About Pen+Principle
At Pen+Principle, we believe that clear communication drives meaningful change. Based in Indianapolis, we’re a strategic communications partner helping mission-driven leaders move ideas forward, build trust, and influence outcomes on the issues that shape our communities. Whether navigating public affairs, advancing a cause, or driving stakeholder support, we plug in seamlessly—offering strategy and execution that moves messages with intention and impact.
Our core values
We get it.
We understand the issues, the players, and the process—so we can hit the ground running and make your job easier from day one.
We're in it with you.
We don’t just advise from the sidelines. We collaborate closely, stay plugged in, and see things through—because we work best as an extension of your team.
We care about the work.
We take on projects that matter. If it helps communities, shapes policy, or moves the needle on a mission we believe in—we’re all in.
We keep it real.
We show up with clarity, context, and purpose. No fluff, no jargon—just thoughtful communication that drives results.
We lead with purpose.
Every decision we make is rooted in mission and impact. Because we’re not just in this for the work—we’re in it for what the work can do.
Our Founder and CEO
Francesca Jarosz Brady
Francesca Jarosz Brady has nearly 20 years of experience in the areas of journalism, strategic communications, nonprofit advocacy, and policy issues - including 11 years consulting on various education and workforce communications projects. Prior to starting Pen+Principle, Francesca spent almost a decade at VOX Global, a strategic communications and public affairs firm that is part of the Omnicom network. Before VOX, Francesca led policy and communications for The Mind Trust, an Indianapolis-based education nonprofit. She spent the first several years of her professional career as a journalist, with experience at newspapers and magazines in Austin, Chicago, Indianapolis, and her hometown of Springfield, Ill. She graduated cum laude from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Francesca’s passion is partnering with teams to help them identify their challenges and opportunities, better understand their audiences, and use a research-based approach to identifying the messages and communications tactics that will move audiences to action.
Outside of work, Francesca enjoys family time with her husband and two school-aged children, leading the women’s ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, and running her favorite trails near her home in Butler-Tarkington.
Meet the team
We’re proud to partner with a network of talented independents to bring the exact skills you need to any project.
Alyssa Anderson
Content Creation
Fabian Rodriguez
Podcast Production
Gabe Lindman
Brand Strategy
Meg Biallas
Project + Client Relationship Management
Nathan Crowder
Video Production
Nichole Freije
Advertising + Paid Media
Sarah Bernard
Creative Strategy + Design
Valory Myers
Market Research
Process
Discover
We dig into the questions that matter: who is your audience, and what do you want them to do? Through a combination of facilitated exercises, audience research, and secondary research, we get smart fast so we can develop a plan that’s rooted in an understanding of the audiences and issues that matter to you.
Plan
Based on our findings, we develop messages, a strategic roadmap for getting those messages in front of key audiences, and a visual identity to bring the idea to life.
Deliver
We know who to talk to—and how to get them talking about you. We offer a full range of implementation support, from project management to content creation, design, video, and advertising. We’ll tailor our support to build on your team’s talents and meet your needs.
What our clients say
Frequently Asked QuestionS
What types of organizations do you work with?
We partner with all kinds of teams—nonprofits, corporations, advocacy groups, coalitions, and civic-minded organizations—working on issues that shape communities.
What services do you offer?
We provide strategic communications support tailored to your goals. This includes message development, campaign strategy, storytelling, content creation, media support, and more. We adapt to your needs—whether it’s a full campaign or a fast-turn project.
Do you specialize in any issue areas?
While we work across sectors, we have deep experience in education, health, housing, workforce, and public policy. If it’s an issue that shapes communities, we likely have context—and if not, we ramp up fast.
How do you get up to speed so quickly?
We come issue-fluent. Our team brings policy knowledge, local context, and real-world experience so we can plug in quickly and add value right away—no lengthy onboarding required.
What does a typical engagement look like?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. We often act as an embedded part of your team, collaborating closely throughout a project or campaign. We’re flexible—whether you need a long-term partner or short-term support.
How do we know if you're a good fit?
If you’re doing meaningful work and need communications that can keep up—we’re probably a match. We care deeply about the issues and show up as true partners. Let’s talk and find out.
What’s your pricing structure?
Take a look at our packages section to see if one of those makes sense for you. If not, we’ll tailor proposals to each project based on scope and timeline. We’re happy to discuss budget and find an approach that meets your needs while respecting the value of the work.
How do we get started?
Just reach out! We’ll schedule a discovery call to learn more about your goals, talk through where we can plug in, and propose a path forward.
