Work
Recent communications projects* for government agencies and nonprofit organizations
* Note: Since Helix River just launched in October 2025, these examples are from previous engagements led by Ryan Thompson, founder of Helix River. Just for total transparency 🙂
Critical Minerals Reference Sheets
Concise introduction to common issues and opportunities for responsible mining
Client: USAID
Challenge: USAID's partner countries needed practical guidance on reducing environmental and social harms from critical minerals mining. With demand for critical minerals steadily rising, USAID identified an urgent need to provide clear guidance to country staff and partners.
Solution: Collaborated with land and resource governance experts to develop concise reference sheets distilling expert knowledge on programmatic solutions into accessible, actionable resources.
Services:
- Messaging frameworks
- Technical writing and copy editing
- Graphic design and layout
Getting Past the Gatekeeper
Principles and practices for better program communications
Client: USAID
Challenge: USAID identified a need to build staff capacity for communicating about environmental and natural resource management issues. The agency produced thousands of knowledge products annually, but they often failed to capture audience attention and interest.
Solution: Created a training guide and course session teaching communications practices based on audience empathy and human-centered design principles. The resource helped USAID activity managers and partners create content that resonates with audiences and clearly communicates value.
Services:
- Strategic content development
- Messaging frameworks
- Technical writing and editing
- Training materials
Mapping Approaches for Securing Tenure
User experience optimization to increase awareness and engagement for USAID’s land tenure tool
Client: USAID
Challenge: USAID's online platform for its Mapping Approaches to Secure Land Tenure (MAST) program was too dense and technical for partner country users. The website lacked accessible entry points and failed to communicate the tool's practical value to potential users in the field.
Solution: Conducted multiple rounds of user experience testing and redesigned the platform's information architecture, creating clear pathways to relevant content and refining messaging to demonstrate MAST's value. Increased site visits and engagement by 33%.
Services:
- User experience testing and optimization
- Audience research and analysis
- Website content strategy
Project Indra
Insights and practices from the world’s great traditions to help leaders tackle humanity's wickedest problems
Challenge: Impact leaders are often trained in technical skills like ecology and program management. However, they often lack exposure to practices that reinforce inner capacities like calm, resilience, and collaboration — skills that can enhance their ability to tackle complex environmental and social challenges.
Solution: Designed and built Project Indra as a multimedia platform that captures the best of ancient wisdom and modern knowledge for impact leaders. Through a website, podcast series, and ebook, the project delivers practical insights to help leaders tackle humanity's most complex challenges.
Services:
- Website strategy and development
- Social media strategy and content
- Podcast production
- Strategic content development
Get in touch
Ready to amplify your impact? I'd love to hear about your communications challenges and explore how I can help. Reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation call.