Experienced & Professional

We’ve supported and led communications for media organizations, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, and non-profit organizations for more than 50 years combined. Our bar of excellence is high, and we pride ourselves on surpassing it every step of the way.

Sparkle

Skilled & Passionate

We have the talent you need, and we love what we do. Strategic planning. Media & PR. Crisis Communications. Brand Awareness. Social Media. Training sessions. Communications Management. Our joy is helping you.

Client-Centered

You matter most to us, and we’re here when you need us. Your goals, best interests and objectives are always top of mind in all we do. We are here to ensure your communications are world-class. We love to see our clients smile.

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Sparkle

About the Founder

Sharise Johnson was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and attended college at Hampton University in Hampton, VA, where she majored in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish. She has nearly 15 years of experience in communications, particularly in internal and external communications management, public relations, print, broadcast, and social media, serving Fortune 100 corporations and educational institutions.

Prior to founding SMJ, Sharise served as the Senior Director of Communications for a school district based in Texas. In this role, Sharise stewarded the district’s brand locally and nationally by spearheading an effective and innovative internal and external communications strategy. Additionally, Sharise served as the Managing Director of National Communications for Teach For America, a Communications Manager at Atlanta Public Schools and managed corporate communication strategy and implementation for major campaigns and announcements at AT&T.

Sharise currently resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband and daughters, Faith, Grace, and Joy. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, kickboxing, yoga, spending time with family and friends, and participating in community service projects as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Photo of Sharise
Sparkle

Sharise Johnson

Founder & CEO

Meet the Team

Sharise Johnson

Founder & CEO

Stephanie Butler

DIRECTOR OF Project Management

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Stephanie Butler

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 Rosser

Director of Operations & Human resources

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Leah Rosser

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

Strategic Director of Communications

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Andrea Brown

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 Posey

STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

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Krissy Posey

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 Sullivan Jimenez

STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

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Anisa Sullivan Jimenez

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

Digital media manager

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Laura Solis

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

Business Development Manager

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Morgan Waller

Morgan Waller, graduated from a unique school in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Northern Michigan University as known as (NMU).  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 to serve as a board member for Thornton Fractional School District. As the youngest and the only African American woman to serve, she was elected by four south suburban communities in the Chicagoland area. Since then, she is currently Vice President and chairwoman of the equity committee working to express the importance of equality and equity across the four schools. Morgan is also a part of the Chicago Chapter of the National Black MBA Association and once served as the Membership Director. She accepted a prestigious award as Top 100 Emerging Leader Award from Diversity MBA Magazine while nominated to serve as a board member for Northern Michigan University’s Alumni Association in June of 2020.  Serving under the board development committee, Morgan accepted the invitation as a TEDx speaker sharing insights about the Power of Networking. Aside from her board career, Morgan worked for S&P Global as a financial analyst in 2019 and as Executive Director of Communication and External Affairs for Cook County Government in 2021. Morgan is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends on her down time.