As the Founder and CEO of Achieving Good Communications Company, Stef Arck-Baynes has dedicated her career to amplifying the voices of those working tirelessly to make a difference in the world.

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Celebrating exceptional local women making significant impacts in our community.

Our 2024 Women of Influence Award Winners were nominated by peers and selected by the Family Focus Media team based on their achievements and dedication to creating positive change, as revealed through comprehensive questionnaires. Their profiles showcase their inspiring journeys and accomplishments.

Beyond the awards, our Women of Influence Luncheons and Speed Networking Night attendees form our growing “Women of Influence Network,” a community fostering connections, collaboration, and mutual support. We invite you to explore our Award Winners’ stories and leverage our Network Directory in the Women of Influence Guide. Reach out to fellow members to harness the power of our network through shared growth and support. For further engagement, we welcome business and nonprofit leaders to join our Family Focus Media Community Builders Group on Facebook and our NEW Women of Influence LinkedIn Group.

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A Journey Rooted in Purpose

Stef’s path to nonprofit communications began nearly two decades ago when she made a pivotal career change. “After a year of running the program, I decided I liked volunteer work significantly more than my day job, and decided to make the switch to nonprofit, so I could spend the majority of my time helping people,” Stef recalls. This decision set the stage for a career dedicated to supporting others and pursuing equity in various forms.

Making a Tangible Impact

Stef’s work has consistently demonstrated her ability to create meaningful change. A recent project with the Jewish Relief Agency showcases her proclivity to going above and beyond. After meeting Chris, a single father with stage four cancer, Stef took it upon herself to raise awareness of his situation. Her efforts resulted in a touching story in The Inquirer, leading to donations that eased Chris’s financial burden during his illness.

Amplifying Voices and Raising Awareness

Stef’s expertise in communications and her extensive network have proven invaluable to the organizations she serves. As one nominator from Xiente (formerly Norris Square Community Alliance) notes, “Through her extensive network and influence, Stef successfully secured a celebrity emcee for our kick-off event, and secured placements in top local media outlets such as WHYY and NBC, as well as national recognized platforms like Inside Philanthropy.”

Another client, Connectedly, praises her ability to exceed expectations: “Overall, we got more than 40 mentions in the media, our name was seen by an audience of 17 million people and it would have cost us over $40K to buy this publicity as ad space!”

Ethical Storytelling and Community Empowerment

Stef’s approach to her work is characterized by a deep respect for the communities she serves. As her nominator from Xiente points out, “When engaging with clients, she prioritizes their privacy and dignity, ensuring that their stories are shared respectfully and authentically.” This commitment to ethical storytelling sets Stef apart in her field.

Mentorship and Supporting the Next Generation

Stef has been a mentor with the Philadelphia PR Association three times, helping young women navigate the early stages of their careers. One success story involves connecting a mentee, Jade, with a nonprofit communications team, leading to a lasting career opportunity.

Advocacy for Gender Equality

Stef actively shares resources and information to address gender pay inequity and has expressed a desire to work with organizations focused on reproductive rights. “I hope that by vocalizing my desire to help ensure all women and girls have body autonomy, I can manifest work in this area for myself,” she explains.

Balancing Professional Success and Personal Values

In 2023, Stef launched her own company, Achieving Good Communications Co., in response to a reduction in her previous role. This move allowed her to take control of her future while aligning her work more closely with her values. “A year later, it’s still tricky to be a solopreneur, but it’s satisfying and flexible, allowing me to spend more time with my kindergartener,” she reflects.

Community Involvement and Volunteering

Stef incorporates pro bono work for women and girls’ nonprofits into her efforts and engages in volunteer activities with her daughter to instill values of empathy and community service.

Through her strategic communications work, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to empowering underserved communities, Stef continues to change lives. As one nominator aptly puts it, “Stef Arck-Baynes is a dynamo! We highly recommend her for this recognition due to her work ethic, dedication to supporting nonprofits and their communities and relationships with media far and wide, because she is truly a Woman of Influence!”