Hi. Thanks for visiting my blog. It’s my pleasure to “welcome” you here.
Here’s a little background info on me: I started blogging about a year and a half ago. I really enjoy it. I always have lots of ideas swirling in my head regarding posts but sometimes I don’t get to writing them. Lesson #1 – Right when you’re inspired!
I’m an entrepreneur, web pioneer and media junkie with over 15 years of marketing communications experience. I’m really passionate, creative and energetic. I love crafting and implementing personal branding strategies to help my clients transform their lives.
Food Is In My Bones!
As the product of Greek immigrants and Buffalo-based entrepreneurs, I literally grew up in the restaurant business. As a young entrepreneur, I worked with my family to turn a dilapidated eatery into a hip family restaurant. Developing the strategy, renovating the space, and designing the brand identity for the restaurant that remains a popular hangout several years later.
Because of my upbringing I understand what makes entrepreneurs tick – but I’ve also learned that our personal identity is inseparable from the businesses we create.
Moving to Manhattan
I have a Master’s degree in Leadership, Technology & Education focusing on Higher Education from New York University. I began my career (outside of the restaurant business) at the United Nations (UN) before pursuing journalism at The Wall Street Journal. One of my greatest accomplishments to date was being involved in the development of the United Nations’ first web site that, 12 years later, remains intact. In addition to editing and a little writing for The Wall Street Journal, I was a founding news editor for dowjones.com (Dow Jones’ only free news offering) where I was responsible for marketing and media-related news.
After many tiring commutes to Princeton, NJ from Manhattan I decided to strike out on my own with a few friends and co-founded Internet incubator SiliconFish.com – a company that helped brand and establish online businesses for both new ventures and existing companies.
Eventually, I moved out of Manhattan and into Boston. While there I worked as a business strategist at an Internet consulting company before joining the Mayor’s office to help bolster his technology programs at the Boston Digital Bridge Foundation – one of his most successful economic development initiatives. Working towards bridging the digital divide between inner-city youth and technology, the foundation educated families and provided them with their own computers upon completion of an intensive training program. I loved this job because we truly helped families “open doors” in their lives and their children’s’ lives with technology.
Marriage, Kids and So Much More…..
I eventually relocated to Pittsburgh to “settle down.” I had met my husband Dino while living in Boston. Since he lived in Pittsburgh someone had to move. For work I stuck with my love of branding and marketing and became the Vice President (ooh big title!) of Regional Marketing at an economic development organization, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance (PRA), where I helped market the Pittsburgh region for business investment and job creation.
While working at the PRA my husband brought home the Time Magazine issue that featured William Arruda, Founder and President of Reach Communications and Personal Branding Guru (as dubbed by the magazine). The article talked about personal branding and William’s business. Just a few years into our marriage my husband said, “I could see you doing something like this.” After reading the article I was thankful that I married a man who “got” me and even happier to find a profession that combined my personal beliefs with professional strengths.
I held on to that issue for a few years. I would take it out every once in a while and read it and after a lengthy process of self-discovery, coaching and researching personal branding I entered the Reach certification program that led me to where I am today.
In a full-circle moment kind of way I now work directly with William on occasional client projects and brandiD, the personal branding influenced web/blog development firm I started, built a site for his branding empire www.personalbranding.TV. He’s also asked me to join the Reach team as the Editor-in-Chief of YOUnique, the most comprehensive e-newsletter on personal branding.
Since the subhead also mentioned kids I’ll take a moment to tell you about the two tiniest and greatest joys in my life, Zoe and Alexa, my two little girls who are both a handful and lovable at the same time. Now I understand why God made children so cute….because they test our patience daily! All kidding aside, I find parenting to be quite rewarding and exasperating. For a person who can typically find a definitive solution for challenges I’ve never felt so
So that’s my story….so far.
