Joanna Rosenthal is a strategic communicator with more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations engage a broad range of audiences. As the founder of Optim Communications LLC, Joanna leads multichannel messaging strategies that make clients stand out in competitive environments. 

A former Emmy- and Edward R. Murrow–winning investigative journalist, Joanna began her career at CNN and later reported for ABC and CBS affiliates in Richmond, Atlanta, and Indianapolis. Her early work covering high-stakes national stories honed her ability to shape powerful narratives and deliver them with clarity and impact. 

Her data-informed approach and sharp editorial instincts have helped leading organizations translate research, inform public discourse, and advance meaningful social change. Current and recent clients include Ascend at the Aspen Institute, the California Child Care Resource & Referral Network, the California Community Colleges, Grantmakers for Education, Impact Fellows Action Fund, and Rutgers University.  

Joanna holds a B.S. in Communication from the University of Miami. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and three daughters.