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We partner with forward-thinking schools looking to redefine how they cultivate relationships, connect with audiences, and tell their stories.
Competing for attention and trust today requires schools to articulate and express their story through high-value experiences and touchpoints – while thinking, communicating and activating like the most sophisticated brands on the planet – because that’s how your communities see you.
Meet The Team
Sarah Winkler
Senior Vice President
Sarah Winkler
With over 25 years of experience in event strategy and program design, Sarah creates long-term strategies that move audiences to deeper engagement. In addition to serving clients in industries as varied as corporate, national defence, and the professional sports fan experience, she has developed a nationally renowned university practice. Sarah has helped both public and private institutions realize the full potential of such milestone events as campaign launches, regional tours, centennial and sesquicentennial celebrations, and campus visit experiences. Sarah co-founded Educe with JoAnn Peroutka in 2013 to focus on higher education. The firm was sold in 2020. She has been published in national and regional press, has been a frequent speaker at professional association conferences, and has been recognized for her work by both PRSA and CASE. She is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland and achieved the rank of Certified Special Events Professional. Sarah chaired the 2017 CASE National Conference on Special Events and served on the 2014 CASE Summit Advisory Team. She has recently completed her term on the CASE Industry Advisory Council and the board of Business Volunteers Maryland.Josh Johns
Vice President, Creative Strategy
Josh Johns
Josh uncovers creative insights, connects the dots across priorities and disciplines, and brings the big picture in sharp focus through compelling creative strategy. He translates goals and objectives into clear creative direction, leading to the targeted development of messaging and communications materials, interactive experiences, video, and live experiences that engage donors, alumni, and partners in an institution’s story. Josh has worked on shaping the stories behind some of the largest philanthropic campaigns in the country, such as Duke University, Harvard Business School, Yale University, New York University, and MIT. Earlier in his career, Josh launched tech start-ups and cereal brands, created national advertising campaigns for software and scholarships, and led the development of branded documentary films and websites. He has a B.A. in English from Penn State University and a M.A. in English from the University of Virginia.Kristy Cioffi
Associate Vice President, Executive Producer
Kristy Cioffi
Kristy is a nimble industry veteran with 20 years of experience in global event production, project management, and logistics. She skillfully manages cross-functional teams creating innovative experiences that engage attendees and build future partnerships with clients and industry experts. Throughout her career, she has worked with higher ed partners, nationally recognized brands, and industry leading event management organizations to develop bespoke in person and virtual experiences.Charlotte Councill
Associate Production Manager
Charlotte Councill
Charlotte brings 8 years of production experience across a wide variety of industries including TV production, event planning, digital communications, podcasts and film production. She helps manage major events, supports INVNT Higher Ed marketing programs, and has a positive can-do attitude and strong enthusiasm for her role.
A True Creative Partner
INVNT Higher-Ed provides a consultative approach built on decades of experience in philanthropy and higher education. We combine our expertise with a global team of creative, technology, and production talent that design live storytelling experiences for some of the world’s largest brands.
As the go-to partner, we have proudly re-imagined events, experiences, and engagement for future-focused colleges and universities since 1995.
We translate, tailor, and scale what’s
working best in brand engagement to
inform customized approaches for the
world of higher education.
Explore Our Latest Work...
Oregon State University
Campaign Launch
Vanderbilt University
Campaign Launch
Rice University
MoodyXFest, Stewardship/Gift Activation
We Are Global
Our Experience
