About - The Mighty Engine

Not Sorry. Just Mighty.

In early 2000, a ragtag band of writers, designers, fundraising veterans, nonprofit leaders and even a psychologist completing her doctoral thesis at Harvard came together, threw caution to the wind, and started a mighty little company that we knew could. Could do good work while doing good. Could help advance causes we cared about. Could make an impact, however incremental.

Twenty-six years later, we may still be ragtag, even battle-scarred and weather-worn, but we’re still just as passionate about powering change, and the indomitable power of change that we’ve helped engineer over the past two decades with our mighty partners.

Our Work Is:

Research‑Driven

We insist on following the data to guide our planning and creativity.

Culture‑First

We deeply appreciate the power of culture and community expertise.

Psychological

Changing minds is critical to changing outcomes.

Community‑Centered

There’s nothing wrong in our communities that can’t be solved by what’s right in them.

Urgent

We move deliberately, guided by the realities of the moment.

Our Services

We support you through every stage of the process.

Strategy & Research

Through rigorous research and analysis, we help you connect the dots between insights and strategies.

Branding & Design

When you’re competing for attention, we help refine your messages to resonate with who matters most.

Community Storytelling

In a climate where facts are too often overtaken by myths, memes and distortions, we help you unearth and amplify accurate, often suppressed, narratives and solutions from diverse voices and perspectives.

Multimedia Production

To move people, stories need to be seen and felt. We support you with end-to-end multimedia production, creating inspiring videos and photo essays that communicate purpose, build trust and extend impact.

Website Development

Our websites just don’t look good, they’re designed as digital experiences that drive engagement and real-world outcomes.

Social Media

Reaching people where they are requires strategy, not just content. We help you grow engaged audiences through thoughtful and impactful strategies and messaging.

Fundraising

Raising resources is critical to sustaining impact. We partner with organizations to support campaigns, engage donors and secure funding.

Coalition Building

When change requires alignment across communities and institutions, coordination matters. We help bring stakeholders together around shared goals.

Our Team

Heseung Song, Ed.D

Founder & CEO

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Heseung Song, Ed.D

Heseung is our fearless leader, and that's no joke. About trying new ideas and blazing new paths. About always pushing us to excellence. Most of all, about her convictions and sense of what's right. An Ivy League psychologist, she earned her stripes as a teacher, coach, counselor, mentor and nonprofit leader before launching Mighty Engine in 2000. A magna cum laude graduate of Yale, she holds a Master's in education and a doctorate in psychology from Harvard. If you want to see her smile, just ask about her son.

heseung@themightyengine.com

Jennifer Krout

Operations Director

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Jennifer Krout

A versatile problem-solver who oversees hiring, bookkeeping and vendor relationships.

Expertise: working efficiently under intense pressure
Passions: keeping her cat happy
Fun fact: she grew up as the 8th of 13 siblings

jennifer@themightyengine.com

Steven Sonntag

Head Writer

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Steven Sonntag

A lover of history, technology and space, Steven keeps the agency's voice "mighty."

Expertise: communicating complex ideas through simple, compelling text
Passions: reading, road trips and woodworking
Fun fact: he once shared an elevator with Jesse Jackson during a presidential campaign

steven@themightyengine.com

Laureen Wong

Art Director

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Laureen Wong

A thoughtful, creative soul who values intentionality, representation and connection, bringing warmth and resilience to her work.

Expertise: branding, illustration and print design
Passions: virtual reality communal spaces, collecting Squishmallows/Hello Kitty, nail art, and being a dog mom
Fun fact: she once got lost in a sensory exhibit at the Franklin Institute

laureen@themightyengine.com

Makiah Stephens

Creative Producer

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Makiah Stephens

A visionary whose multimedia work grabs attention.

Expertise: multitasking and creating impactful content
Passions: creating something from nothing
Fun fact: was a sculptor in another life

makiah@themightyengine.com

Lauren Bryant

Senior Graphic Designer

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Lauren Bryant

Uses her talent to create designs that look great, inspire change and spark conversation.

Expertise: print design and illustration for nonprofits
Passions: running, hiking, coffee and dogs
Fun fact: she once met actress Lauren Graham and could only say "my name is also Lauren"

lauren@themightyengine.com