As the founder of Activism Articulated, a crisis communications firm she co-owns with her wife Jasper James that is located in Sacramento, CA they are one of the only advocacy communications firms that are run by queer, mixed-race women of color that provides media training and crisis consulting for organizations and community groups nationwide.
Darcy and Jasper have worked together for nearly 15 years as community activists, artists, place makers, and facilitators. They co-founded two active Facebook groups, one for Allies of Black Lives Matter which holds over 10,000 members and is dedicated to discussion and education centered on racial justice. Additionally, they have pioneered a project focused on social justice and spirituality.
Darcy Totten, Founding Partner & CEO
With 20 years of experience in crisis communications, strategy, and media relations, Darcy is a big problem solver. Known for her expertise in social impact strategies, advocacy, and crisis communications centered in the nonprofit world, political campaigns, grassroots organizing efforts, tribal governments and education; she leads strategy development and rapid response efforts. She is passionate about coalition building and working with intersectional and inclusive teams.
Her experience includes positions as the Director of Communications for the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and as the Communications Liaison to the Governmental Affairs, Federal Advocacy and Equity Departments of the Association of California School Administrators and the National Association of School Superintendents.
She serves as a Board Member & External Affairs Chair, for Sacramento Friends of the Arts, Sacramento LGBT Center, and also serves on the Stonewall Democrats PAC Board. She is an alumnus of the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program Senior Fellow (Class X), and a Coro Fellow Alumni (2019). She is a Next City Vanguard Fellow (40 urban innovators under 40) and as an Advisory Committee member for the Sacramento Women’s March and Up Kindness.
Darcy holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Mills College in Photography and Visual Communication and a Master’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Journalism.
Jasper James, Founding Partner & CCO
Jasper James is a multifaceted diversity trained entrepreneur who leads through service. From their past as a Billboard Recording Artist, multi-instrumentalist/ writer, and event producer to their most recent status as an inventor and Regional Organizer Dir. for the 2020 Michael Bloomberg Campaign, Mx. James is an artist and digital strategist. They lead creative on all projects, incorporating strong public relations and project management skills.
As a digital strategist, director and brand consultant, Jasper provides expertise on industry standards, research trends, and development for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives. Lead by a refined and diverse skill set that includes media, technology, event production, and marketing. Mx. James possesses innovative customer-centric mindfulness to help businesses grow. With over 15 years of experience in solving big problems, and creating systems that help businesses run more efficiently, Jasper has the ability to lead, activate, and amplify important messages through an equitable, creative, and necessary lens.
During their tenure as one of only five Black sitting female Presidents in the nation for the Women’s March Sacramento Chapter, Mx. James also Co-founded Women’s March Blac, an all-Black branch of Women’s March National Leadership. Jasper is an active member of the ACLU Sacramento Chapter Board, Sacramento Stonewall Democratic Club (PAC) Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, March On, and belongs to the ACLU Speakers Bureau and the newly formed AB392 Oversight Committee.
Jasper holds a Degree in Audio Engineering and Holistic Theology.