Our Team
Mariana Rodrigues
Principal + Managing Director
With more than 18 years of experience working with private companies, governments and non-profit organizations around the world, Mariana has a unique cross-sector, global perspective to communications strategy development and execution. She has worked closely with governments in developing countries to advocate around key global health and development issues, with international non-profits to maximize impact and with private companies to drive consumer and stakeholder buy-in across a range of industries.
She previously served as Managing Director for Global Gateway Advisors, a reputation management firm based in Brooklyn, NY; Communications Director for Axios International, a global health consultancy based in Paris, France; and as Vice President at FleishmanHillard.
Mariana holds a Master’s degree in Global Marketing Communications and Advertising from Emerson College and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Spanish and Business from Pennsylvania State University. Originally from Brazil, she is fluent in Portuguese and English, and is proficient in Spanish.
Sydney Leone, MPH
Director
Sydney brings nearly a decade of experience in program operations, community engagement, communications, and public health to the American Society for Meningitis Prevention (ASMP) where she oversees the portfolio’s strategy and day-to-day operations.
Sydney has previously held a variety of roles focused on designing and implementing programs to bolster health outcomes which included her role as Director of Marketing and Communications at Plus One within Goldman Sachs, where she oversaw strategic initiatives to promote employee well-being; Program Manager at the Columbia University School of Social Work; and as a Senior Program Manager at MVP Health Care, a non-profit health plan where she led community health programs.
Sydney holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy and a Bachelor's degree in Public Health and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts.
Erin Mehagan
Associate
A strategic storyteller at heart, Erin has spent over 15 years helping brands craft compelling narratives that inform, engage, and inspire action. With expertise in content development, digital strategy, and audience engagement, she specializes in translating complex ideas into clear, impactful messaging that drives results.
She has worked with industry leaders like Xerox, Staples, and Landscape Structures, leading content strategy initiatives that merge creativity with data-driven precision. In addition to her client service work, Erin launched Livi Lu Lane, a direct-to-consumer brand that earned national media recognition, including a feature on the Today Show—a testament to her ability to build authentic connections between brands and audiences through compelling storytelling.
Erin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina.
Shelby Nichols-Oller, MBA-HM
Associate
Shelby is a skilled digital strategist with a strong focus on public health communications, using digital media to raise awareness, engage diverse audiences, and drive meaningful conversations. With experience in both the public and private healthcare sectors, from health insurance to nonprofits, she has a deep understanding of the industry's complexities and the power of digital engagement.
Shelby’s dedication to public health advocacy is evident in her work at the Brazos Valley Sexual Assault Resource Center, where she developed innovative digital engagement strategies to educate the community, and foster support for sexual assault survivors.
Shelby holds an MBA with a specialization in Healthcare Management from Jacksonville University and a Bachelor of Science in Health from Texas A&M University.
Claudia Bernaldez
Design Lead
Claudia is an accomplished graphic designer and art director, specializing in the health, beauty, and hospitality sectors. With a robust portfolio, she has played a pivotal role in shaping visual narratives for notable clients such as Royal Caribbean, MONAT, and Johnson & Johnson. Claudia's creative prowess extends beyond traditional boundaries, consistently delivering compelling solutions that resonate with the unique demands of these dynamic industries.
Her strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail have solidified her position as a key contributor, consistently elevating design standards and significantly contributing to the dynamic intersection of creativity and industry needs. Claudia holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Design and Management from the Parsons School of Design - The New School.