Our approach is different.
We tackle our work with earnestness, with intellectual fury, with attention to every detail, and with joy! That’s right. We believe what we do matters, and we work with a spirit of appreciation and conviction.
Our ultimate mission is to conduct impeccable research with white glove service that delivers salient insights to help our clients solve problems, strategize, and flourish.
Our People
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Wendy Lawrence
President & Founder
Wendy Lawrence is a trusted expert in public opinion and communication research, known for her strategic problem-solving and meticulous execution of research methodologies that drive smarter strategies.
In 2023, she launched Illuminate, a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise dedicated to uncovering the truth that powers better decision-making and tackling clients most critical communication and policy challenges. Taking great pride in earning clients’ trust and becoming their invaluable partners, Illuminate delivers exceptional research and consulting services, transforming data into clear, actionable insights.
With expertise honed over two decades, Wendy has led research initiatives for Fortune 200 companies, global organizations, and major industries. Before founding Illuminate, she was Senior Vice President at Povaddo, where she built and managed a global policy panel and steered high-impact public opinion research. She also served at FleishmanHillard, delivering critical business intelligence to top-tier clients shaping national and global decisions.
A former adjunct professor and holder of a master’s degree in communications from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Wendy blends academic rigor with real-world expertise to illuminate the path forward for her clients.
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Rebekah Ellis
Senior Research Manager
As an integral part of Illuminate since its founding, Rebekah Ellis brings unmatched analytical precision and insight to every project. With over three years of experience working alongside Wendy Lawrence in primary public opinion research, Rebekah plays a critical role in delivering high-caliber qualitative and quantitative studies to Illuminate’s Fortune 200 clients and national organizations. As a project manager and lead analyst, Rebekah excels at uncovering nuanced public perceptions and translating complex data into clear, actionable strategies.
Rebekah holds an MS in Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a joint BA in Anthropology and Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Drawing on her strong academic foundation, meticulous writing skills, and years of applied research experience, she brings a rare combination of critical thinking, attention to detail, and strategic storytelling to Illuminate’s work — helping clients see the bigger picture with clarity and confidence.
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Dominick Casucci
Research Associate
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Nevada, Reno, Dominick gained professional experience across logistics management, retail management, and banking. At Illuminate, he provides essential support to both qualitative and quantitative research efforts, contributing to the design, execution, and analysis of client projects. Dominick is instrumental in uncovering actionable insights from data, enhancing operational systems, and maintaining the high standards of precision and professionalism that define Illuminate’s work.
In his first year, he has supported national campaign research through individual interviews, streamlined internal technological processes, and strengthened Illuminate’s data management practices.
Outside of the office, Dominick enjoys traveling with his fiancée, Jordan, cooking new meals together, and spending time with their dog, Peaches.
How do we do it?
We always engage in earnest communications, we ensure the highest quality data and insights, and we deliver reports and presentations that are second-to-none.
At the end of every project or research cycle, we leave our clients thrilled that they hired us.