Communications Blog
& Latest News
Government Contractor Spotlight: McKenzie Systems Engineering Associates (MSEA)
We are excited to spotlight our newest client: McKenzie Systems Engineering Associates (MSEA)! MSEA is a minority-owned engineering and technology company providing systems engineering, digital engineering, logistics modernization, test and evaluation, combat systems integration, artificial intelligence (AI), and Integrated Product Support (IPS) solutions to government and commercial customers.
Learning the Language of Our Clients: The TryHackMe Challenge
The Cate Urban Communications team prides itself on developing smart strategies with lasting impact. Our clients trust us to communicate the benefits of their products and services. To earn that trust, we do our very best to learn the ins and outs of their business offerings. This summer, the team took it to the next level by taking TryHackMe courses online to better support WarCollar Industries’ and Mind Moves’ goals.
I’ve Completed the HHS 2026 AI Fundamental Course!
The course is a new requirement for all HHS contractors, including NLM contractors, like me. Each year, I am also required to take a cybersecurity course and data protection course. Additionally, my team and I are currently participating in TryHackMe training to better understand cybersecurity issues. We are committed to protecting our clients’ data and strengthening guardrails around that data.
Welcome Erik Haupt, Technical Communications Intern!
Erik is currently a student at Old Dominion University, expected to graduate in 2028 with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. He brings a fresh perspective on current trends and is supporting our communications efforts with our cybersecurity and AI solutions clients.
“America is a tune.”
As a communications professional, I am moved by the idea of our country being a story that needs to be told, even sung. It is a narrative that depends on harmony. One voice alone cannot carry it.
I am also intrigued by Lee’s own story, especially his faith in mass media to improve the world. He believed media had the power to strengthen democratic life by connecting citizens to one another. He saw communication not merely as the transmission of information, but as the infrastructure of national cohesion.
Juneteenth and the Importance of Updating the Narrative
One of the cornerstones good storytelling is the ability to tell the most accurate story we can. And this is chiefly done by updating the historical information we have and incorporating as many perspectives of the people around you. Integrating as much accurate information as possible helps us weave a better, more trustworthy narrative. This idea, that we must update or revise history, is essential to fostering truth and trust in your narrative. As we celebrate Juneteenth, it’s important to remember the importance of updating long held historical narratives to reflect the reality around us.
Learning the Language of Our Clients: Communicating Healthcare
Communication in the healthcare sector is critical to helping people understand a complex and ever-changing industry. A lack of understanding in this field can sometimes be the difference between life and death. That is why we work with organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and CORE Group to find ways to break down the complexity and communicate the impact of life-saving technology and information.
Women Who Reimagined Our World: Nellie Bly
When something is wrong and not being addressed, how can you communicate it to a large portion of the public? In the case of journalist Nellie Bly, you go undercover as a patient at a New York City mental health asylum to hopefully communicate to the unsuspecting public what goes on inside the facility.
Women Who Reimagined Our World: Eleanor Roosevelt
When it comes to reimagining the way we communicate with each other on a global scale, former diplomat, United Nation’s Delegate, and first lady of the United States Eleanor Roosevelt stands apart from the rest. Her contributions to the shared language of human rights and diplomatic solutions are unparalleled.
Women Who Reimagined Our World: Susan Kare
When it comes to reimagining the way we communicate with our computers, desktops and cell phones, Susan Kare stands at the apex of the modern graphic design. When you turn on your computer and are greeted with warm and friendly icons such as the smiley face when you first turn it on or the trash can for dumping files or the computer disk icon where you save your files, you can thank Susan Kare.
Women Who Reimagined Our World: Annie Easley
Have you ever wondered how it is so easy to facetime your loved ones when traveling? Or how is it so easy to type in an address and let your phone navigate you through an unknown environment? Or how can we press an app and know the weather for the next three months? We have Annie Easley to thank for these incredible modern marvels.
Women Who Reimagined Our World
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting women who reimagined the world and dramatically impacted the realm of communications. These women did not wait for permission. They fixed what was broken. They built what was missing.
Breaking through the Deepfakes
Deepfakes have become a surprisingly effective tool for sowing mistrust and spreading fake news. But with an oversaturation of information online, how can audiences sift through the noise and spot a deep fake for what it is?
Protecting Employees from Outside Threats — A lesson in internal communications
When a crisis hits, how do you handle it? This is a question that companies have grappled with, successfully or not, for a long time.
More than Messaging: How Values-Led Communication Builds Brands People Trust
At Cate Urban Communications, we are dedicated to embodying the values of understanding, openness, collaboration, diversity, empowerment, and relationship-building.
Happy Orthodox Christmas!
The Cate Urban Communications team looks forward to sharing our story and yours in the new year. Together we can persevere and thrive.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you to our many clients and partners who trust us to help tell their stories. Happy Holidays and see you in 2026!
Happy Hannukah!
This Hanukkah, may your dreidels spin true and your messages land clearly! When they don’t, give us a call.
Giving Tuesday: Shout out to our Non-profit Clients and Favorite Causes!
In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, we’re shining a light on our non-profit clients and sharing several other causes that are dear to our team members.
Small Business Saturday Client Shoutout: Cafe Kindred
It’s Small Business Saturday and if you’re shopping in the “Little City” of Falls Church or Leesburg, VA, we encourage you to “dine small” at Cafe Kindred and the Leesburg Diner by Cafe Kindred.