Stephanie Butler found her niche as a Project Manager while operating under the belief, even when it’s not your fault, it is your result. As a proud HBCU alumni of Clark Atlanta University, Stephanie earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with a concentration in Radio, Television, and Film. Her Find A Way or Make One mentality has afforded her a seat at the table to make professional strides in corporate retail, nonprofit sectors, the international food and beverage industry, and charter education, more specifically in school operations. No matter what hat she’s wearing, she is intentional about successfully seeing projects through to the finish line.

Through her 12+ years of experience in executive administrative support and operational leadership, she has worked alongside C-Level executives around the globe designing new systems, implementing strategic processes, and managing a variation of projects ensuring best in class service and results. Coupled with a passion for brand marketing, Stephanie has always had an increased interest in how storytelling and targeted messaging creates business changing content.

As a resident of Dallas, Texas Stephanie makes time to enjoy all that the “Everything Is Bigger” state has to offer. From reading and freelance writing to bowling and being a food critic, she tackles work/life balance with audacity. As a member of Junior League of Dallas and a mentor with Foundation for C.H.O.I.CE.,her passion for people and service always comes full circle.

Leah is a passionate educator and compulsive organizer with nearly a decade of experience inside and outside the classroom, communicating with educational stakeholders and professionals. Most recently, she shared her passion for learning and leading with scholars at a public charter school in Georgia, where she built her knack for systems, processes and communicating effectively with audiences from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Leah resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband, their sweet baby girl, and their feisty dog, Winston. Leah is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and she is an alumna of Winston-Salem State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Georgia Southern University with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

Andrea Brown is a lifelong storyteller with a passion for effective, clear, and inclusive communication. With over 14 years of experience in the world of communications, specifically with a focus on social media, broadcast, and communications management, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.

Prior to joining SMJ, Andrea served as the director of one of the oldest high school communications magnet programs in the state of Texas. This role afforded her the opportunity to expand the school’s brand recognition through a multi-faceted and in-depth communications strategy, while spearheading innovation in the communications curriculum. Andrea also served as an editor for an international lifestyle magazine, and as a digital communications strategist for several firms in her hometown of Houston, Texas.

In her free time, Andrea loves to travel, try new restaurants, and record her podcast. She is an alumna of Hampton University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, and Texas Southern University, where she earned her Master of Arts in Professional Communications and Digital Media.

Krissy has held a variety of communications, education, leadership and entrepreneurial roles in her 17 year professional career. Prior to joining SMJ, Krissy ran a one-person public relations consulting company where she partnered with growing and large businesses to build and execute go-to-market strategies.

Prior to consulting, Krissy managed communications for leading utility and insurance companies, as well as start-up companies in the utility sector. Her expertise encompasses media relations, employee communications, crisis communications, and national public relations campaigns all within the realm of establishing, building and protecting brand reputation. In addition to communications, Krissy is also a certified educator and has taught second and third grades within the charter school system.

Anisa is a dedicated professional with nearly two decades of communications experience and expertise in strategic communications leadership in education. Her track record demonstrates a commitment to reaching measurable outcomes and outputs that transform and elevate organizational reputation.

In her most recent role, Anisa served as the Director of Communications for Oconee County Schools. Prior to her current position, she was the Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Clarke County School District, worked in public relations at the University of Georgia, and was a columnist for the Athens Banner-Herald.

A native of Starkville, Miss., she is a “Bulldog” twice over with a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia. She earned her APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) in 2020.

Jimenez is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Athens, a graduate of the LEAD Athens Class of 2010, and a graduate of the Leadership Oconee Class of 2019. In addition, she was selected as one of the University of Georgia’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2015. She served as president of the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA) from 2020-21. Under her leadership, GSPRA was named an Exemplary Chapter by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). She was also named an NSPRA Front-Runner 2021-22 for leadership and outstanding work in Oconee County Schools, as well as at the state and national levels.

She and her husband, Dr. Albert Jimenez, are the proud parents of Ariana and Van.

Laura Solis brings more than 10 years of design and social media experience to the SMJ Communications team. Prior to joining the team, Laura worked as a Creative Director at a real estate advertising agency in South Texas for eight years, where she produced a quarterly magazine, supported builders and developers to meet their goals, and planned and executed large-scale events.

Originally from Mexico, Laura graduated from The University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas with a BFA in Graphic Design and a double minor in Marketing and Advertising. In her spare time, Laura enjoys photographing weddings, trying out new brunch spots, and taking the occasional dance class.

Morgan Waller graduated from Northern Michigan University (NMU), a unique school located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations in 2016, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration in 2018.

In 2019, Morgan was elected as a board member for Thornton Fractional School District. She was the youngest and the only African American woman to serve and was elected by four south suburban communities in the Chicagoland area. Morgan currently holds the position of Vice President and Chairwoman of the equity committee, where she works to express the importance of equality and equity across the four schools. In addition, Morgan is a member of the Chicago Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, where she previously served as the Membership Director. In June of 2020, Morgan was nominated to serve as a board member for Northern Michigan University’s Alumni Association and accepted a prestigious award as a Top 100 Emerging Leader from Diversity MBA Magazine.

Aside from her board career, Morgan worked as a financial analyst for S&P Global in 2019 and as Executive Director of Communication and External Affairs for Cook County Government in 2021. She also accepted an invitation as a TEDx speaker under the board development committee, sharing insights about the Power of Networking. Morgan is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as traveling during her downtime.