Our Team

A veteran public relations counselor with more than 20 years of experience in media relations, marketing, digital media, public affairs and strategic communications, Tadd has created successful communications campaigns for regional, national and multi-national companies.

Respected by clients and journalists for his industry knowledge, resourcefulness, and grasp of the national and regional media landscape, Tadd plays an active role in partnering with clients to achieve their business goals, raise their community profile, and connect with their audiences.

Tadd’s clients have included companies across a range of industries reflecting Florida’s diverse economy, with an emphasis on residential and commercial real estate, law and professional services, banking and finance, hospitality and tourism, municipal affairs, and arts and culture. As president of Schwartz Media Strategies, Tadd has prioritized community service as part of the firm’s core values, and Schwartz Media Strategies delivers pro bono services to a number of nonprofits and advocacy groups, including The Children’s Movement of Florida, Lotus House, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and Developing Minds Foundation.

Under his leadership, Schwartz Media Strategies has grown to become one of the top ten largest public relations & marketing firms in South Florida as measured by annual revenues. The company has also been recognized as one of the region’s “Best Places to Work.”

Prior to founding Schwartz Media Strategies in 2005, Tadd was a partner at Miami-based rbb, where he led the firm’s corporate and real estate practices. He previously held an executive position with the Florida office of Weber-Shandwick, one of the world’s largest public relations agencies.  Tadd started his public relations career in 1996 with The Phyllis Apple Organization, where he worked with many of South Florida’s leading real estate developers.  He also worked on the staff of Florida Senator Bob Graham in Washington, D.C.

Tadd is active in several civic organizations and currently sits on the boards of directors for the American Jewish Committee’s local chapter, Lotus House and Developing Minds Foundation. A native of Miami, Tadd earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.

Aaron is an endangered species by Miami standards: a third generation native who left town for college and returned home four years later. After serving as creative director for a marketing and advertising shop in Miami, he joined Schwartz Media Strategies in 2008. Since then, he has helped the firm expand its service lines, grow its client roster to include blue chip brands, and recruit and retain talent. Today, he focuses primarily on managing the firm’s operations and building communications campaigns for clients in the real estate, hospitality, public affairs, consumer and financial sectors – including several public companies.

In 2018, Aaron was a commission appointee to the City of Miami’s Community Relations Board. He is a member of The Underline Real Estate Council, and the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami’s Patrons Council. He also serves on Washington University’s Regional Cabinet; as well as the University’s Alumni and Parents Admissions Program, for which he serves as chair. He earned his degree from Washington University in St. Louis, where he majored in political science, art history and archaeology. He resides in the City of Miami with his wife Rebecca and their two children.

Yudi Fernández is an executive vice president managing client relationships, media relations and marketing initiatives, and social media efforts in the firm’s commercial real estate, construction and financial services practices.

Before joining Schwartz Media Strategies, Yudi worked as a real estate and business reporter for Miami Today, where she covered new development projects and reported on residential and commercial market trends.

Raised in Miami, Yudi is actively involved in the community. She is a graduate of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Miami program and has served as a program facilitator. She is a member of Switchboard Miami’s Women’s Leadership Council, promoting awareness and raising funds for the organization that provides counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services.

She is also actively involved in the Urban Land Institute of Southeast Florida. For years, she has also served as a volunteer and supporter of Women of Tomorrow, a Miami-based mentoring and scholarship program for young women.

Yudi earned a master’s in business administration at Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and business at the University of Florida.

Connect with Yudi: yudi@schwartz-media.com

As account director, Allie manages and drives client accounts, conducts proactive media outreach and coordinates marketing and social media efforts on behalf of clients in the firms residential real estate, commercial real estate and nonprofit practices.

Prior to joining Schwartz Media Strategies in 2008, Allie served as marketing manager for Hallandale, Florida-based A. Present Realty Group and in the guest services division of Morgans Hotel Group.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida International University, where she majored in public relations.

A dynamic communications professional with more than 15 years of experience, Paula has created and executed marketing, branding and public relations campaigns for a variety of clients in the fields of travel, lifestyle, food and wine, consumer goods and corporate affairs.

She has served as lead strategist for the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau, and later as agency lead for the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in building some of South Florida’s most beloved lifestyle brands, including the legendary Fontainebleau Miami Beach Resort, Trump National Doral, and the Time Out Market Miami food hall. Her corporate communications experience includes counseling utility giant Florida Power & Light, The Miami Marlins, and a number of law and accounting firms.

Paula is passionate about developing strong and long-lasting relationships with journalists, influencers and clients across Florida and beyond. She is a Miami native and a proud mother of two who earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Florida International University.

Jaclyn Dadas-Kraper is an Account Director spearheading media relations and social media efforts on behalf the firm’s professional services, finance and real estate clients. She brings a decade of expertise to Schwartz Media Strategies, specializing in strategic media relations, content creation, social media, crisis communications and event promotions.

Prior to joining Schwartz Media, Jaclyn worked for Nevada’s largest communications firm, Kirvin Doak, where she developed and implemented national public relations campaigns, show and venue openings, media tours and stunts, groundbreakings and community events for clients such as Insomniac/Electric Daisy Carnival, Tiffany & Co. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, Nightclub & Bar Show, Ri Ra Las Vegas, DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, and USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament.

Jaclyn earned her Masters from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications from Western Michigan University. She is a member of the Junior League of Miami.

Outside of the office, you can find Jaclyn watching her Vegas Golden Knights take the ice, exploring the outdoors or trying out new recipes in the kitchen. She is also a proud mother to two furbabies, Maximus Decimus Meridius and Jango Fett.

Paola manages client relations, issues management and media relations on behalf of the firm’s public affairs and real estate accounts. Paola previously worked as Account Supervisor for public affairs, corporate, technology and tourism clients in Latin America at JeffreyGroup. Paola holds a B.A. in Communications from Loyola University and a MBA from Lynn University.

Jessica brings a decade of experience developing engaging campaigns, pitching compelling stories, and curating content for real estate and hospitality brands.

In addition to spearheading international media relations, she’s led the creative direction and digital content creation for several luxury resorts and real estate developments in Miami, as well as a fashion-focused recruitment agency in London.

Combining her love of travel with her experience in marketing and public relations, Jessica focuses on lifestyle, real estate and hospitality accounts at Schwartz Media Strategies.

Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications from Johnson and Wales University and her MBA from Nova Southeastern University.

As a Senior Account Executive, Samantha focuses on creative brand building and content marketing strategies for the firm’s commercial real estate, business to business and consumer practices. She specializes in creating and curating aesthetically driven content and devising compelling social media campaigns to maintain positive brand tones and identity elements.

Prior to joining Schwartz Media Strategies, she led marketing initiatives for clients in such industries as hospitality, retail, beauty and consumer goods. Samantha earned a B.A. from Florida State University where she majored in Media/Communications Studies and minored in Spanish.

As an Account Coordinator, Victoria helps run campaigns, develops relationships with clients, and creates ideas that breakthrough. Her responsibilities can range from staffing interviews and pitching reporters, to writing press releases and organizing events. Before joining the Schwartz team, Victoria interned at Alchemy and was an undergraduate research assistant for UF’s STEM Translational Communication Center.

Victoria received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations, with an outside concentration in Sport Management, from the University of Florida.

As an Account Executive on Schwartz Media’s digital team, Jennifer facilitates content production and manages social media campaigns for the firm’s clients, with an emphasis on lifestyle, real estate and destinations. Before joining the team, she spearheaded influencer relations and social media content production for internationally recognized cosmetic brands.

Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Communication from the University of Central Florida with a minor in Hospitality Management.

Valeska supports media relations campaigns, develops client relationships and coordinates integrated marketing efforts for public affairs, consumer and real estate clients. Her responsibilities range from staffing interviews and pitching stories, to copywriting and event creation.

Valeska earned a bachelor’s in communications, media, and politics from Lynn University.

As an Account Coordinator, Jamie supports media relations and social media activities on behalf of the firm’s legal, real estate and professional services accounts. She keeps client campaigns organized, keeps her fingers on the pulse of what’s trending locally and nationally, and ensures the trains are running on time.

Before joining the Schwartz Media team, Jamie interned at Weber Shandwick and worked as a Communications Assistant for the Institute for Public Relations. Jamie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations, with a minor in English, from the University of Florida.

As Schwartz Media Strategies’ Operations and Human Resources Manager, Janice ensures all facets of the business are running smoothly and efficiently. Bringing a deep background in human resources management, Janice is charged with elevating the firm as an employer of choice in South Florida, fostering a positive firm culture, and keeping team members on a path to career growth.

Prior to joining Schwartz Media Strategies, Janice worked for a diverse group of organizations and companies, most recently a print media and digital advertising agency in Miami.

Janice earned  an MBA with a specialization in Human Resources from Nova Southeastern University and holds a bachelor’s of business administration from Florida International University. She is also a certified HR professional and holds a SHRM-CP and a PHR from the two leading accreditation organizations in the human resources field.

Jennifer Schwartz is a founding partner with Calijen Events, a Miami-based event production firm specializing in social and corporate affairs including fundraising galas, product launches, networking parties and media events. The firm serves as Schwartz Media Strategies’ exclusive special events partner.

Prior to founding Calijen Events, Jennifer served as marketing and special events coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, where she assisted in the development of fundraising initiatives and targeted events. She began her career with Details Etc., working hand-in-hand with the principal of the firm in managing corporate events throughout South Florida.

Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Hospitality Management.