Saki Indakwa

Strategic communications executive with 20+ years of experience leading enterprise communications, executive messaging, media relations, crisis communications, and reputation management across nonprofit, education, government, and corporate sectors. Trusted advisor to C-suite leaders, executive teams, and boards, with extensive experience developing integrated communications strategies that strengthen organizational visibility, stakeholder trust, and mission advancement. Recognized for leading high-impact communications initiatives in fast-paced, high-visibility environments while aligning internal and external messaging across complex organizations.

Experienced managing cross-functional teams, executive communications, multi-channel campaigns, media engagement, and organizational storytelling designed to elevate brand awareness and community impact. Proven ability to navigate sensitive issues, guide organizations through crisis situations, and position executive leadership as trusted thought leaders and public-facing voices.

Principal & CEO - Cherry Blossom Creative - Houston, TX

(2024-01)

Lead a strategic communications and public relations consultancy serving education, nonprofit, government, civic, and business organizations. Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership teams on communications strategy, organizational reputation, executive visibility, and stakeholder engagement.

• Advise executive leaders and organizations on enterprise communications strategy, executive messaging, reputation management, and public positioning.
• Lead communications planning for high-visibility initiatives, organizational transitions, sensitive issues, and crisis situations.
• Develop integrated communications strategies aligned with organizational priorities, growth objectives, and mission advancement.
• Create executive-level communications including speeches, talking points, presentations, leadership messaging, media statements, and stakeholder communications.
• Guide organizations in strengthening brand awareness, audience engagement, and public trust through cohesive multi-channel communications.
• Develop messaging frameworks, editorial processes, and communications systems to improve consistency, scalability, and organizational alignment.
• Support thought leadership initiatives and executive visibility opportunities through strategic storytelling and media engagement.
• Manage client relationships, communications deliverables, and strategic initiatives across multiple sectors and stakeholder groups.

Communications, Marketing & Development Consultant - KIPP Kansas City Public Schools - Kansas City, MO

(2024-07)

Lead strategic communications, marketing, and stakeholder engagement initiatives for a growing PK–12 public charter school organization serving students and families across Kansas City.

• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to executive leadership on internal and external communications, crisis response, organizational messaging, and reputation management.
• Lead communications strategy for executive initiatives, enrollment campaigns, fundraising efforts, family engagement, and community partnerships.
• Develop executive communications including presentations, speeches, talking points, newsletters, board communications, and public-facing messaging.
• Guide communications during high-visibility and time-sensitive situations requiring strategic counsel, message discipline, and stakeholder coordination.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure cohesive messaging and alignment with organizational priorities and mission objectives.
• Support development and implementation of strategic marketing and enrollment initiatives designed to increase organizational visibility and student recruitment.
• Increased social media reach by more than 80% and audience engagement by nearly 400% through strategic content development and audience-focused storytelling.
• Lead communications and promotional efforts supporting literacy initiatives, family engagement programs, and community-based partnerships.

Communications & Social Media Manager - Asian Chamber of Commerce - Houston, TX

(2024-04)

Lead strategic communications and content development for a regional business organization supporting entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and community stakeholders throughout the Greater Houston area.

• Direct communications strategy and brand messaging across digital, print, executive, and event communications platforms.
• Support executive leadership with stakeholder communications, public visibility initiatives, and organizational messaging strategies.
• Develop communications plans and promotional campaigns for major conferences, business expos, leadership events, and community initiatives.
• Strengthen audience engagement and organizational visibility through strategic storytelling, content strategy, and media outreach.
• Ensure messaging consistency across multiple communication channels and organizational initiatives.
• Collaborate with business leaders, sponsors, media representatives, and community partners to increase visibility and stakeholder engagement.

Communications Consultant - City of Missouri City - Missouri City, TX

(2024-03 - 2025-03)

Provided executive communications and strategic messaging support to the Mayor's Office and city leadership.

• Developed speeches, leadership messaging, public statements, and executive communications aligned with city priorities and community engagement goals.
• Advised leadership on strategic messaging, stakeholder communications, and public-facing initiatives.
• Translated complex public policy and municipal initiatives into accessible communications for diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Supported efforts to strengthen transparency, consistency, and public trust through effective communications.

Director of Communications - Fort Bend County, Precinct 4 - Fort Bend County, TX

(2023-04 - 2023-12)

Led communications strategy and media relations for a county commissioner's office serving one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas.

• Directed comprehensive internal and external communications strategies supporting public initiatives, infrastructure projects, and community engagement.
• Served as a strategic communications advisor to executive leadership on media relations, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and reputational issues.
• Acted as primary spokesperson and media contact for the office.
• Led cross-functional communications efforts involving public safety, community outreach, transportation, and infrastructure initiatives.
• Managed messaging during high-visibility and sensitive situations requiring rapid response and coordinated communications.
• Strengthened public awareness and engagement through strategic storytelling, executive communications, and media outreach.

Senior Vice President - Jaffe - Houston, TX

(2021-12 - 2022-09)

Served as a senior communications leader at a nationally recognized strategic communications agency supporting legal and professional services clients.

• Led strategic communications and public relations initiatives for high-profile clients across multiple markets and industries.
• Advised executive leadership teams on reputation management, media strategy, crisis communications, and public positioning.
• Developed executive messaging and thought leadership strategies aligned with organizational objectives and business growth.
• Managed media relations initiatives and high-level communications campaigns designed to strengthen visibility and stakeholder confidence.
• Collaborated with senior leaders and client teams to support integrated communications planning and execution.

External Communications Manager - KIPP Texas Public Schools - Houston, TX

(2019-08 - 2021-12)

Led external communications and media relations initiatives for one of the nation's largest public charter school networks.

• Directed communications strategies supporting organizational visibility, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness initiatives.
• Managed media relations, executive communications, and external messaging across multiple platforms and audiences.
• Developed communications campaigns highlighting student success, organizational impact, and educational initiatives.
• Supported executive leadership with crisis communications, public messaging, and stakeholder communications strategies.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging alignment across regional and organizational initiatives.

Marketing & Communications Director - The Church Without Walls / Ralph Douglas West Ministries - Houston, TX

(2018-02 - 2019-08)

• Led integrated marketing and communications strategies for a nationally recognized ministry organization.
• Oversaw branding, audience engagement, digital communications, and organizational storytelling initiatives.
• Managed public-facing communications and content strategies designed to strengthen community engagement and visibility.

Director of Public Relations - Harris County Emergency Corps

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager - Worldwide Oilfield Machine

Senior Communications Consultant - Fifth Business

Associate Director of Development - HoustonWorks USA

News Reporter - KFDM-TV and KOTV-TV

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Marketing - Texas Southern University

Bachelor of Arts - Radio & Television Broadcasting - University of Houston