Debayani Kar (she/they)

Resonance Co-Founder & Strategist

Amplifying the voices of individuals and communities who otherwise do not get heard in the public debate is what got Debi into communications and advocacy. For the past 20 years, Debi has designed communications and advocacy strategies that have moved the needle on economic issues, racial justice, LGBTQ equity and immigrant rights. She is particularly proud of her efforts to spotlight the need to invest in boys and young men of color, which was taken up by the Obama administration as the My Brother’s Keeper initiative.

As a Resonance strategist, Debi selects client projects that advance racial justice, LGBTQIA+ equity and lift up opportunities for communities whose voices and concerns are otherwise marginalized. Debi believes story-driven strategies tailored to the audiences who we need to move will create the change we seek.

Prior to helping start the Resonance communications hub, Debi served as senior communications associate at PolicyLink, where she worked to elevate the conversation about why changing demographics makes equity both a moral and economic imperative. Her areas of focus included building an equitable, national food system and advancing equity within federal transportation policy.

Debi also served as account director at Fenton Communications, where she partnered with community organizations and external practitioners to advance a messaging and communications framework to advance racial equity and public health. Her Fenton clients included Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, Annie E. Casey Foundation, First 5 LA, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The California Endowment and Transgender Law Center.

Debi has also previously led communications at nonprofits including Race Forward (formerly Applied Research Center), Institute for Policy Studies and Center for Economic and Policy Research. In these roles, Debi furthered communications strategies, branding, messaging, media relations, social media and website development. A graduate of Northwestern University, Debi is a queer writer, performer, and community activist who believes in the power of stories to create social change.

Current and Former Clients Include: Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Cities United, Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions, ChangeLab Solutions, Common Counsel Foundation, Communities for Just Schools Fund, Essie Justice Group, GSA Network, HealthConnect One, Movement for Black Lives, Muslim Advocates, Partners for Dignity and Rights, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Restore Oakland, and Teachers Unite.