In May 2025, the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) engaged Tripepi Smith to provide strategic marketing, communications and creative support for their Office of Strategic Communications and Relations.
Part of the engagement focused on media relations support for Climate Psychology Professor Leslie Davenport as she prepared to speak at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival, which welcomes thought leaders to stretch their minds, feed their imaginations and revel in the ideas that are shaping our collective future. A pioneer in her field, Leslie led two workshops on the emotional impacts of extreme weather and hosted a signing for her latest book, What to Do When Climate Change Scares You. She turned to Tripepi Smith to help amplify her message to a broader audience.
Led by Principal Katherine Griffiths, APR, the Tripepi Smith team collaborated with Leslie to understand her schedule, content and goals. Senior Business Analyst Brandon Lewis developed a tailored media outreach plan to guide actions before, during and after the event, including a timeline, key messages, news releases and custom media pitches.
To build press momentum, Junior Business Analyst Erin Pinkelman used the Meltwater media intelligence platform to identify journalists covering climate, mental health and the Festival. Outreach focused on podcasts, local and national outlets, Festival attendees and reporters who previously covered Leslie’s work. To ensure Leslie was prepared to excel in interview conditions, Principal Cameron Grimm, APR and Senior Business Analyst Kaetlyn Hernandez conducted media training to help Leslie deliver clear, compelling messages.
“This project was a standout opportunity to showcase the full breadth and depth of Tripepi Smith’s capabilities. From strategy to execution, we delivered a turnkey experience for Professor Davenport, from a media plan to one-on-one training,” said Katherine. “It’s a strong example of how our integrated services come together to amplify impact and support our clients.”
Tripepi Smith secured two onsite interviews for Leslie, with reporters from local media outlets The Aspen Times and Aspen Public Radio, both of which published feature articles on the presentation.
“I can’t tell you how breathtakingly wonderful it is to have a team,” said Leslie. “Thanks again for your help with media connections to elevate the visibility of my participation.”
About California Institute of Integral Studies
CIIS is the university for radically curious people who are seeking meaningful growth, academic rigor, innovative research, and community in the service of transforming self, society, and the earth. We are committed to educating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – with degrees and programs that celebrate the diversity of our global community.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith’s diverse clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Calabasas, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Grover Beach, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Malibu, City of Napa, City of Palmdale, City of Paramount, City of Tracy, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, West Coast Arborists, Scripps College, Blind Children’s Center and Climatec.
