The Soze Agency

Dear Colleagues, Partners, Friends + Family, As we end 2023, we reflect back on a year that brought much joy, struggle, success, transition and new opportunities. As a worker-owned company, rooted in a core set of values, we take enormous pride in our work, our partnerships and our clients. We also recognize that many of those in our community have had a difficult year, and we hold all of you in our hearts. One of our dear friends in the work, Michael Latt, recently fell victim to a tragic act of violence and we want to uplift the incredible impact he created on the world during his life, which ended far too soon. We send our sincere condolences to his family + friends. In a trying year, we also found ways to push through and keep working towards our dreams. At Soze, we believe in celebrating the “wins.” This year, we grew our team by 35% and very excitedly expanded our co-ownership team which now includes Liliana Avila, Associate Director of Client Operations, Zach Norman, Senior Designer and Alicia Torres, Manager of Client Operations. We’re thrilled to welcome them as official co-owners of the Agency! We have had the privilege of working with amazing clients + partners on creative branding, marketing campaigns, in-person experiences, large-scale exhibitions and national tours. Since day one of our company, we have believed that our work can have a global impact. In that spirit, we’re thrilled to announce we’re opening an office in London! After producing several projects that were based in London, we have decided to officially expand our global footprint. Earlier in the year, we also opened an office in Washington, D.C. as we look to expand our presence in our nation’s capital. In the coming year, we are excited about our growth opportunities, especially in the areas of sport, film and television. Look out for announcements in Q1 of 2024! There are many challenges we are facing, collectively, across the globe. However, we feel that Soze is uniquely positioned to turn these challenges into moments where we can engage people in a powerful way, through the lens of storytelling. We hope we get the chance to tell these stories in 2024! Until then, we wish you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season. With deep appreciation, Alicia, Daveen, Jacqueline, Liliana, Michael and Zach

We are unburdened by what has been, and energized for what’s next. Let’s go 🔥 Photo Credit: Bexx Francois | @BexxFrancois

I couldn't be more grateful. A few months ago, the team at The Soze Agency flew out to Los Angeles to produce a photo and video campaign for a beautiful new initiative called Arts For EveryBody. If you know me, you know that my favorite part of my job is getting to produce photo and video projects. But, this campaign is extra special to me. I am honored to have gotten the opportunity to not only cast this series, but also direct the PSA video, which went live earlier today (with a feature in Us Weekly). My career at Soze continues to be a blessing, and allows me to achieve dreams I never thought I would. Visit artsforeverybody.org to learn about the connection between art and health.

Apple recently hosted its annual Worldwide Developers Conference to showcase its latest technologies. Meanwhile, Heat Initiative is addressing a critical issue: Apple products are not safe for kids. While developers explored Apple Intelligence, Heat Initiative stood with survivors, youth leaders, parents, and child safety experts to share their powerful stories. These stories highlighted the real-world impact of technology on children's safety and the urgent need for change. The Soze Agency proudly supported the Heat Initiative by designing and producing impactful environmental signage for the protest. We stand firmly with @HeatInitiative in demanding that Apple let kids report abuse, require safer apps, and stop the spread of child sexual abuse on their platforms. Photos by Brooke Anderson @mmovementphotographer

Only 43% of Americans believed immigrants strengthened our country in 2014. Today, that number has risen to 67%, reflecting a significant shift in the perception and representation of immigrants in America (Pew Research Center and Gallup). Since June 2014, we have proudly partnered with I am an Immigrant/ I Stand With Immigrants Initiative and fwd.us to bring #ImmigrantHeritageMonth to life. From the "Food That Made Us" tour in cities like Seattle and Orlando to impactful online initiatives, we've crafted narrative-driven efforts that support IAAI/ISWI's work in empowering immigrants and driving legislative action. Our collaborations with artists, entertainers, and officials have been pivotal in driving awareness and amplifying the campaign's impact on the immigrant rights movement. We are grateful to have worked with influential voices like Lupita Nyong'o, America Ferrera, Karla Souza, Tracee Ellis Ross, Alan Cumming, and many more talented celebrities who champion and celebrate immigrants. We believe in the importance of commemorating immigrant heritage every day, not just in June. By uplifting and valuing immigrants, we can build a nation that embraces its diverse heritage. Visit www.iamanimmigrant.com to learn more.

Pride is creativity. Pride is an act of radical imagination. Pride is courageous joy. Happy Pride Month!

For the second year, Soze was honored to produce the Green Wave Gathering for our client, Women’s Equality Center (WEC). The event brought together over 130 leaders, activists, and organizers from North America and Latin America. Held in Mexico City, this year’s gathering created space to share strategies and learn about the efforts that have increased abortion access, protected reproductive rights, and challenged unjust laws. As the producer of this event, our team intentionally designed the event and the participants’ experience to center the vibrant culture of Mexico and its capital. Through curated unique takeaways handcrafted by local women artisans, fostering impactful community collaboration, to the mainstage design with a special papel picado, our team believes in the power of authenticity in creating powerful and inspiring experiences. At Soze, we are deeply committed to supporting reproductive freedom and justice. WEC provides strategic communications and campaign support to organizations in Latin America advocating for reproductive health at all levels. We are a proud partner of WEC and these dedicated activists as they foster a new wave of change and abortion rights for all. Photos by Madi Perry

Today, millions of families are fleeing violence and persecution, seeking safety and a better life. According to UNHCR, over 120 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced, highlighting the urgent need for compassion and support In honor of #WorldRefugeeDay, we produced a video for our client, Welcome.US, celebrating the inspiring stories of newcomers and their American sponsors. This video highlights the strength of the bonds formed through sponsorship and the positive impact these relationships have on American communities. At Soze, we believe that uplifting these powerful stories can foster understanding and empathy, encouraging more people to consider how they can support families seeking refuge. Share your own message welcoming newcomers and learn how you can make a difference at Welcome.US/wrd2024.

We're thrilled to showcase our creative work launching the paperback edition of Radical Inclusion by David Moinina Sengeh for our client Moment of Lift Books and Flatiron Books. Radical Inclusion provides practical strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces and communities. Using a data-driven approach, we maximized engagement and awareness to amplify the book's potential impact and reach. Soze is proud to partner with Moment of Lift Books, founded by Melinda French Gates, to amplify diverse voices and drive meaningful change by uplifting featured authors.

We are beyond excited to share that Soze has been recognized in two categories at the 2024 Shorty Awards! Our video "Rotten," produced for Heat Initiative was awarded the Bronze Honor in the Best Video Ad category. Also, our #BeAWelcomer campaign with Welcome.US received the Audience Honor in the Storytelling category! At Soze, we believe in using creativity to drive meaningful change and are honored to partner with Welcome.US, which inspires Americans to support refugees, and the Heat Initiative, which works to protect children from online exploitation. A huge thank you to Welcome.US and the HeatInitiative for trusting us to bring this work to life.