Meet The Change Agencies: Q&A with Zeke Stokes of ZS Strategies, LLC

Note: The following Q&A was originally posted on the RENEWPR News page on July 16, 2025 by The Change Agencies Co-Founder Ben Finzel of RENEWPR. We're cross-posting it here to provide insight into one of the members of The Change Agencies, Zeke Stokes of ZS Strategies, LLC.

Although Pride Month is over, there is never a bad time to highlight the work of LGBTQ leaders in communications and other industries across the country. Every year, I try to decide which ones to include in this series. This year that was an easy decision given my membership in The Change Agencies  (the national network of inclusive public relations, communications and marketing firms that LaTricia Woods of Mahogany Xan Communications and I co-founded). The Change Agencies includes several LGBTQ leaders we are lucky enough to work with as fellow members. One of those leaders is my long-time friend Zeke Stokes. 

Zeke is the principal of ZS Strategies, LLC, and he’s an accomplished communicator with varied professional experience and a deep bench of contacts and connections. Before starting his firm in 2019, Zeke served three leading non-governmental organizations in programs and communications roles: GLAAD, Media Matters for America and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. Earlier in his career, he worked in politics and supported the March of Dimes on communications and celebrity engagement. His experience is both varied and well-rounded, and it has given him a unique and insightful perspective on the power of communications for good. 

Zeke’s contributions to our industry now focus on arts and entertainment, advocacy, education, healthcare and more. He’s an important part of The Change Agencies and a terrific contributor and collaborator (I’ve been fortunate enough to work with him on clients like Reaching Out MBA and Koppa). 

Zeke is that rare combination of smart, strategic communicator and humble, collaborative colleague. He is not often front and center (and I’m surprised he was willing to do this Q&A), but he is always ready, willing and able to roll his sleeves up and get to work. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to highlight Zeke and his remarkable insights on communications and inclusion, now more than ever. My thanks to Zeke for sharing his wisdom with us – and you. 

Q: Why is a network like The Change Agencies needed? What role do you see it filling in the marketplace and why should clients hire one or more of The Change Agencies to help them change the way they communicate across cultures?

A: The Change Agencies exists because representation and lived experience matter deeply—especially in communications. When organizations communicate across cultures, identities, and communities, it’s not enough to simply have good intentions. You need partners who bring authentic understanding, credibility, and trust. That’s what The Change Agencies offers—a network of leaders from historically marginalized communities who bring both top-tier strategic expertise and firsthand knowledge of the audiences our clients need to reach. In a world that’s increasingly diverse and interconnected, our network isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a necessity for anyone serious about building meaningful and lasting connections.

Q: Why are you passionate about inclusive communication? What excites you the most about this work? 

A: For me, inclusive communication is about telling the whole truth—about people, communities, and the human experience. It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about shifting narratives, challenging assumptions, and opening doors for those whose voices have too often been left out or misrepresented. What excites me is the power of a well-told, well-placed story to change hearts, minds, and even policy. I’ve seen it happen. And especially now, when misinformation and division are being weaponized, the work of inclusive communication has never been more urgent—or more rewarding.

Q: How has your career experience helped you in leading inclusive communications and marketing initiatives with clients? What lessons have you learned that have applied to your work?

A: I’ve had the privilege of working at the intersection of advocacy, media, and culture for more than two decades—from fighting "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" to advancing LGBTQ visibility in entertainment. Those experiences taught me that inclusive communication is about more than just language—it’s about power, authenticity, and context. One lesson that’s stuck with me: never assume the audience knows what you know or cares about what you care about. That’s where the real work begins—meeting people where they are, building a bridge, and walking them across it with clarity, compassion, and courage.

Q: What’s the best “common sense” advice about communications you’ve received?

A: Keep it simple. If your message can’t be understood by a smart seventh grader, it’s too complicated. That doesn’t mean you dumb it down—it means you strip it to its essence. That’s how you make it stick.

Q: What’s the best “common sense” advice about communications you've given to others?

A: Don’t just tell your story—earn the right to tell it. That means listening first, building trust, and showing up with humility. In a crowded and skeptical media environment, the most powerful stories come from those who have something real to say and a community who knows they mean it.