About us
Hey there! I’m Dr. Echo Rivera.
This whole thing started for me because I used to be terrified of public speaking. I’d lose sleep for weeks leading up to a presentation. I’d throw up in the bathroom right before the talk. My hands would shake and my voice would quiver while giving it.
I tried all the “tips and tricks” for public speaking confidence but ultimately became convinced they weren’t working because I was too introverted. I wasn’t a “natural” and therefore I was doomed.
But I had dreams of becoming a researcher/professor! I needed to be able to do this. So when that advice failed to help me, I had to reset and try things a different way.
Instead of confidence hacks or superficial “just stop saying um” rules, I leaned in on 2 things: Better slide designs/scripting and a better experience for my audience (a field now known as user experience).
Once I did that, the change was instant. After years of trial, failure, repeat…I finally heard the magic words: “That was the best presentation ever! You’re such a natural!!”
That was the confidence boost I needed to keep going. I ultimately did earn my PhD (in psychology) which only solidified my skillset in better user (audience) experiences. I also had a personal interest in creative/design activities like graphic and web design that I used to supplement these strategies.
It wasn’t long before I got rave reviews after every presentation from a wide range of audiences:
professors, researchers, scientists (STEM, higher education)
non-profits, service providers
state and federal department staff
consultants, TTA, and professional development providers
But as I looked around, I saw that there was a deep need for professionals in these areas to make more accessible, digestible presentations. I didn’t want to be the rare case anymore. I wanted EVERY presenter to hear “your presentation was fantastic!”—not just me.
So, 3 years into my post-PhD research associate position (at a non-profit research/evaluation center), I quit and formed this company. I now share all my best secrets in my professional development program, and I hope to see you inside today!
I can’t wait to help you become a powerful speaker! 🙌
with joy,
Echo Rivera, PhD
Hey, I’m Jason Rivera.
Like Echo, I went through a pivot with my career.
I’ve always been interested in the technology and mechanics of things. I like knowing how things work and fixing things that are broken. I started out as an auto and bicycle mechanic. At first, it was rewarding—I enjoyed working with my hands and being active.
It was particularly difficult having to watch #DeathByPowerpoint lectures while learning a skill. When Echo started building her company, she knew I had an interest in tech and asked if I’d be willing to learn how to edit videos so she could create an online course.
I’ll always remember that initial crunch time of creating her first course. I edited 60 videos in just 6 weeks—and that was my first video editing project!
I’ve edited many more videos since then (I’ve lost count), but if it’s a video we’ve made then I’ve edited it. I also handle all aspects of the company’s IT/tech and security.
I’m constantly fixing things that break, figuring our tech stack, and adjusting settings that seem to change on their own. I also help with customer service, so you may be seeing me in your inbox if you reach out!
-Jason Rivera
Creative Research Communications supports work designed for the greater good. Our clients are working towards social justice and social equity for people of color, including people who are Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and Black. We stand for LGBTQIA+ rights and respect pronouns. We are pro-immigrant and support universal health care, reproductive rights, and prosocial policies. We stand against fascism and systems of oppression such as racism, sexism, classism, and ableism.
Positive Social & Environmental Impact. We want to help people create presentations that contribute to the social good.
Providing Value. Our primary mission is to educate and provide value. We must always strive to positively impact clients through our training and design services.
Transparency & Honesty. We provide services and trainings for a specific audience and with demonstrated outcomes. We are clear about who we serve, and do not serve, and prioritize having the right fit between client and product. We are upfront and honest about the potential impact of our services and training and do not promise unrealistic outcomes.
Excellent Service. The importance of high quality customer service cannot be understated. All customers and potential customers must be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Positivity and empowerment will always come first.
High Quality. Our training materials and design products are all of excellent quality. We provide a positive user experience for those who use our services and take our training.