PR & Lattes

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Claudia Costello, a senior account executive at 104 West and the community manager for The PR Habitat.About Claudia CostelloClaudia Costello (she/her) is a senior account Executive at 104 West, a strategic communications firm in Denver. She is a (self-proclaimed) media relations expert passionate about telling stories for B2B tech companies. She is also the community manager for The PR Habitat.Follow Claudia and The PR Habitat:LinkedIn- Claudia CostelloLinkedIn - The PR Habitat (Company page)LinkedIn - The PR Habitat (Group page)Instagram - The PR HabitatConnect with PR & LattesWebsite: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Katie Zeppieri, the founder and chief brand strategist of The MicDrop Agency, about all things branding.About Katie ZeppieriKatie Zeppieri is a 2x TEDx speaker, author, social influencer, media personality, and founder and chief brand strategist of The MicDrop Agency, an award-winning and fast-growing boutique PR and marketing firm specializing in brand amplification for innovative companies and people. MicDrop’s roster of clients ranges from high-growth tech startups to serial entrepreneurs to C-suite executives and reality TV stars, including Netflix “Love Is Blind” stars Deepti Vempati and Kelly Chase, who together have a combined total of over 1.4 million followers.Katie is a sought-after speaker, consultant and guest expert who speaks brand strategy, PR and marketing. Some of the topics Katie is frequently asked to speak about include: how to attract media attention, how to use speaking to build your business, and how to build a personal brand. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, The Huffington Post, Virgin Radio, and SiriusXM, and most recently, she has been recognized as the 2024 Emerging Leader in the Marketing and Advertising category by The Peak.Before launching The MicDrop Agency, Katie built GIRL TALK Day, Canada's largest girl empowerment event, and an international school chapter network impacting over 100 schools and reaching over 15,000 girls in the seven years of the organization's operation.Katie has recently launched a podcast titled Get Mic'd with Katie Zeppieri, a marketing podcast about the ins and outs of building a notable brand. Each episode features interviews with high-profile people—from entrepreneurs to executives—who have exceptional experience in marketing, branding, and PR. The audience for this podcast is CEOs, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals looking to uplevel their game. Some noteworthy guests include the Shark Tank investor Matt Higgins and CEO of The Atlantic, Nicholas Thompson. Katie is on a mission to redefine the status quo in Marketing and PR. She's built The MicDrop Agency into a modern powerhouse, setting the standard for the future of Communications. By seamlessly integrating Marketing, PR, Branding, Communications, and Digital Strategies, Katie empowers innovative companies and individuals to not just amplify their brand but authentically connect with and captivate their audience.Follow Katie and The MicDrop Agency:Website - The MicDrop AgencyLinkedIn - Katie ZeppieriConnect with PR & LattesWebsite: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Eugene Woo, the CEO of Venngage, about easy ways to create accessible documents while comparing the various platforms used today.About Eugene WooAs an engineer with a passion for visual storytelling, Eugene Woo recognized the challenges many faced in design. This inspired him to master infographics and subsequently create Venngage, a platform that empowers you to transform your ideas into vibrant visuals without any design experience.Follow Eugene and Venngage:Website (Affiliate link)LinkedIn: Eugene WooInstagram: @VenngageYouTube: @VenngageVidsConnect with PR & LattesWebsite: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Jacquie Severs, Durham Region's Manager of Marketing and Tourism, about all things tourism PR.About Jacquie Severs Jacquie Severs is the Manager of Marketing and Tourism for the Regional Municipality of Durham's economic development and tourism division, known as Invest Durham and Durham Tourism. In this capacity, she champions Durham Region, Ontario, Canada's exceptional value proposition for businesses, attracts visitors, fosters downtown growth, and cultivates Durham's creative communities.With over 20 years of award-winning marketing experience, Jacquie has a track record of developing and promoting brands across diverse sectors, including fashion, home décor, craft beer, and the museum industry. Her knack for storytelling has been shared in various publications, with one series earning her the distinction of the 2018 Ontario Community Newspapers Association's Columnist of the Year.Drawing from her educational background spanning George Brown College, the University of Guelph, the University of Waterloo, and Durham College, Jacquie is committed to lifelong learning. Presently, she is pursuing an innovative Master of Arts in Place Branding from Middlesex University, U.K. Passionate about exploring emerging social media platforms and learning to write the most effective AI prompts, Jacquie is deeply engaged in community initiatives and enjoys chatting about the impact of marketing on our perceptions, from the nuances of typography to the PR strategies of global figures.Follow Jacquie:LinkedIn: Jacquie SeversInstagram: @JacquieSeversX (formerly Twitter): @JacquieSeversConnect with PR & LattesWebsite: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Linda Andross, ABC, MC, co-owner/managing partner of independent agencies APEX PR  and ruckus Digital + Design, about all things PR today.About Linda Andross, ABC, MCRecognized by the G&M’s inaugural Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top 400 Growing Independent Companies, Linda is a Co-Owner/Managing Partner of independent agencies APEX PR and ruckus Digital + Design. Linda brings her experience from the world of communications to the widely changing business of media, digital/social, content + influencers.  Winner of multiple national and international awards, Linda is a current board member of IABC Canada East Region, Past President of the largest communications association worldwide, IABC/Toronto, a former Chair of the Peer Advisory Committee for Seneca College’s Corporate PR program, and a founding member of the Canadian Council of PR Firms.  Follow Linda:X (formerly Twitter): @APEXLindaLinkedInConnect with PR & LattesWebsite: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this final episode of the Global Accessibility Awareness Day series, Matisse chats with Lisa Riemers, an independent communication, content, and digital workplace consultant who specializes in digital accessibility.About Lisa RiemersLisa Riemers is an independent communication, content and digital workplace consultant who helps organizations connect their people and tell their stories. She helps teams create accessible, user-centred content that makes information easier to understand and gets the best out of their intranet and collaboration tools. She builds inclusive communities online and offline. She works with large organizations like the UK government, G4S, Veolia, FirstGroup and the British Red Cross, as well as more niche B2B companies. A member of the IABC UK&I board, Lisa is also an artist who brings her creative flair to the workplace.Connect with LisaLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)WebsiteConnect with PR & LattesWebsite: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Fiona Murphy, founder of the Accessible Communications Collective, about all things accessible content.About Fiona MurphyFiona Murphy is an award-winning writer and editor based in Sydney, Australia. She is the founder of the Accessible Communications Collective, which is making the internet more accessible. Her writing about accessibility has appeared in The Guardian, ABC, The Saturday Paper, Griffith Review, and The Big Issue, among many other outlets. Her memoir about deafness, The Shape of Sound, was released in Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., and North America.Connect with FionaLinkedInInstagramConnect with PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Chad Chelius, ADS, and Dax Castro, ADS, two accessible document experts and host of the accessibility podcast CHAX Chat. About Chad Chelius, ADSChad Chelius is a trainer, author, consultant, speaker, Director of Training Solutions and Principal at Chax Training and Consulting. He resides in the Philadelphia area and has been using Adobe products for over 25 years. As an Adobe Certified Instructor, Accessible Document Specialist, and Consultant, he teaches and advises on all Adobe print and web products, specializing in InDesign and InCopy workflows, Illustrator, automation, and PDF accessibility using InDesign, Word, and Adobe Acrobat. He works with clients, both large and small, in and outside of the United States, helping them to solve design, workflow, and accessibility challenges using Adobe products.About Dax Castro, ADSDax Castro is an award-winning Adobe Certified PDF Accessibility Trainer and certified Accessible Document Specialist (ADS) with more than two decades of experience in the marketing and communications industry. In addition to providing accessibility training to companies worldwide, he and Chad Chelius host a weekly accessibility podcast, Chaxchat, and the “PDF Accessibility” Facebook group. Dax’s training style focuses on fundamentals in a clear and simple way that is both engaging and informational.Connect with Chad and Dax:Chad - LinkedInDax - LinkedInWebsitesCHAX Chat PodcastCHAX Accessibility TrainingFacebook Group - PDF AccessibilityHandout10 things you can do to improve accessibility without being an expertSoftwareMadeToTagCommonLookAxesWordAxesPDFGrackle PDFConnect with PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Karl Groves, a pragmatic solution-finder and thought leader in the accessibility industry, about issues with what is being sold as accessibility overlays.About Karl GrovesWith 20 years of experience in web development, usability, and accessibility, Karl Groves is widely regarded as a pragmatic solution-finder and thought leader in the accessibility industry. As CEO of AFixt, Karl focuses on pragmatic and efficient ways of improving the accessibility of websites and software. Connect with Karl:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)MastodonWebsitesKarlGroves.comAFixtEventablyLearn more about overlaysOverlay False ClaimsOverlay Fact SheetResourcesWebAIMLinkedIn LearningConnect with PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Sandi Gauder, a web accessibility specialist, about everything PR and communications professionals need to know about web accessibility.About Sandi GauderSandi Gauder focuses on removing barriers in the digital learning environment, starting with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and incorporating usability and humanizing learning strategies to ensure all digital environments are accessible for all students and staff. This includes education to support the accessibility and compliance of public-facing websites, internal applications, learning management systems, etc.Sandi is a co-founder of CMS Web Solutions Inc. As a web accessibility specialist, she has been developing modern, accessible websites for over 15 years. She also coaches designers, developers, and content producers on best practices for meeting web accessibility guidelines.Sandi is a curriculum designer and instructor for accessible web and social media content. She has led workshops on web accessibility and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) for businesses, municipalities, and web development firms. She has spoken at conferences and appeared as a web accessibility expert in webinars. Management and technical audiences welcome her clear, common-sense approach.Connect with Sandi:LinkedInCMS Web Solutions Inc.AccessibilityConsulting.ca Connect with PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Ashley Nemeth, a senior communications strategist and writer for PR & Lattes, about accessibility and communications as someone who is Deafblind. About Ashley NemethAshley Nemeth is a passionate advocate and visionary leader dedicated to creating a more accessible world for herself and future generations. With over a decade of experience in disability rights, human rights, and accessibility, Ashley’s work is grounded in the belief that inclusive communication is pivotal.Her role as a Senior Communications Strategist for her city and her impactful presence online, through her long-standing blog at ashleynemeth.com and her Instagram @ashleynemethofficial, showcase her commitment to change.Ashley’s professional journey includes significant roles with CNIB, where she has been a beacon of leadership and advocacy, earning her national and regional recognitions, including CNIB’s Employee of the Year and CBC’s Top 40 under 40.A seasoned public speaker, Ashley addresses the barriers faced by those with disabilities, advocating for employment opportunities and societal inclusion. Her leadership extends beyond her professional achievements, touching lives through motivational speaking and active community advocacy and development engagement.Ashley’s life outside work is filled with creativity and passion, finding joy in writing, reading, and crocheting, always with a coffee in hand.Her journey is not just a career but a testament to the power of advocacy, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of accessibility for all.Connect with Ashley:InstagramFacebookLinkedInConnect with PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Brent Colmer, founder of Creator Services, about content creation, digital marketing, and influencer relations.About Brent ColmerBrent Colmer is an entrepreneur who works as an online influencer and owns a digital marketing agency. He started as an online influencer/content creator in middle school and has built that into a personal brand today known as @boywhoblogs. Brent has experience working brand-side, at an agency, as an online influencer/content creator, and as an influencer talent manager. Socials and Links:https://instagram.com/boywhoblogshttps://boywhoblogs.com/https://instagram.com/creatorserviceshttps://creatorservices.ca/Connect with PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Angela Dwyer, Head of Insights at Fullintel, about all things data and metrics in PR and communications.About Angela DwyerAngela Dwyer is Head of Insights at Fullintel—a media intelligence company specializing in news monitoring and analysis. As a measurement expert, she helps brands improve business results through data-driven, actionable insights. She has worked at public relations agencies, including Lippe Taylor, and media research firms, including PRIME Research, consulting with brands across several industries, including consumer, healthcare and automotive. She has presented and published several original, award-winning research papers about news content that drives recall and engagement.She contributes her knowledge garnered from the cross-section of academia and the profession on several committees and boards, including as the director of the International Public Relations Measurement Commission, as co-chair of the Public Relations Society of America North Pacific District, and as a member of the International Public Relations Research Conference Board. Her contribution to the field has been celebrated with several industry awards. She has been recognized with a PRNEWS People of the Year Award as a Data & Measurement Game Changer, a PRNEWS Top Women Award in the Industry Champions Category, and an AMEC Rising Star recognition as an innovator in communication measurement.Connect with PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Brands Over Brews host and marketing extraordinaire Pat Cooper about all things digital marketing strategy.About Pat CooperPat Cooper is a seasoned Digital Marketing Strategist with nearly a decade of experience helping brands redefine their marketing strategy to lower customer acquisition costs and accelerate revenue. He has worked alongside CMOs and CEOs on startup, in-house, and agency teams, generating over $15 million in revenue. Pat is also the host of Brands Over Brews, a weekly podcast that dives deep into the minds of marketing and business leaders shaping the industry's future. Connect with PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with DRPR founder Daisy Raudales about agency life and owning her business within Durham Region.About Daisy RaudalesDaisy Raudales is a leader in the communications field. Holding a Communications and Digital Media degree and an Advanced Diploma in Public Relations (PR), Daisy has gained extensive experience in the industry conducting tasks in media relations, communications planning, social media marketing, email marketing, website development and more.Having turned her passion into a life-long career, she opened DRPR Inc. (Daisy Raudales Public Relations) in August 2020 to provide online marketing solutions to entrepreneurs during the pandemic. Located in Ajax, Ont., her agency offers long-term support for both small businesses and large corporations in digital marketing and PR.Connect with Daisy and DPRP:WebsiteEmail: daisy@drpr.caPhone: 289-387-3185Connect with PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Samiha Fariha about all things media relations.About Samiha FarihaSamiha Fariha is a senior associate at Golin, a global public relations agency. Previously, she worked as a senior consultant at FleishmanHillard HighRoad, a global PR agency, and before that, for three years as an account executive at Torchia Communications, a mid-size PR agency with offices in Toronto and Montreal. Before pursuing a career in PR, she worked in marketing roles in real estate and consulting roles in digital marketing in healthcare, jewellery and luxury goods. She holds a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Toronto, a post-graduate certificate in public relations from Humber College and a certificate in digital marketing management from the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies. In her free time, she enjoys writing about industry trends. Some of her past stories have been published by leading trade publications such as PR NEWS, Ragan Communications, Agility PR’s Bulldog Reporter and Daily Dog’, Talking Influence and Marketing Magazine Australia.Connect with Samiha:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)Connect with PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Australian communications expert Mel Loy about all things internal communications and change management.About Mel LoyMel Loy is the founder and owner of Hey Mel! Communication & Training, a small agency with big energy based in Brisbane, Australia.After more than 20 years in in-house corporate communications roles, Mel ventured out on her own to start her own business and hasn’t looked back.Her business grew quickly, and Mel and her team have earned a reputation as specialists in internal, change, and crisis communication, supporting organizations of all shapes and sizes to navigate tricky times while building engagement and protecting reputations. Her team uses their unique EPIC Change Communication Framework to help guide businesses in managing change while building their capability along the way.Connect with MelBook a call: https://calendly.com/mel-loy/30min Personal website: www.melanieloy.com Business website: www.heymelcomms.com.au Email: hello@heymelcomms.com.au Podcast: www.heymelcomms.com.au/podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieloy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heymel.comms/Let's connect PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Linda Flynn, MA Leadership, CFRE, about her experience with fund development and the importance of relationship building.About Linda FlynnLinda has spent more than 30 years working for local and national not-for-profit organizations. She has raised tens of millions of dollars for social service, health care and education initiatives. She currently works as associate vice president of Development and Alumni Affairs at Durham College and Executive Director of The Durham College Foundation. She teaches Event Planning and Fund Development in the Public Relations Program.Prior to joining DC, Linda was the Director of Advancement for the Lakeridge Health Foundation and has also worked as the Director of Fund Development and Communications roles for Scientists in School, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and The Children’s Wish Foundation (now Make A Wish). No stranger to voluntarism and community outreach, she has served as Chair of the Board for The Youth Centre (now known as Carea) in Ajax and the Durham Family Court Clinic in Oshawa. She has also been a member of the Board of Directors for the Ajax Pickering Board of Trade and volunteers her time coaching and mentoring grassroots organizations in Durham Region.Linda holds a Public Relations diploma from Durham College and a Fundraising Management Certificate from Ryerson University. She has also achieved her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) accreditation and recently completed a Master of Arts in Leadership at Royal Roads University.Check her out:LinkedInInstagramX (formerly Twitter)Email (work)Email (personal)Let's connect PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with Josh Terry about all things issues management, case studies, and the fine line between it and crisis management.About Joshua TerryJosh, Manager of External Communications at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, has nearly 15 years of experience in communications, leading media relations, internal communications and issues management with a focus on government and non-profit organizations. When he's not at work, you can find him out walking his dog, reading a book, or on the dodgeball court.Check him out:LinkedInInstagramThreadsBluesky - Joshua TerryLet's connect PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis

Send us a textIn this episode, Matisse chats with PRofessional & Coffees founder Carolina Salinas about her networking initiative for up-and-coming PR professionals and the impact it's having on their professional growth.About Carolina SalinasCarolina Salinas is the founder and host of PRofessionals & Coffee. A former international student from Mexico, she studied Public Relations and Corporate Communications at Seneca College from 2019 to 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. A results-oriented Communications professional with 15 years of experience in the non-profit and government sectors, Carol is also the volunteer co-ordinator, administration, and donor services at Haven Toronto, the only drop-in centre in Canada where elder homeless, marginally housed, and socially isolated men can feel safe. Now that she has settled into her life as a Permanent Resident here in Canada, she wants to advocate for and support students, recent graduates, and newcomers in the field of public relations, marketing and communications across Canada by connecting them with experienced PR, marketing and communications professionals through the platform of PRofessionals & Coffee. As a mentor to her volunteers, she always promotes networking, professional development, and volunteerism to build a strong portfolio that will help them get a job in Canada and begin their careers in PR, marketing, and communications. Carolina loves to explore nature, do yoga, and paint outside of work. Check her out:Carolina's LinkedInCarolina's websiteProfessionals & Coffee on LinkedInProfessionals & Coffee on InstagramLet's connect PR & Lattes:Website: PR & LattesInstagram: @PRAndLattesHost: @MatisseNelis