In early 2025, the City of Minneapolis asked Russell Herder to create a campaign to confront one of the city’s most urgent challenges: sex trafficking. Our team knew this work had to transcend messaging to include intentional co-creation with those closest to the issue.
Through listening sessions with survivors, nonprofits and community leaders, we shaped an omnichannel campaign rooted in authenticity and care. Local community artists brought their creativity and perspectives to powerful original visuals that spoke to survivors in safe, subtle ways, while offering hope and life-saving resources.
The result was “Sex Trafficking Thrives in Silence,” a campaign that reached survivors where they are and helped the broader community understand the importance of breaking that silence.
This work has since been honored with two national recognitions: a Platinum DANDA Award for Design + Aesthetics and a Gold Digital Health Award.
- DANDA Awards were launched to spotlight the role of design and aesthetics in healthcare communications. With more than 30 years of experience producing healthcare-focused award programs, DANDA provides a vital platform to showcase the power of creative work in improving the way healthcare consumers and professionals connect.
- Digital Health Awards, now in their 27th year, honor the best digital health resources for consumers and professionals. Organized by the Health Information Resource Center, the program is the largest of its kind in the U.S. and recognizes innovative approaches to making critical health information accessible.
While recognition was never our goal, these awards affirm the impact of co-creation and highlight how thoughtful, authentic campaigns can spark change.
For city, county and state leaders, accolades like these demonstrate that campaigns go beyond awareness; they can mobilize communities, elevate social justice causes and deliver measurable results.
At Russell Herder, we remain committed to co-creating messages that matter, because when communities lead the way, the work is not just seen, but felt.
