denise.sammon@gmail.com

Denise Sammon Strategic Communications

Denise Sammon is a senior communications strategist working at the intersection of social justice, rights, climate, and democracy.

She advises senior leaders, shapes institutional narratives, and leads high-stakes communications in moments of change, complexity, and public scrutiny. Her work is grounded in the belief that communications can do more than explain the world as it is—they can help shape what comes next.

Denise spent seven years at Open Society Foundations, the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for rights, equity, and justice. Earlier in her career, she was part of the historic campaign to repeal the Eighth Amendment in Ireland—helping win reproductive freedom and proving what can happen when strategy meets collective action.

Before moving into strategic communications, Denise worked in broadcast production—an experience that shaped her editorial instincts, audience awareness, and belief in the power of narrative to move people and ideas.

Expertise

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Communications Strategy

I help organizations create clear, creative communication strategies that get the right people to pay attention—and take action.

I make sure your voice is consistent across everything you do, including your internal operations and team communications…

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Media Relations

I use media relations strategically to advance my clients’ goals—whether that’s raising profile, building credibility, supporting growth, or protecting reputation during sensitive moments…

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Message Development

I help clients develop clear, compelling messages that underpin all effective communications. Working closely with leadership teams and subject matter experts, I distil complex ideas into strong, accessible narratives that resonate with target audiences…

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Media Partnerships and Events

I have strong experience in media partnerships and events, brokering relationships with outlets including Devex, Project Syndicate, Foreign Policy, and The Guardian to expand reach, build credibility, and create impactful collaborations. I have also developed and delivered hundreds of public events, leading on everything from concept and narrative to speaker preparation and audience engagement…

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Executive Thought Leadership

I support senior leadership teams in developing and amplifying their thought leadership, positioning them as authoritative and credible voices in their fields. This includes shaping distinctive perspectives, identifying the right platforms and moments, and securing high-impact opportunities across top-tier media and influential forums. I work closely with executives to refine their voice, ensuring their contributions are clear, relevant, and aligned with organisational priorit

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Media Training

I provide tailored media training to help senior leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. Through practical guidance and real-world scenarios, I prepare spokespeople for interviews across print and broadcast, sharpening key messages, handling difficult questions, and staying on narrative under pressure. My approach is hands-on and strategic, ensuring executives are not only media-ready, but able to use every opportunity to reinforce their wider communications goals.

tESTIMONIALS

“Denise has led high-impact communications and media campaigns across diverse contexts, from Ireland and Brussels to Senegal and Brazil. Her expertise lies in helping clients, from NGOs, think tanks, and philanthropies to sharpen their message, cut through the noise, and reach the audiences that matter most.“

Alissa Salder, former Director,
Open Society Foundations

“She is always quick to provide solutions under pressure and someone I would trust implicitly to deliver on any project.”

Katherine Drohan, Editor,
RTÉ, Ireland’s National Television and Radio Broadcaster

“Denise is a highly effective operator who brings people together, builds trust quickly, and delivers results in even the most complex environments. Her media trainings are practical, empowering, and instill lasting confidence

Daniela Vidaicu, Executive Director, Soros Foundation Moldova

Get in TOuch

denise.sammon@gmail.com