Turning Stories into Impact: How Brandstory Communications Helped Amplify the “30 Under 30” Gun Violence Awareness Campaign

In early October, BrandStory Communications was proud to help lead a powerful news conference in South Florida on behalf of Change the Ref, the national nonprofit founded by Manuel and Patricia Oliver after the 2018 Parkland school shooting. The event introduced the organization’s latest awareness initiative — the “30 Under 30” campaign — and generated meaningful local and national media coverage, in English and Spanish.

A News Conference with Purpose

The 30 Under 30 campaign reimagines the familiar Forbes list, honoring 30 young lives lost to gun violence before the age of 30 instead of celebrating rising careers. Several of the honorees were from South Florida, including Joaquin Oliver, D’Sean Perry, and others whose stories continue to inspire advocacy and change.

To help elevate the campaign, BrandStory Communications organized and managed the media event outside Senator Rick Scott’s Coral Gables office, providing a visible and symbolic setting for families to deliver their message: It’s time for lawmakers to take action on gun reform.

Our Role: Strategic Media Relations and Event Coordination

Brandstory Communications handled every aspect of the press conference strategy, including:

• Media outreach and coordination with major South Florida outlets, including NBC 6, WPLG Local 10, Univision 23, Telemundo 51, CBS Miami, and the Miami Herald
• On-site press logistics, ensuring clear visuals and accessibility for TV and digital reporters
• Bilingual communication support, enabling families like Sheila Núñez, who spoke in Spanish about the loss of her daughter Melissa Gonzalez, to reach both English and Spanish-language audiences
• Messaging development to ensure every speaker could share their stories with impact and authenticity

The result was an emotional, high-impact event that resonated deeply with reporters and viewers, turning advocacy into headline news.

Earned Media That Matters

The coverage from r local media highlighted not only the tragedy of gun violence but also the power of families turning their pain into purpose. By combining strategic storytelling with strong media relationships, Brandstory Communications helped bring critical attention to the campaign — proof that well-planned media events can inspire change.

Why Media Relations  Matter

In today’s crowded media landscape, authentic stories still break through — especially when they’re delivered with care, strategy, and purpose.
At Brandstory Communications, we specialize in connecting causes, companies, and communities to the audiences that matter most through earned media, press events, and storytelling that inspires action.

Whether your organization is launching a new initiative, raising awareness, or responding to a crisis, we help you:

• Craft the right message
• Reach the right journalists
• Create the right visuals and setting
• Deliver stories that make headlines — and a difference

Work with Brandstory Communications

If your organization is ready to elevate your visibility through thoughtful storytelling and media strategy, we’re here to help.

📍 Based in South Florida and serving clients across the country, Brandstory Communications is a trusted partner for news conference planning, public relations, and media engagement that moves people — and sparks change. Our team is staffed by experienced news media professionals who bring their knowledge from the newsroom to the boardroom.

Learn more about our work or get in touch at BrandStoryCommunications.com.