Ellen Marie Lauricella
Founder

I began a career in graphic design in 1995.  After working for several years for Tradewinds Iced Tea brewing company in Cinncinnati Ohio, I began working as a freelance graphic designer.  In 1999 I began making websites using HTML and never looked back.

While print marketing has changed little since the late 90’s, the web environment is dynamic.  I now use WordPress to build websites –and I favor a theme called Divi which is highly customizable and easy for my clients to maintain on their own.

At Opengate Media we are committed creating marketing pathways for small business and non-profit organizations to flourish.  Because I have expertise in both print, web design, and copywriting I am able to provide an integrated brand identity for marketing,  public relations, and social media projects.

Emily Silliman
Digital Organizing Coordinator

I’m Emily Silliman, Digital Organizing Coordinator for Opengate Media.  I cut my teeth on Iowa politics and have worked on many campaigns dating back to John Culver’s Senate campaign in 1980.   

In early 2017 Ellen Marie and I developed the the digital organizing website Activate Iowa. At Activate Iowa I oversee volunteers and digital interns to ensure that our statewide progressive events calendar is running smoothly, and search the web for relevant news items to add to our news feed.  During the Iowa legislative session I work to ensure that the Statehouse Hub page has accurate information on legislative forums, candidates, and news –with up-to-the-minute information about bills in the Legislature.  

My goal is to ensure better digital communication so that candidates and Democratic Party organizations can reach their volunteers and connect with voters.