How did you get to where you are today? Passion, persistence, and faith, and a little bit of luck. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Political Science and Spanish, on the track to be pre-med. Little did I know that a journey to help my younger sister would set my course to sail in PR. I had no background in communication, except my raw talent, and was fortunate enough to have a family member who needed her story to be told! I was helping tell my younger sister (one of the most recognized influencers in the online vegan community) @fullyrawkristina’s story, and it all blossomed from there.
Whom do you credit? Firstly, God, but also the amazing individuals who came into my life to help show me the way: Jessica Castellano - who took a chance on me and started Zapatero + Bucaram PR with me, her 26 year old business partner — and my sister, FullyRaw Kristina, for allowing us to tell her story! Along the way, every client I have ever had or colleague I have worked with has left me with indelible memories and lessons, and helped me gain a deeper understanding of our ever changing industry!
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? I show up with kindness for all I meet and give more than I expect to receive. I work with passion and persistence, and always try to connect the dots for individuals who need it. I feel strongly that women should support each other, and don’t be afraid to fail. It’s part of the fiber of learning.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? Recently, I have been working with many nonprofit organizations who have given so much to our society. I work with the Global Empowerment Mission who helped bring over $800,000 to Texas during the winter storms, and now has raised over $20M in aid for the Ukrainian Crisis -- acquiring national media such as the Today show, CBS Nightly News, NBC Nightly News, FOX, CNN, and also specials on Anderson Cooper. I am honored to work with celebrity musicians and their non-profit organizations, such as Marc Anthony’s nonprofit, Maestro Cares, to bring opportunities for children to live, play, and learn — across Latin and Central America, and I am also very blessed to have influencers such as: FullyRaw Kristina, Internationally Renowned Multi-Genere viral Violinist, “DEMOLA the Violinist,” Nationally acclaimed beauty Influencer Marlena Stell, disease reversal specialist and MD - Dr. Brooke Goldner, and many more! Excited to expand my international and national portfolio and continue working with celebrity contacts as well as musicians!