We empower mission-driven organizations to amplify their stories.

What We Provide

Client-Specific Advice

2 triangles pointing downward

We prioritize the needs of our clients by building relationships, listening, asking good questions, and developing solutions that meet their needs.

Big-Picture Thinking

We develop a strategic approach ahead of execution, not vice versa.

Message Alignment

We help our clients identify and elevate stories with a strong connection to their mission and values.

Crisp Execution

We deliver high-quality, high-impact work on time, every time.

Integrated Communications

4 overlapping diamonds

Our strategy for marketing and communications integrates digital and traditional media with social media, press outreach and more.

Responsiveness

News moves fast and so do we. We’re available to our clients in real time when it matters.

Mango Strategies helps mission-driven organizations solve critical challenges and advance key initiatives through effective communication with their core audiences.

Meet the Founders

Steve Mancini

Principal

Steve has two decades of experience in public affairs, strategic communications, and brand development. Steve began his career as a high school social studies teacher, later working in the Clinton Administration and then as national public affairs director for the KIPP Foundation for 16 years.

Chris Gonzalez

Principal

Chris has 20 years of experience working in communications and public schools. A former YES Prep history teacher and long-time marketing and development leader at KIPP Houston, Chris also served for 12 years on the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees in Houston, Texas.

Meet the Mango Team

Testimonials

Khalil Graham

Chief Executive Officer, Kairos Academies

I can't say enough regarding the impact of Mango Strategies. They have been instrumental in shaping our strategic communication strategies at Kairos Academies. Their expertise in incorporating storytelling that is aligned with our mission and strategic priorities has been transformative. The monthly CEO messages, our "Stories from the Stoop", helped significantly strengthen our connection with our internal and external communities, which contributed to unanimous support for our charter renewal application.

Jen Wickens

Co-CEO, Impact Public Schools

Working with Mango Strategies was a game-changer for our organization. Their professionalism, empathy, humor, and partnership mentality is unmatched. Steve Mancini is a mentor to everyone he works with--including me and other members of the Impact Team. His strategic eye and flexibility in the face of crisis was invaluable, and helped us prevail through a significant external communications challenge. Steve also developed our internal capacity to prepare for the next hurdle. I highly recommend Mango to anyone seeking to drive meaningful change.

Christopher Mayes

Superintendent, Beatrice Mayes Institute

Chris Gonzalez and Steve Mancini at Mango Strategies have been invaluable partners in supporting our student recruitment efforts and guiding us through crisis management. Their strategic approach helped us refine our messaging to connect with families and strengthen enrollment. During challenging moments, their expertise and responsiveness ensured clear, effective communication with our school community. Their commitment to our mission has made a lasting impact.

Lisa Margosian

Former Interim CEO, Ascend Public Charter Schools

Not only has our digital strategy benefited tremendously from the Mango Team’s deep know-how and capacity, they have also been thoughtful, proactive collaborators across our other student recruitment strategies. They are as committed as we are to help us develop relationships with prospective families. It has been a pleasure to work with them as our marketing and communications partners.

Ana Maria Aristizabal

Director of Growth and Advocacy, KIPP Northern California

The Mango team helped a coalition of Stockton charter leaders navigate a set of key communication challenges at a critical time. Mango’s strategic advice and responsiveness allowed us to frame the narrative, build communications capacity, and come together as a high-functioning team.

John Sun

CEO, Blueprint

We hired Mango Strategies to develop a strategic communications plan. They laid out a 5-month process to get us from point A to point B. They delivered new messaging that is more in line with who we are, what we do, and how we work with our partners.

Brian Neal

CEO, Accelerate Great Schools

Over the past six months, my team and I have been working with Chris and Steve to support our complex and strategic communications needs. We have been extremely pleased with their ability to help us navigate the vast world of communications, while providing us with the personalized support necessary as we work to support our community partners and families. I would strongly recommend Chris and Steve to anyone in need of communications professionals who get things done!

Darryl Cobb

President, Charter School Growth Fund

For 15 years, Steve has been a trusted expert in risk management and crisis communications for CSGF and dozens of charter school networks in the portfolio. He provides CEOs, board members, and communications leaders with the strategic counsel they need to navigate high-stakes challenges—from CEO transitions to public relations crises and complex stakeholder dynamics. His expertise has been instrumental in helping schools stay resilient, proactive, and committed to expanding educational opportunities for students and families.

Jennifer Limas-Mota

Director of Advocacy & Communications, City Education Partners

I’ve collaborated with Mango Strategies on high-stakes school communications projects. They are responsive, diligent in their project management, and bring valuable experience in supporting schools through complex strategic efforts.

Mashea Ashton

Founder and CEO, Digital Pioneers Academy

Steve, Chris, and the entire Mango team have been incredible partners to us at Digital Pioneers Academy. They support our communication strategies and efforts related to student and talent recruitment marketing. They also have helped our school community navigate sensitive and challenging situations. In every interaction, the Mango team is thoughtful, strategic, and flexible to meet the needs of our school. They set a high bar for client service, and I cannot recommend them more highly.