Carmen Ruiz y Laza

“I’ve always loved the art of storytelling...”

Carmen has made communication her life’s work. Growing up in Spain in her great uncle’s house, she was surrounded by storytelling, music, philosophy and fabulous cooking. But when she immigrated to Canada at 13, she didn’t speak a word of English, and found herself suddenly unable to communicate well. Determined to overcome the challenge, Carmen became fluent in one year.

“I know what it’s like to want to communicate, but not have the tools,” says Carmen. “So that’s my passion.”

Carmen offers an insider’s knowledge of how media work and how to produce campaigns that everyone talks about. Carmen’s career highlights include:

·         Casting director for local, US and international films
·         Media producer, Citytv Breakfast Television
·         Media assistant, Vancouver International Film Festival
·         Hollywood Entertainment shows correspondent
·         Corporate event producer

Now, as the head of Carmen PR, she brings her skills to corporate and philanthropic clients, creating powerful messages for media and consumers.

“My goal is to help great businesses tell their stories. It’s what I love doing.”

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Associates

Cristina Belmonte - International PR Consultant
Cristina moved to Vancouver, Canada in 2009 after living in London.  While in London she specialized in global communications for the luxury market, working with design, architecture, real estate and lifestyle clients at Camronpr, and as an in-house PR consultant for important architectural brands such as Richard Rogers, John McAslan, NBBJ, RTKL, RMJM and Broadway Malyan.  In Canada Cristina works as an international consultant for clients to generate media exposure globally.  She has built strong relationships with some of the most influential journalists around the globe.
Twitter: @cbelmonte

Laura Fauman, Letterhead Communications – Copywriter and Marketing Strategist
Laura brings a dozen years’ experience in sales and marketing. She is our go-to gal for web and print messaging, media planning, and integrated marketing strategies. Through our partnership with Letterhead Communications, Carmen PR can offer clients the full marketing mix needed to boost their profile. www.letterheadcommunications.com
Twitter: @Letterhead_Comm

Steven Schelling – Media Personality Extraordinaire 
Steven's 10 years of award-winning local, national and international writing are an invaluable resource to the Carmen PR team. Steven brings journalistic savvy to our media relations and an extensive roster of contacts in the fashion and lifestyle arenas. Known for his trademark mix of hard journalism and lifestyle reporting, Steven is a sought-after on-air expert for radio and television broadcasters. Having transitioned to consulting in 2011, he still keeps his hand in the editorial world as a writer, fashion and product stylist, and on-air reporter for a nationally broadcast lifestyle program.
Twitter: @StevenINK

Emily Rossi – Media Expert
Emily is a media and public relations expert with a broadcast background. She coordinates our communications efforts for a wide variety of clients by writing, pitching, researching and liaising with media.