Mikala Harden

About Mikala Harden

Mikala Harden (She/Her) is the Founder and Creative Director of Say Hey There, an award-winning creative studio based in Omaha, Nebraska, dedicated to amplifying the voices of organizations making a positive impact.With more than 15 years of experience in marketing and communications, she specializes in brand strategy, messaging, and storytelling. Mikala orchestrates all of the creative arts together—design, writing, video, and more—to help organizations deepen connections, build awareness, and inspire action. Say Hey There partners with nonprofits and community-based organizations to help them stay on-brand, clarify their voice, and tell their stories with consistency and intention. Whether serving as an extension of an internal team for an event or special project, or leading ongoing strategy with the thoughtfulness of an in-house marketing department, the studio brings intentional processes and creative collaboration to every engagement. This cross-channel approach was honored with a Pinnacle Award from the Omaha Chapter of the American Marketing Association for excellence in Nonprofit Integrated Marketing, recognizing the impact of a unified campaign spanning social media, email, television, radio, podcasts, influencer partnerships, and more.In addition to her marketing work, Mikala is the writer behind Cause & Culture, a column produced by The Reader in partnership with Nebraska Public Media. The column highlights diverse local people and organizations driving real change, offering a platform for the meaningful efforts shaping Omaha’s vitality and cultural landscape.Mikala has participated in panels on branding, storytelling, entrepreneurship, and modern marketing at events hosted by the Millard Business Association and the Omaha chapters of the American Advertising Federation and the International Association of Business Communicators. Her work has been featured in the Omaha Chamber’s We Don’t Coast blog.She enjoys supporting the arts and attending community festivals and celebrations. Mikala is a past president and longtime board member of the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards and remains actively involved as the organization’s marketing sponsor.As a true INFJ, she spends her spare time with her family, indulging in self-care, writing, practicing yoga, and curling up in a cozy spot with a good book. — mikalaharden.com —

Experience

1. Founder & Creative Director

   Say Hey There Creative Studio

   Jun 2014 — Present · Omaha, NE, US

   Say Hey There is an award-winning, woman-owned creative studio rooted in Omaha, Nebraska, focused on compelling storytelling and community-centered marketing.We partner with nonprofits and community organizations to shape brand strategy, create meaningful content, and launch thoughtful marketing and communications campaigns. Our work blends contemporary techniques with hand-crafted creative to help causes be seen, heard, and understood.Our philosophy is that the best way to promote your cause, connect with potential advocates, and build awareness is through a strategy focused on compelling content, engaging campaigns, and community-grounded storytelling. We help organizations harness the power behind strategy, creativity, and collaboration to tell authentic stories and inspire connection.CONTINUING EDUCATION• Social Media Week by Adweek • New York, New York• ON Brand • Omaha, Nebraska• Digital Marketing Summit • Chicago, Illinois• Nonprofit Marketing Summit • Virtual

Education

• Metropolitan Community College

  Associate's Degree, Professional Studies with an Emphasis on Spanish

  2003 — 2008

• Bellevue University

  BA, Leadership

  2008 — 2009

Skills

• Content Strategy
• Icontact
• Social Media
• Youtube
• Copywriting
• Css Editing
• Organizing
• Ios
• Graphic Design
• SEO
• Process Improvement
• Editing
• Wordpress
• Advertising
• Public Relations
• Internal Communications
• Mailchimp
• Creative Writing
• Instagram
• Service Excellence
• Google Apps
• Project Management
• Social Networking
• Management
• Newsletters
• Public Speaking
• Twitter
• Facebook Marketing
• Leadership
• Mac Os
• Joomla
• Pinterest
• Windows
• Marketing Communications
• Facebook
• Marketing
• Linkedin
• Html Editing
• Vimeo
• Event Planning