Michelle Esperanza

I am a communications consultant with an expertise in strategic communications for social impact.

I specialize in building communications and community engagement programs and initiatives, especially in the health and transportation arenas. Recent work includes communications efforts with the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

In ten years with public relations agencies and eight years in corporate communications, I have designed and directed $5+ million programs for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, which serves the largest population of any county in the nation – and Southern California Edison, one of the nation's largest electric utilities serving a population of more than 15 million in Central and Southern California.

My experience in government and nonprofit community-based organizations complements my skills in community engagement.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I produced a multicultural advertising campaign reaching Angelenos in 13 languages for the November 2020 general election in Los Angeles County, the largest county in the U.S. with nearly 10 million residents who account for approximately 27 percent of California’s population.

The PR Week award-finalist campaign was driven by a strong public health message aimed at protecting communities from the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging vote by mail.
Result: nearly 80% of the ballots cast in the region were mail-in, exceeding past years.

I developed and led successful integrated communications initiatives around electrical public safety at Southern California Edison (SCE). I also edited and produced the company's monthly newsletter to residential and business customers.

Our team produced advertising and public relations encouraging external audiences to stay away from power lines and educating them about the hazards of coming into contact with the lines.
Result: Our efforts increased public safety message awareness by 22 points among residential customers, exceeding the company goal year after year.

WHAT GUIDES ME

I’m passionate about the creation of just, equitable and healthier communities for all, with a goal of systems change. I provide strategic advisement, design communications programs, and lead and work alongside teams - encouraging us to stay intentional and purposeful in communications efforts, while also supporting creativity in brand expression.

EDUCATION

I earned an MA from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism and a BA in General Literature from UC San Diego.

A FEW FUN FACTS ABOUT ME

Hometown: San Diego, California
Dog mom
Never met a cheese I didn’t like