Meet the expert team driving Publiassist.

Stephanie Blake

CO-FOUNDER

In a capitalist culture crowded with competing voices, it’s often those with the largest budget who get to speak the loudest and the most often. Publiassist was born out of a desire to level the playing field, creating possibility for anyone to have the tools and knowledge to share their story. Diversity of stories leads to more understanding which leads to a richer and better community and world. 

It was in the stars. Born on 4.11, Stephanie has been seeking out the best way to connect through shared information and communication since her earliest days. Her innate belief in the power of communication to build shared understanding and strengthen community is the underpinning of her professional work. 

After working in various communications roles inside of nonprofit organizations, Stephanie pursued graduate work in mass communications, earning a masters of science in public relations at the University of Denver and a Ph.D. in mass communications at the University of Minnesota.

This led her to a tenure-track academic position at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, where she taught and advised graduate and undergraduate students and worked to develop an undergraduate strategic communications program. During her time in academia, Stephanie remained committed to the practice of public relations, serving on the Public Relations Society of America, Colorado Chapter board of directors and working diligently to connect students to professionals for school projects, internships and entry-level positions. 

In 2011, Stephanie traded full-time academia with part-time teaching and launched Blake Communications, a public relations firm. Over a decade, Blake Communications provided numerous clients in a variety of industries with strategic communications counsel and public relations execution. During that time, Stephanie served in many volunteer roles on boards and committees in the community. 

Cristina Palombo

CO-FOUNDER

Behind every small business, nonprofit, creative endeavor, or personal brand lies an incredible story waiting to be told. Empowering these entities with strategic communication tools and resources allows them to nurture their unique narratives and harness the power of effective communications to flourish in their respective fields.

Meet Cristina Palombo, a seasoned communications and public relations expert with nearly a decade of experience illuminating the stories of nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Passionate about cultivating impactful narratives, Cristina has dedicated her career to helping clients forge connections and secure media visibility.

Her journey in the realm of communications has been a dynamic tapestry, collaborating with a diverse spectrum of individuals and organizations to craft compelling stories that resonate deeply. Through her strategic prowess, Cristina has empowered her clients to not only shape their narratives but also secure coveted media placements, elevating their brands and causes.

Cristina's strength lies in her ability to merge creativity with strategic insight, curating tailored communication strategies that yield tangible results. Her dedication to her craft and unwavering commitment to amplifying voices have made her a trusted partner in guiding clients toward achieving their communication goals.

With Cristina at the helm, stories find their voice, brands discover their essence, and messages resonate powerfully, leaving an enduring impact on audiences and communities alike.

  • Stephanie & Cristina have worked with hundreds of clients and members of the media, resulting in millions of media impressions over more than two decades.

  • Their client roster includes nonprofits, creative businesses, small businesses and national corporations with a focus on community-driven and experience-based communications.

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Communications is a marathon, not a sprint. But when equipped with the right tools and a strategic plan, you’ll pave the way to business growth and success.

“Taking Stephanie’s PR classes truly changed my life. After struggling to find a career path in school in terms of what my specific communications focus would be, her classes helped give me the direction, education and tools I so desperately needed.”

- Kay, UCHealth, Writer

“Stephanie is one of the best practitioners in the industry, constantly cultivating relationships to achieve success for her clients. She is also a true mentor and teacher in the community, helping junior and mid-level professionals achieve success by leading by example and finding new and innovative ways to teach and help others master the craft.”

- Jenny, Starkey Strategies, President