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A man in workwear holding a walkie-talkie kneels on a golf green, framed inside a large circular graphic showing a cross-section of turf and roots against a rolling green landscape.

Envu Golf — Plant Health Campaign
  • Envu
  • Campaign
A bold graphic on a black textured background featuring neon green text that reads "THE WATCH" and a white tagline, "KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW," alongside an image of an insect in the bottom right corner.

Bayer Traits — The Watch Campaign
  • Bayer Traits
  • Campaign
An array of Masterbrand cabinets cabinets in various colors.

Masterbrand – Fieldstone & Starmark Rebrand
  • Masterbrand
  • Branding
A cityscape with a purple and pink gradient shape surrounding it. Text that reads "break through to new horizons" and a prompt that instructs you to "Wave to move forward."

Envu – Innovation Trade Show Experience
  • Envu
  • Branding
A women wearing bright colors and makeup with text in the background that reads: Enter the Cryptoverse.

CINQ by Coinstar
  • Coinstar
  • Branding
A Collage showing a ranchers and wildfire workers around a central "Share the Spark Project" wildfire-prevention logo that reads: "partnering for Wildfire prevention."

Envu – Share the Spark
  • Envu
  • Campaign
A traveler with a hat and backpack walking a scenic trail, shown through a smartphone frame displaying the Marriott Bonvoy search bar.

Marriott Bonvoy
  • Marriott
  • Digital
A sketch of a jockey riding a horse with central text that reads: "Channel Seedsman Ignite 2023"

Seedsman Ignite
  • Channel
  • Branding
Three cans of ArchCity Defenders’ beer labeled "Justice for Some," with a dark blue and red design.

Justice for Some
  • ArchCity Defenders
  • Campaign
A women walking hand in hand with her young child down a path leading to a city.

Envu – Global Brand Development
  • Envu
  • Branding
A flyer that read "Stay on top of root Health" and "Introducing Resilia. A first-of-its-kind solution to protect your roots." A golf ball is located in the top right corner over a pink and purple gradient background.

Resilia
  • Envu
  • Campaign
Two men from Channel in a field with large crop reviewing data on a tablet.

Channel Brand Campaign
  • Channel
  • Campaign
  • 19 Dec 2025
  • News

Congratulations, 2025 Changemakers!

Kristen Kaestner holding the "Be Curious" award, Matt Anselm holding the "Be Thoughtful" award and Rachel Weis holding the "Be Brave" award.

Change • Maker (noun)

An individual who doesn’t just embrace HLK values — they live them.

They consistently challenge the status quo to bring new solutions for our clients and teams. They change the agency, our work and our communities for the better.

Each year at our annual holiday party, we host the Changemaker Awards to recognize HLKers who embody our core values through the way they lead, collaborate, and create impact. The three award categories — Be Curious, Be Thoughtful and Be Brave — celebrate individuals who elevate our culture, strengthen our work, and move the agency forward.

This year, we received an exceptional number of nominations — a reflection of the talent, care, and commitment that fills HLK. We’re proud to recognize the finalists in each category and to celebrate our 2025 Changemaker Award winners.

Kristen Kaestner holding the "Be Curious" award.

Be Curious Kristen Kaestner

Planner

Kristen brings curiosity to life through her constant pursuit of understanding — not just what’s happening, but why it matters. In a fast-moving, often chaotic year, she consistently leaned in, asked sharp questions, and pushed herself — and those around her — to think more deeply.

Working across both Envu Global and Ameren, Kristen has expanded her expertise beyond individual markets to understand the full complexity of each business. Her curiosity shows up in tangible ways: from unpacking Brand Health and Share of Voice to translating nuanced insights into clear, actionable direction that shapes planning and priorities. Her work this year directly informed future-facing strategy and strengthened how teams connect messaging, audiences, and focus areas.

Kristen Kaestner receiving the "Be Curious" award.
As one nomination shared:
“Kristen is the definition of curiosity in action. She dives in, learns fast, shares generously, and becomes a go-to resource for the team. Her curiosity makes the work better, the team smarter, and our recommendations stronger.”
Kristen’s curiosity doesn’t stop at insight — it creates momentum. She elevates the work, sharpens the thinking, and strengthens the teams around her.
The three finalists for the "Be Curious" award. From left to right: Tina Ortinau - Group Account Director, Kristen Kaestner - Planner and Natalie Boesch - Quality Assurance Engineer.

Finalists:

Natalie Boesch - Quality Assurance Engineer,

Tina Ortinau - Group Account Director

Matt Anselm holding the "Be Thoughtful" award.

Be Thoughtful Matt Anselm

Director Video Production

Matt’s thoughtfulness is felt in every detail — from the way he anticipates challenges to how he brings clarity and calm to the most complex productions. While balancing overlapping shoots, tight timelines, budgets, and client teams, Matt doesn’t just manage the work — he improves it.

He approaches every situation with intention, solving problems before they surface and optimizing processes so teams can focus on doing their best work. His ability to think two steps ahead reduces friction, protects quality, and creates confidence across everyone involved.

Matt Anselm receiving the "Be Thoughtful" award.
As one nomination perfectly captured:
“He didn’t just manage the chaos, he optimized it.”
Matt is a relentless advocate for great work and an endlessly collaborative partner. When he’s involved, teams feel supported, aligned and empowered.
The three finalists for the "Be Thoughtful" award. From left to right: Will Sharpe - ACD-Writer, Matt Anselm - Director Video Production and Aaron Newcom - Media Operations Supervisor.

Finalists:

Will Sharpe - ACD-Writer,

Aaron Newcom - Media Operations Supervisor

Rachel Weis holding the "Be Brave" award.

Be Brave Rachel Weis

Account Director

Rachel exemplifies bravery through her steady leadership, candor, and willingness to step into uncertainty head-on. Over the past year, she consistently met complex challenges with optimism, clarity, and a calm presence that grounded both internal teams and clients.

Taking on new responsibilities and navigating high-stakes situations, Rachel never shied away from tough conversations or difficult moments. Instead, she leaned in — keeping teams focused, work moving forward, and clients assured, even as direction evolved and expectations shifted.

Rachel Weis receiving the "Be Brave" award.
As one nomination shared:
“What makes her brave isn’t just stepping into a messy situation — it’s how she brings everyone with her. She never backed away from tough conversations, whether that meant challenging a client’s direction or raising a difficult truth internally.”
Rachel’s bravery shows up in how she leads others through complexity — creating space for bold thinking, stronger work, and collective confidence.
The three finalists for the "Be Brave" award. From left to right: Dani Gratton - ACD - Art, Rachel Weis - Account Director and Ryan Doggendorf - Creative Director.

Finalists:

Dani Gratton - ACD - Art,

Ryan Doggendorf - Creative Director

Thank you to our 2025 Changemakers

To our winners and finalists — thank you for the way you show up every day.

Your curiosity, thoughtfulness, and bravery shape our culture, strengthen our work, and move HLK forward. 

And to all the HLKers who submitted nominations this year — thank you for helping celebrate and elevate the people who truly go above and beyond.

Congratulations to our 2025 Changemakers. 🏆