Marketing Committee

The Marketing Committee oversees NAWBO-OC’s marketing, branding and
communications, attends and hosts display tables at conferences, expos and
tradeshows and responsible for building the NAWBO-OC brand and generating
positive media attention for the chapter; highlighting members whenever
possible.  Programs include Business and Community Development which plans
and executes social and fundraising events for NAWBO-OC’s members and the OC community to create more exposure for the organization.  Committee
members love to generate exposure through marketing and branding initiatives,
enjoy working in a creative environment, have a passion for marketing, are
creative thinkers and are very comfortable with being a team player.

Manal Richa – Director
The MarCom Network
www.MarComNetwork.com

With over 11 years of experience in marketing in different industries such as real estate, retail, hospitality and software, Manal founded The MarCom Network, a marketing and creative firm, helping small businesses build exposure and increase sales through a spectrum of services; such as branding, messaging, creative collateral and web designs, web presence, and social media marketing.  Manal is also the former CEO of BreakThrough Networking, Inc. where she developed a curriculum on the topic of networking and social networking helping clients build relationships, leverage connections and use different social media channels to take their business to the next level.  Manal is also a very passionate public and corporate speaker, holding training workshops on the topic of social networking and network. She is the former social media co-chair for NAWBO-OC, where she headed the efforts to launch NAWBO OC’s presence on Twitter and LinkedIn. Manal is also the former Director of Business and Community Development for NAWBO-OC, planning and holding social events while increasing community outreach.

Alexandra Braconi – Graphic Design Chair
Blue Lizard Media, LLC
www.BlueLizardOnline.com

Alexandra is a veteran media professional with nearly twenty
years of technical and business information development, graphic design, and marketing communications experience across a wide range of industries, both in the United States and internationally. Her company, Blue Lizard Media, provides its clients with a full array of services such as corporate branding solutions; print and electronic marketing campaigns (including social media marketing); general graphic design and content development services; and Web site design and development. Through her firm commitment to each and every project and involvement in even the smallest details, she ensures that Blue Lizard Media provides a personal level of support not often found in today’s fast-paced business world.

Judy Rose - Blog Mom
Custom Writing & Writing Repair Services
www.jlrco.com

Judy Rose writes original copy for marketing and promotional materials.
She also assists clients by polishing and adding vitality to existing text and offers a unique service called Writing Repair. Judy serves on NAWBO’s Marketing/Public Relations and Corporate Partners committees, writes the Corporate Partner spotlights, and is the Editor of the NAWBO Blog. She also writes content for the annual Remarkable Women Awards program, including the bios for our honorees.

Alexandra Kaplan- Committee Member
Mark Kamin and Associates
www.mka-world.com

Alexandra Kaplan, MBA, SPHR is a professional business
performance coach, consultant, and trainer with over 20 years of business consulting, leadership, training, and development experience and a track record of enhancing the performance of large and small businesses.  She works with business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders, empowering them to produce extraordinary results in their business performance, taking their companies to the next level of success, and directly impacting the bottom line.  “A master of redefining focus, and turning actions into life-changing and business breakthroughs!” (Ellen P.) “Alexandra’s commitment, integrity and passion for what she does has enabled me
to go beyond where I would normally stop in my business” (Suzie S). “This woman knows what she’s doing, and she does it with generosity, kindness and
conviction.  Knowing her has changed my life.” (Carolyn H).

Mary  Neil - Trade Show Chair
Caliber Signs & Imaging Inc.
www.Calibersi.com

We specialize in custom requirements for commercial building signage, vehicle wraps, interior lobby & office signage, trade show displays, promotional banners & flags and large size wall and window graphics.  Our mission is to contribute value to your complete business image by increasing brand awareness with the very best sign solutions.

Leslie Licano – PR
Beyond Fifteen
www.BeyondFifteen.com 

Leslie Licano, co-founder of Beyond Fifteen Communications, is an award-winning public relations strategist, renowned for her ability to spotlight individuals and companies as trendsetters, innovators and newsmakers. A seasoned pro with a masterful ability to think like an agency strategist, a journalist and a client, Licano’s honed ability to create news consistently catapults her clients into the local and national limelight—allowing them to reach their core audiences, impact public perception and increase sales and revenues.

Lauren Ellermeyer – PR
Beyond Fifteen
www.BeyondFifteen.com

Lauren Ellermeyer, co-founder of Beyond Fifteen Communications, is an accomplished public relations specialist known for her ability to blend traditional public relations campaigns with trendsetting new ideas to keep her clients ahead of the game.  With well-nurtured media relationships, targeted yet creative pitching techniques, and a mastery of the evolving world of social media—Ellermeyer guides companies into the media spotlight, generating well-deserved recognition on their behalf. She is fluent in Spanish and possesses the uncommon ability to blend mainstream English media campaigns and tailor them to the unique needs of the Spanish media market. A connector at heart, she also belongs to numerous networking groups and enjoys connecting people to people with shared passions.


Kari Irwin 

Institute for Women Entrepreneurs
www.ociwe.org 

Kari is the nonprofit director for the Orange County Institute for Women Entrepreneurs (IWE) program hosted at Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD). The IWE provides business development resources to entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their business. Resources range from private business coaching, mentoring, and business seminars. The IWE is your center for business success!