Hi there! I'm Maria Gari, a dedicated PR and Communications professional who brings the right stories to the right people at the right time.
I’ve worked in content creation, content management, public relations, and social media for over eight years.
We all have a story to tell. Sometimes, it just takes a little creativity, planning and strategy to get that story out into the world. I’d love to help you make that happen.
Skills & Experience
Public Relations Strategy and Execution
Content Creation
Content Strategy
Event Communications
Social Media Strategy and Execution
Blog Ideation, Creation, Strategy
Podcast Production and Promotion
Resume
As a passionate storyteller myself, I understand the importance of getting your story to the right people at the right time. I'm an experienced PR and communications professional who is dedicated to crafting communications plans that get results.
Experience
Sr. Marketing Communications Manager
Q2
June 2022 - present
PR and Comms Consultant & Owner
Tapestry Branding
March 2022 - December 2022
Public Relations Manager
Homeward
Nov 2021 - March 2022
Sr. Communications Manager
PrecisonLender, a Q2 Company
Oct 2019 to Oct 2021
Content Manager
PrecisionLender
Sept 2016 to Oct 2019
Client Development Manager
PrecisionLender
April 2015 to Sept 2016
Professional Recruiter
Insight Global
May 2013 to April 2015
Education
B.A. English Literature
Belmont Abbey College
2010 - 2013
My Work
I have worked with many clients spanning financial services, non-profits, Christian influencers and real estate, along with creating and growing my own ministry. Having the opportunity to serve so many different people and areas has allowed me to develop a broader sense of storytelling and strategy. Below are some highlights (though, surely not all) of the work I’ve done.
Social Media Strategy
Responsible for the strategy and execution of PrecisionLender’s social media platforms, including copy writing and graphic design.
Increased LinkedIn followers from 2018 - 2019 by 56% organically.
Increased traffic to site from social media by 70% from 2019 - 2020.
Personally, I have grown and fostered a community of Christian women on Instagram and Facebook, with around 8k Instagram followers.
Content Creation and Strategy
Developed blog content calendar and wrote content, including case studies, thought leadership blog posts, op-eds, social media content, event content, and more.
Media Relations and Strategy
Without relationships with journalists and the media, it’s hard to get our stories out there. I’ve dedicated many hours to building and fostering relationships with local and banking reporters.
I’ve developed deep relationships with journalists, and written and pitched exciting and relevant stories, op-eds and bylines.
The article to the left is a full length article secured for a client of mine on her Christian candle making business.
All news placements (including press releases) that I’ve worked on and/or written for Q2 can be found here.
Press Releases
Press releases help validate and bring attention to what matters to your organization and the media. They are a strategic way to put a stake in the ground.
The press releases I’ve written can be found here.
Event Communications
An event without attendees is just, well, sad. That’s why it’s important to have a well-defined communications strategy before, during, and after an event.
I’ve created and executed the communications strategy for PrecisionLender’s BankOnPurpose event, along with attending industry conferences to help amplify our brand presence.
This included social media strategy, email and web copy, blog posts, press releases, onsite communications coordination, media relations and post-event content creation and promotion.
Podcast Production
I’ve been responsible for procuring content, editing, and distributing the Purposeful Banker podcast.
Book Publication
Served as editor and publisher of PrecisionLender’s Earn It.
RunningMyselfTogether
What is RunningMyselfTogether?
After battling for years with anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder, by chance, I started running. Running opened up a whole new world for me - one where my racing thoughts matched my racing body and I found a breakthrough. Running, coupled with therapy and a deep faith life, has helped me overcome so much. So, I decided to start writing about my journey with running and mental health, and most importantly, God. From there, I became a certified run coach and personal trainer to help other women work through the same issues with running.
RunningMyselfTogether offers:
One on one run coaching and personal training
Group coaching
Free downloadable content to help build routines and stay on track with goals
Workout journals, like The Imperishable Crown
Content on mental health, running, and faith
Because of RunningMyselfTogether, I’ve had the privilege of being a guest on many podcasts, speaking in front of large audiences, and collaborating with other companies/ministries that are doing amazing work.
Speaking at University of Pennsylvania
Pilgrimage Advertisement. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we’ve had to postpone this pilgrimage to 2022.