Story. Strategy. Systems. The simple framework to amplify your message and attract more people to your mission.
You’re the one holding it all together: the campaigns, the content, the captions that make people care.
You write, you plan, you build, you get the content out into the world. Sometimes in quietly behind the scenes, often in chaos, always with heart.
But now you’re ready for more.
The Message is the Movement is for mission-driven communicators and marketers here to lead with purpose.
To align your voice with your mission.
To run marketing in a way that feels like you and still gets results for your org.
This isn’t just a course.
It’s the guidance, support, and inspiration you’ve been needing.
This is your moment to expand professionally.
More clarity.
More strategy.
More confidence in your message.
And a system that actually supports you.
I wish I had this course when I was handed a messy folder and told to “just get it out.”
I'm Teresa, your guide to marketing and communications for mission-driven organizations.
I’ve been that marketing team of one, sitting in a cubicle, wondering how I was going to get it all done.
I’ve worked for multi-billion-dollar businesses, universities, and grassroots nonprofits, so I’ve had a front-row seat to how teams of every size and budget run their communications.
I’ve built my company’s brand from scratch with nothing but a hope, a dream, and a laptop. Today, I have a successful business that uniquely represents me and allows me to serve others wholeheartedly.
Two decades later, here’s what I know for sure: Running marketing and communications can and should be much easier for changemakers.
That’s why I created this course. I see the burnout of my good-hearted colleagues. I understand the pressure of last-minute requests. I’ve had the same concerns about my own capacity and sustainability to run marketing and communications.
After working at and consulting for so many nonprofits, universities, and companies, I recognized the patterns, persistent gaps, and pains that make or break marketing and communications. I’ve solved for many of the problems with heart-centered leadership that leaves a mark.
And now I am bring all that wisdom, knowledge and expertise to you in The Message is the Momentum.
Let me help you shape your message, build your strategy, and create the systems so you can stop the spinning and start showing up like the leader you already are.
Say hello to The Dream Catch Method™
The foundation for everything inside The Message is the Movement.
Story & Message
Your message and stories are the glue that holds any goal and strategy together. Once we nail this, everything else will flow a lot easier.
Strategy & Planning
We love a good plan but only if it’s practical. You’ll get simple, useful options to share your work with the world.
Systems
We get your marketing organized, on track and manageable so you have clarity and can proactively.
By the end of The Message, you won’t just have a polished brand voice or a social plan that doesn’t make you cringe.
You’ll have a complete, story-led marketing system you can actually use.
It will help you align your marketing and comms, grow support, and show up with the clarity and confidence you’ve been craving.
What Leaders Say About Learning with Teresa
"Love the new course framework, Teresa Ruiz — you are the BEST at what you do, hands down"
-Renee C. Dominguez
"Teresa is an incredible storyteller. My students named her the most impactful speaker we had because she spoke straight from the heart. Her words moved the room and stayed with us long after class."
-Laura Angel-Zavala, San Diego State University
With Teresa’s guidance, you’ll start seeing yourself in a new light.
A storyteller. A strategist. A leader.
More than that?
You will be the kind of communicator who doesn’t just deliver the message. You become the message.
And that’s where your real power begins.
What You Get:
On-demand Learning: All five chapters of The Message are fully recorded and on demand. Learn at your own pace, rewind what you missed, and pause when life gets crazy. Come back anytime.
Mobile App Included: Built on the Teachable platform, The Message is accessible anywhere. Keep us in your pocket or purse to listen during your morning drive or on a mid-day walk break.
Done-for-You Plans and Frameworks: You’re getting the good stuff. Fast, flexible tools (and real guidance) built for the way change-makers work and used on real clients.
LAUNCH BONUSES
Live Coaching Calls: As an inaugural cohort member, you’ll also get access to live coaching sessions with other changemakers. A space to ask questions, share wins, and get real-time support from Teresa.
BTW: This is the only time coaching support is included in the base course. In future rounds, it will be an add-on.
Life-time Access: We’ve taken enough courses to know the value of lifetime access. You can return to the content at different stages of your work and career. Plus, you’ll have access to any new content created.
EXPERT PARTNER CALLS
I’m bringing the experts I know and love to help you on this journey. We’ll provide insights on everything from leadership, fundraising, storytelling, and more.
Course Content
5 Core Chapters + Live Coaching: On-Demand Learning with Community
Each chapter walks you through the heart of the Dream Catch Method™ of Story. Strategy. Systems. You’ll build your foundation step by step, with tools you can actually use and content you’ll actually finish.
Chapter 1: The Shift
Step into your identity as the messenger.
Why your work matters, how to break the burnout cycle, and how to start leading with intention (not survival mode). Includes a guided meditation for grounding and clarity.
Chapter 2: The Message
Define your voice, your values, and what you’re really here to say.
You’ll create your brand messaging foundation and stop over-explaining or second-guessing what to say and how to say it.
Chapter 3: The Strategy
Build plans from your story, not your stress.
You’ll map out campaigns and priorities using our proprietary frameworks that keep things moving even when your team is small or your time is limited.
Chapter 4: The System
Marketing that saves time and scales with you.
Templates, tools, and repeatable workflows to finally organize your content, calendar, and team-wide systems.
Chapter 5: The Legacy
Your message deserves to outlive your role.
Learn how to build something your org can grow with not a mess someone has to clean up later. Includes journaling prompts, leadership mindset tools, and a soft-close affirmation to mark your transformation.
Support: Live Coaching
Consider this your direct line to Teresa and the team. We will host a series of live coaching Zooms to answer your questions and work through core course lessons. We’ll also bring in some nonprofit experts for added perspective and fun!
3 Powerful Bonus Modules
Lead Without the Title
with leadership coach Allison Guevara.
For the marketers who are new to their role, not on the leadership team, or still trying to find their voice in the room. This bonus helps you build influence, trust, and authority from wherever you sit.
Designing for Inspiration
Make your brand look as good as your message sounds.
This visual storytelling module teaches you how to bring your comms to life with color, energy, and creativity, even if you’re not a designer.
The Art of Storytelling (Internal Edition)
How to talk to your team and uncover the language that defines your brand.
Led by Teresa, this module gives you the exact questions, scripts, and tips for interviewing internal staff and turning their words into powerful messaging.
Remember, This Course Includes Meditations + Affirmations To Fuel Our Heart-Centered Work
Let’s be real. Our jobs can be stressful in today’s political climate. Because we care so much about our communities and colleagues, we need to stay grounded and hopeful so that burnout doesn’t start.
You’ll get:
- Guided meditations to calm your nervous system and reconnect with purpose
- Voice affirmations to build confidence in your message
- Journaling prompts to reflect, integrate, and grow
Because you’re not just building better comms. You’re becoming a more grounded, clear, and powerful leader.