serve on the AMA PDX board and believe in the power of marketing to create social impact.
VP, Community Engagement
Stephanie Shalz is a growth and business strategist who brings brand thinking, agency leadership, and a whole lot of heart to the Portland marketing community. She leads the Agency program with a love for connecting smart people to meaningful work.
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Steph Shalz is currently the Business Development Director at POP, an independent creative and digital agency, where she partners with leadership to grow the agency and build client relationships that make a lasting impact.
Over 17 years, Steph has worked across brand management, growth strategy, and agency leadership. Her work spans global brands, mission-driven nonprofits, and the local businesses that make the Pacific Northwest special.
As VP of Agency, she brings a strategist’s eye, a connector’s instincts, and a genuine belief that great marketing can be a force for good in the community it serves.
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I love this community. The Agency program lets me connect local businesses and nonprofits with brilliant, generous marketers who want to make a difference. Marketing for good is the best kind of marketing, and getting to do it alongside such smart and wonderful people is a true joy.
Director of Agency
Erin Gurley
Director of Agency
Renee Garcia is a brand designer who combines strategic thinking and heartfelt design to support purpose-driven organizations. She brings creative thinking, clear communication, and organization to the Agency program.
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Renee Garcia runs an independent brand design studio that supports purpose-driven founders and organizations in Portland and beyond.
She crafts memorable brands for people devoted to planting positive change, so they can expand their impact and make the right impression. Renee combines strategic thinking and heartfelt design to create with intention.
Bringing in her business experience, she brings a combination of creative thinking, clear communication, and organization into the agency program.
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My work with AMA Agency is driven by the desire to connect and support our community. I firmly believe that everyone deserves access to good design and marketing support, so this is an extension of the work I do through my design studio already.
Director of Agency
Deborah Zwerling is a marketing strategist with 10+ years of experience spanning partner marketing, alliances, integrated campaigns, events, and GTM programs across leading technology organizations including Intel, Microsoft, and PwC. She brings a strong focus on building trusted relationships, creating meaningful connections, and turning marketing strategy into action. As an Agency Director for AMA Portland, Deborah is passionate about strengthening the local marketing community and creating opportunities for marketers to connect, learn, and grow.
This season, the AMA PDX Agency team partnered with Lloyd EcoDistrict on a project that strengthened community engagement and supported sustainable urban development. As the 2025 program wraps, volunteers are reflecting on the skills they gained—and how they’re carrying those experiences into their careers, local networks, and continued community involvement.