In the Elle Comm office, it’s about quality, not quantity. We’re a small, but strong army who believe in achieving results, having fun and doing good for our community and the world at large along the way. Here’s a brief run-down of our marketing enthusiasts.
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Danielle Gano
CEO, Founder
Personal Philosophy: “Good is the enemy of great.” – Jim Collins
Twitter: @ellecomm
Bio: Danielle is a strategist by trade, an explorer by nature, a socialite at times and a nerd at heart. She enjoys discovering the intricacies of communication and the various means through which she can tell the story of a brand, a person or a company. Having practiced ballet for the first half of her life and minored in art history, she has a genuine passion for all that is artistic and a knack for discovering the creative side to any organization. She has successfully landed placements for clients in such media outlets as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle, LA Times, People, NYLON, Oprah and Friends, Good Morning America and Wired Magazine. Nonetheless, she never ignores an opportunity to work with a niche blog or independent media outlet, always keeping results-driven strategies top of mind. Danielle received her Bachelor’s Degree in communications from San Diego State University in 2006 and her Masters in Business Administration from National University in 2008.
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Jamie Madrid
Senior Publicist
Personal Philosophy: “One’s destination is never a place, rather a new way of looking at things.” –Henry Miller
Twitter: @JamieMadrid
Bio: Having started her career with an editorial mindset , Jamie is creative, savvy and results-driven. Her experience in marketing ranges from working with high profile clients to start –up companies, managing their public relations, events, social media, strategic branding and partnerships. She has represented brands such as Stella McCartney, Juicy Couture, The Sports Club/LA, The London Hotel in West Hollywood, Milani Cosmetics, Armaan Swiss Diamond Watches, Diamonds for a Cure, Puma, Vera Wang Bridal, Sethi Couture, Purr by Katy Perry, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bang & Olufson. She specializes in the lifestyle arena in fashion, beauty, fine jewelry and restaurants. Jamie has secured placements in outlets such as: People, Bon Appétit, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Glamour, Seventeen, The LA Times, The New York Times, New York Post, San Francisco Chronicle, People Stylewatch, The View, Access Hollywood, Hollyscoop, Today Show, among many others and product placements on shows and individuals such as: Eva Longoria, Halle Barry, Reba McIntyre, Kristen Bell, Desperate Housewives and Gossip Girl. Jamie has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Marketing Communications. She is also a member of the Junior League of Los Angeles.
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Emily Aschbrenner
Senior Publicist
Personal Philosophy:
Twitter: @EmmyAsch
Bio: It is the spirit of adventure, a passion for creativity, and a philosophy of excellence that drives Emily to challenge the status quo both personally and professionally. Her well-rounded background in public relations and marketing has helped her to achieve top-level results for her clients through the design, management, and implementation of creative marketing communications and public relations campaigns. Previous to her position at Elle, Emily’s work was largely focused in the food, wine, and luxury lifestyle world, with particular expertise in the eco-conscious and sustainability space. She has garnered placements in outlets such as: CNN, Ladies Home Journal, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, Bon Appetit, San Francisco Chronicle, Urban Daddy, Natural Home, Apartment Therapy, Wine & Spirits, Food Arts, About.com and 7×7 Magazine. Emily is an avid traveler, lover of all things epicurean, and will never turn down an opportunity to try an interesting dish or new restaurant. She received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco in English with an Emphasis in Writing, and earned a Masters degree in Marketing and Management from INSEE, Grande Ecole de Commerce in Bordeaux, France.
Melissa Marasco_____________________________________
Dara Bu
Publicist
Personal Philosophy: “There is no time for cut-and-dried monotony. There is time for work. And time for love. That leaves no other time!” – Coco Chanel
Twitter: @DaraBuPR
Bio: Dara possesses an unsurpassed level of dedication, immense passion and, arguably, Elle’s greatest wardrobe. As a savvy net-worker, Dara is apt in building social and viral partnerships by connecting like-minded entities. As the engineer behind social media campaigns, she pursues online campaigns and opportunities that drive solid awareness to Elle’s clientele and in her role as a publicist, she seeks top-tier placements through highly personalized messages. Prior to joining Elle, Dara worked with both national and regional public relations firms and also conducted marketing on the media side at San Diego Magazine, MTV Tr3s and The Guardian. In 2010, Dara received a double bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego in Communications and International Studies while participating in the public relations program at UCSD Extension. Dara is currently a member of Fashion Group International, #SDMediaPR Tweet Up and PRSA New Pros.
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Kristen Conahan
Kacey Valla
Public Relations Assistant
Personal Philosophy: “Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded.” -Harvey Mackay
Twitter: @VKacey
Bio: Kacey is a determined, creative and competitive yet polished individual with a passion for marketing, public relations, advertising and event planning. As an experienced collegiate athlete and acute writer with a bubbly personality, Kacey’s career and lifestyle have been defined by constant travel, exploration of restaurants, and continuous curiosity of digital and traditional media. With previous experience in digital strategy, public relations and as a managing editor, Kacey comes to Elle Communications with a creative edge and a professional drive that thrives in a fast-paced environment. Kacey graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing and in management.
Alli Johnson
Event Producer
Personal Philosophy: “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Nelson Mandela
Twitter: @alli_robyn
Bio: Alli works at the speed of light, never shows an ounce of stress and somehow manages to do it all in 6-inch heels without a hair out of place. As the brains behind Elle’s biggest events, Alli travels the country ensuring no detail big or small is ever overlooked. Want to throw a party with 4,000 of your closest friends? No problem. This girl’s got the tools, the connections and the cool, calm demeanor that makes her such an immense pleasure to work with. Alli received her Bachelors Degree in Communications in 1999.
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Sir Weylin Von Barrington
Ladies’ Best Friend
Personal Philosophy: “I can eat anything I put my mind to.” – Weylin
Bio: As the official Elle mascot, Weylin is responsible for ensuring the floor remains clear of food and that there’s always a supply of bones on hand. He starts a typical day with a little brainstorming session about which desk to nap underneath, following by his project management duties (napping) and the occasional dip into the trash cans to ensure no good ideas have been tossed out. As man’s (and Elle’s) best friend, Weylin ensures a consistently happy demeanor around the office.
