Community Building | Communications | Policy & Strategy | Equity & Engagement
CAN Consulting helps organizations, institutions, and initiatives build authentic community partnerships, tell compelling stories, and turn big ideas into action. With deep roots in St. Petersburg and a national lens on equity, engagement, and impact, CAN Consulting bridges people, place, and purpose.
CAN Consulting was founded on a simple belief: meaningful change happens when communities are genuinely engaged, voices are heard, and institutions show up with humility, clarity, and intention.
Led by Caryn A. Nesmith, CAN Consulting brings more than two decades of experience at the intersection of community and stakeholder engagement, communications strategy; strategic planning and policy, journalism, and civic life. Caryn has spent her career building relationships and trust across sectors.
CAN Consulting supports organizations navigating complex projects, public-facing initiatives, and moments that require both strategy and heart. Whether shaping a community engagement plan, refining a public narrative, or convening diverse stakeholders, CAN Consulting helps clients move forward with credibility, care, and impact.
View Caryn's Bio here or visit her on LinkedIn.
Messaging and narrative framing for complex or sensitive initiatives
Public-interest storytelling and media strategy
Speechwriting, talking points, and public testimony preparation
Press materials, op-eds, and thought-leadership development
Community engagement planning for large-scale projects and initiatives
Stakeholder mapping and relationship building
Facilitation of community conversations, listening sessions, and forums
Public-facing engagement strategies rooted in equity and transparency
Higher education–community alignment
Nonprofit and philanthropic strategy
Civic and cultural initiative advising
Cross-sector collaboration design
Communicating international policy
Design and facilitation of dialogues, debates, and community forums
Program development for civic learning and public discourse
Event concepts that foster connection, curiosity, and trust
Engagements range from short-term advisory support to ongoing strategic partnerships.
Caryn is an active civic connector and organizer in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay region, known for creating spaces where people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and sectors come together to learn and engage.
Community involvement includes:
Advisor and collaborator with nonprofits, arts organizations, civic initiatives, and community-based programs
Co-Founder The Third Place LLC, curator of converations, connections, and community. Read more about The Third Place LLC here.
Board Vice President, St. Pete Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center
Founder of the Community Building Networking Group, with over 150 members of community relations professionals
Co-Creator of Opposites Attract, a live debate and dialogue series focused on respectful discourse
Co-Founder and organizer of Nerd Nite St. Pete and Nerdscursions, celebrating curiosity and local expertise
Former Director of Community Relations at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg
CAN Consulting doesn’t just advise community engagement—we live it.
Studio@620
Founders Spirit Award
2026
Honoring creative leadership, community building, and a sustained commitment to nurturing inclusive cultural spaces in St. Petersburg.
NAACP St. Petersburg Community Bridge Builder Award
2025
Recognizing leadership in fostering dialogue, trust, and meaningful connections across communities, institutions, and sectors.
University of South Florida Outstanding Staff Award
2025
Awarded for excellence in community engagement, partnership development, and public service.
