Since 2015, Banjo Creative has been rooted in the belief that strong stories don’t just inform. They anchor people to place, purpose, and one another.


Photo by Zach Bauman

Meet Rachel Krause

Owner & Founder

Hello! I’m Rachel. I’m a Kansas City, Kansas-based civic connector, engagement specialist and creative strategist who believes deeply in the power of storytelling to build community and strengthen public life.

My path began in magazine journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism, where I learned how careful reporting, curiosity, and listening can illuminate what matters most. Since then, I’ve worked across nonprofit communications, public agencies, newsrooms, and advocacy groups, supporting community-minded organizations, small businesses, and large institutions in roles that blend strategy, design, and storytelling.

I bring more than a decade of experience working with active transportation advocacy groups, community-based organizations, and public agencies, paired with a background in communications, design, community organizing, and formal training in facilitation and public participation. My work has been recognized by Nonprofit Connect, including honors for Best In-House Graphic Designer, Best Website, and Best Marketing Campaign.

Today, I focus on helping organizations clarify their purpose, connect authentically with the people they serve, and share stories that reflect equity, care, and real community experience. From the first conversation to the final deliverable, I love watching people reconnect with why they do their work and be able to make an impact with more ease.

Sparking change isn’t easy. But with the right tools, thoughtful strategy, and stories grounded in listening, we can work together to build a more equitable, inclusive future: one rooted in community and connection.


Who We’ve Worked With

Clients, employers, and project partners

  • Vision Zero Network

  • BikeWalkKC

  • Black & Veatch

  • Mid-America Regional Council

  • Propel ATL

  • Georgia Bikes

  • Columinate

  • Public Health Department of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas

  • The Beacon

  • Hoxie Collective

  • Urban Hikes KC

  • Missouri Folk Arts

  • Local Motion

  • California Bicycle Coalition

  • Community Health Council of Wyandotte County

  • True/False Film Fest

  • Carney Sandoe & Associates

  • Tuff

  • Healthy Communities Wyandotte


We love working with Banjo Creative. Rachel is strategic and makes it extremely easy to collaborate. She’s helped us deliver incredible content marketing results and we’re lucky to call her a partner.
— Ellen Jantsch, Founder and Growth Marketer at Tuff Growth