Raben

Raben Building lasting relationships centered around shared values & a collective vision for a better world

At Raben, our work isn’t simply transactional; we are driven to build lasting relationships centered around shared values and a collective vision for a better world. We lead by example, going above and beyond to support our clients' goals. Our work to change cultural narratives, build coalitions, and fill unmet needs in society is helping to shift the faces of power and influence in America. We’ve

chosen client services as the manner through which we pursue our vision for a more equitable, just and fair America, because we’ve found this platform to be an effective means to engage the levers of power in our society — government, business, nonprofits, and philanthropy. While we take our work seriously, we are not your average stuffy "suits." Behind our game-changing initiatives and groundbreaking campaigns, lies a team with a wicked sense of humor. While dropping truth bombs can quickly move the needle, we’ve also seen how a well-timed punchline can effectively break down barriers and keep us kind. It’s this balance of hard work, humor, and humanity that helps us to find common ground among people who think they disagree, and change the way that power is distributed in leadership, government, and business.

What does it feel like to finally exhale, and truly belong?In his latest Substack, W. Donald Walker, III takes us from a...
09/01/2026

What does it feel like to finally exhale, and truly belong?

In his latest Substack, W. Donald Walker, III takes us from an unexpected airport encounter to the shores of the Inkwell in Martha’s Vineyard, reflecting on joy, history, and the deep power of Black belonging. He invites us to consider what it means to find spaces where the weight you carry can finally lift, and where community, connection, and rest aren’t just escapes, but fuel for the journey ahead.

Experience “Exhaling at the Inkwell: Joy, History, and Black Belonging” on Substack. Read more here: https://substack.com//note/p-213705867?r=89xqh2&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web

The 14th Annual March On! Festival is almost here. During September 29 - October 6, in DC and virtually, join our friend...
08/25/2026

The 14th Annual March On! Festival is almost here.

During September 29 - October 6, in DC and virtually, join our friends as we explore ""250 Years of Democracy: The Unfinished Story"" through film, music, awards, and powerful conversations.

➡️ Learn more: marchonfest.org.

Our clients, Community Catalyst and Health Forward Foundation, are bringing powerful conversations to , and they need y...
08/21/2026

Our clients, Community Catalyst and Health Forward Foundation, are bringing powerful conversations to , and they need your vote!

Community Catalyst is exploring how digital storytelling and AI can advance healthcare advocacy and build grassroots power, while Health Forward Foundation is revealing the playbook for moving its $1 billion portfolio from zero to nearly 70 percent allocation with Black and Latino fund managers. Both sessions highlight how real change happens when communities lead.

Help make sure these conversations make it to the stage by voting before Sunday, August 23! Create a quick account (it only takes a minute!)

➡️ Vote Community Catalyst: https://lnkd.in/eHu9khUy

➡️ Vote Health Forward Foundation: https://lnkd.in/euFsNzmE

How do we build relationships and coalitions that can withstand political volatility? Join us on September 3 at 1:00 PM...
08/20/2026

How do we build relationships and coalitions that can withstand political volatility?

Join us on September 3 at 1:00 PM ET for our next town hall, "Beyond the Moment: Bridge-Building for the Long Term," where Shanna Gong, Linda Goler Blount, Cristina Jimenez, and Stephanie Summers will discuss what it takes to create lasting, values-driven change.

➡️ Free registration: https://rabengroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_M2Yh7iS_RIWiSIo76SYRiA #/registration

What happens when leaders from business, education, and philanthropy get in the same room to talk candidly about AI and ...
08/19/2026

What happens when leaders from business, education, and philanthropy get in the same room to talk candidly about AI and the future of education and work?

Raben was proud to partner with the UTEP College of Education on the , a first of its kind convening that spotlighted the solutions, partnerships, and work that needs to happen to ensure all students and workers are prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

For several years, the powerhouse organizers and activists behind Grow Democracy DC have fought for critical democracy r...
08/17/2026

For several years, the powerhouse organizers and activists behind Grow Democracy DC have fought for critical democracy reform and voter enfranchisement in DC. In 2024, after much organizing, District voters overwhelmingly approved Initiative 83 to implement ranked choice voting and semi-open primaries.

Through dogged efforts and partnership with Raben, Grow Democracy DC got ranked-choice voting funded last year, and this past June, the District had a successful first-ever ranked-choice election. And this year, together, we enfranchised 85,000 independent voters.

The DC budget became law on July 29, and Initiative 83 is now FULLY FUNDED. This win belongs to everyone who showed up. Voters. Residents. Volunteers. Councilmembers. Together with Grow Democracy DC, we changed the system for the better. That’s democracy in action.

Congratulations, GDDC!

08/13/2026

What will define the next 250 years of American democracy?

At our recent Democracy House panel, “We Are Who Shapes What Comes Next,” Jamal Simmons, Raben Strategic Advisor and CNN Political Commentator, challenged us to reimagine a democracy that truly includes and empowers everyone.

Now, we want to hear from you: What’s your boldest vision for America’s future? How can we work together to create lasting change?

⬇️ Share your thoughts below.

08/12/2026

At last month’s town hall, John Yang of Asian Americans Advancing Justice challenged us to look beyond 2027 as a turning point and to start preparing now for the pivotal battles of 2028.

Is your organization ready for what’s next in the presidential cycle? The time to strategize is now.

➡️ Hear John’s powerful insights and join the conversation about shaping the future: https://youtu.be/-tGE8RfOfNo?si=OM7Z2YGiY5Jje9Wm

Meet Erika who joined Raben in 2012 to work on issue advocacy campaigns, and that work grew into building the founding c...
08/07/2026

Meet Erika who joined Raben in 2012 to work on issue advocacy campaigns, and that work grew into building the founding communications team at what became Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action. She went on to lead social impact at Comedy Central, MTV, and other Paramount brands, and today she leads U.S. communications at Change.org, helping give people a voice to rally for the change they want to see.

The Raben connection also runs in the family. Her dad, Manny Soto Jr., is a current client through his work advancing educational equity in El Paso, which makes this spotlight a family affair.

Her message for fellow Rabenites: keep going. "I know it's harder than ever, but we are a community of optimists."

Read the full conversation here:https://rabengroup.frb.io/uploads/img/blog/Alumni-Spotlight-Erika-Soto-Lamb.pdf

08/06/2026

"Gen Z is the first generation in American history that does not believe they're going to do better than their parents."

For our third panelist from We Are Who Shapes What Comes Next, recorded live at Democracy House, that stat isn't a reason for despair. It's a map of where we need to invest.

Alex Edgar broke down what it takes for every young American to live a good life:

1️⃣ Opportunity beyond one pathway: trade schools, apprenticeships, and credentials of value alongside K-12 and higher education.

2️⃣ Support that sees the whole picture: jobs, health care, and quality community supports, without counting someone as fine because they're working three jobs or piecing together gig work.

3️⃣ Restoring belief: young people need to be able to envision an American dream that is alive and well, with institutions moving them in the right direction.

If you had to name the necessities that will shape the next 250 years, what would make your list? Tell us in the comments. ⬇️

Address

525 9th Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20004

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(202) 466-8585

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