Who are we?
MARQUEE is
The crown jewel of your marketing strategy.
MARQUEE wants clients who want to build their brand through captivating experiences, creative marketing and relationship building. It’s a unique way of doing business, but Marquee is a unique company.
MARQUEE Creatives
where courageous creativity meets strategic impact.
MARQUEE is a full-service marketing and events firm specializing in strategic communications and event management for commercial, nonprofit, and government clients. As a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE), we’re proud to support agency goals while meeting supplier diversity and procurement standards.
Founded by Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer in 2005 and headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio, MARQUEE Creatives is an experiential marketing agency focused on delivering strategic marketing and inspired events for a select group of passionate clients.
Our team is made up of highly skilled affiliated professionals, each bringing an average of 20+ years of experience to the table. Ignited by an infectious energy and passion you won’t find anywhere else, our creative experts help our clients grow, stand out, and succeed.
At MARQUEE, we intentionally work with a limited client base so we can give every project the time, creativity, and care it deserves. We provide bold, personalized marketing solutions tailored to the unique goals of each client. You won’t find any cookie-cutter campaigns here — only courageous creativity that produces real, memorable results.
That’s the MARQUEE way.
MARQUEE'S
specialties include:
Public and Media Relations / Brand Development / Nonprofit Fundraising / Corporate and Community Events / Digital Marketing and Content Creation
Meet the Team
Our team of creatives – designers, writers, publicists, storytellers, event planners, and marketers – is made up of talented, experienced professionals, all of whom share your dedication to success.
Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer
President
Aundréa is a seasoned communications professional with more than 30 years of experience in marketing, public relations, journalism, event planning, and strategic development. As President and Founder of MARQUEE Creatives, she leads client strategy, messaging, and engagement efforts with a passion for storytelling and results.
A Mahoning Valley native, Aundréa began her career at The Business Journal in Youngstown before expanding her expertise nationwide as a broadcast journalist, national magazine editor, newsletter and book publisher, and nonprofit founder. Her career reflects a deep commitment to helping organizations communicate with purpose and creativity—whether through public campaigns, crisis communications, or signature events.
Known for her ability to turn big ideas into action, Aundréa has created and managed more than 100 successful events. She specializes in strategic planning, media coaching, volunteer and stakeholder engagement, and nonprofit development. Her clients span the nonprofit, entrepreneurial, and corporate sectors, and she’s recognized for her ability to unite message, mission, and community impact.
Aundréa’s return to Youngstown reignited her love for cultural heritage and inspired her to found PolishYoungstown, followed by the creation of Simply Slavic—a beloved downtown festival celebrating Eastern European traditions. Her cultural advocacy continues through event production, culinary classes, and community storytelling.
In addition to her work at MARQUEE, Aundréa serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Rotary Club of Youngstown, the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley, and the Youngstown Press Club.
Married for 30+ years, Aundréa and her husband Mark have five children, six exchange student daughters, and an ever-growing collection of pets. An award-winning polka dancer and devoted fan of detective fiction, she brings energy, imagination, and a deep sense of place to everything she does.
Project Management
Kim Dobrzynski
Director Client Success
Kim brings a wealth of experience in marketing and communications, paired with a strong work ethic and an energetic, solutions-oriented mindset. Her “can-do” attitude and passion lies in helping brands amplify their message and connect authentically with their audiences.
Throughout her career, Kim has built a reputation for developing strong, lasting relationships—with clients, vendors, and internal teams alike. She’s a firm believer in the power of community engagement, brand storytelling, and aligning marketing efforts with broader business goals. As Client Success Manager at Marquee, Kim plays a key role in ensuring our clients receive exceptional support, strategic insight, and consistent results.
Originally from New Jersey, Kim relocated to the mountains of West Virginia in 2017, where she lives with her husband Jim and their loyal border collie, Hope. A proud mom of three grown children, Kim enjoys traveling, spending time with family, taking long walks, and savoring great Italian food.
Angela Wilborn
Operations & Admin Coordinator
Angela brings a detail-oriented and proactive approach to supporting MARQUEE’s operations. As the Operations and Administrative Coordinator, she plays a key role in managing day-to-day administrative and operational functions, helping ensure the business runs smoothly behind the scenes.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and brings a strong background in marketing and team support. Angela excels at streamlining operations, managing communications, and maintaining organized, efficient workflows that keep teams aligned and productive.
Outside of MARQUEE, Angela enjoys crocheting, listening to music, and spending quality time with her family. She values creativity and relaxation in her free time, often using these moments to recharge and stay inspired.
Creative & Web
Sharisse Steber
Graphic Designer
Sharisse brings decades of nationally recognized creative experience to MARQUEE. Her work has earned more than 30 industry awards, including 11 ADDYs and honors from the Washington, D.C., Art Directors Club and Illustrator’s Club.
Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Print Magazine’s Design Annual, Graphis Design Annual, HOW Magazine, and numerous commercial art and design books. Her portfolio also includes packaging design for the Grammy-winning John Work, III CD and the Mississippi John Hurt Discovery recordings.
Sharisse studied design, history, and creative writing in London, Glasgow and Florence and earned her degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
She lives in Nashville with her son and, when she’s not designing, can usually be found hiking or climbing a mountain.
Robyn Lazich
Graphic Designer
Robyn Lazich is a creative Graphic Designer with over 20 years of experience producing effective visual solutions across print and digital platforms. A lifelong resident of the Youngstown area, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Advertising and Graphic Design from Youngstown State University.
She specializes in logo design, branding, typography, and print production, with strong expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and marketing platforms. Robyn has worked with organizations including The Business Journal and The Vindicator Printing Company, creating marketing materials and managing projects from concept through final production.
Known for her versatility, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects, Robyn is committed to delivering high-quality work and building strong client relationships. Her contributions have been recognized with awards such as Support Person of the Year and The Most Versatile Award.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and trying new foods.
Olivia Diemert
Associate Graphic Designer
Olivia Diemert brings a colorful, energetic, and inventive approach to her work at MARQUEE. Known for her strong communication skills and thoughtful problem-solving abilities, she approaches creative challenges with curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to experiment. She thrives in collaborative environments and is always eager to explore new ideas, tools, and creative opportunities.
In addition to her role at MARQUEE, Olivia operates her own small business, Olive Socks Shop, where she creates and sells handmade crochet pieces. Managing her own brand has given her firsthand experience in social media marketing, visual identity development, customer engagement, and small business management.
Olivia’s creative background spans multiple disciplines, including design, illustration, typography, photography, and animation. She also works at Kent State University’s Design Innovation Hub, where she assists students and community members in prototyping and producing projects using emerging technologies such as laser cutters, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, and dye sublimation equipment.
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys crocheting, playing violin, camping, traveling with family, and spending time with friends. Her passion for creativity extends beyond the workplace, shaping both her personal interests and professional perspective.
Lennon Samuels-Morgan
Associate Graphic Designer
Lennon Samuels-Morgan brings a fresh, creative perspective and a strong passion for thoughtful design to the MARQUEE team. Her work is driven by curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to explore unconventional ideas – qualities that allow her to approach projects with originality and creative depth.
With experience across a variety of design mediums, Lennon enjoys the process of transforming concepts into visually compelling work that aligns with brand identity and audience engagement. She is particularly drawn to hands-on creative problem-solving and values the balance between artistic exploration and strategic communication.
At MARQUEE, Lennon supports the creative team through the development and execution of print and digital design projects, contributing a strong attention to detail, collaborative mindset, and eagerness to continue growing within a fast-paced agency environment. In her free time, she loves photographing nature and storms. She also enjoys reading thrilling horror novels and listening to alternative music for entertainment.
Her evolving body of work reflects a commitment to creativity, adaptability, and meaningful visual storytelling.
Tony Jackson
IT Specialist
Tony brings more than 25 years’ experience to the company in all areas of information technology. He is a multi-disciplined web designer, specializing in the key areas required to conceptualize, build, launch, host and ensure the success of a website.
From director of information services in manufacturing and higher education to creating and running a website design and hosting firm, Tony is committed to building long-term relationships with his clients to ensure a positive experience for all involved parties.
Outside of MARQUEE, Tony coaches girls’ soccer, is owner and driver of a multi-car race team. He enjoys camping with his family in the off-season.
Kaila Anderson
Web Optimization Specialist
Kaila is a detail-oriented, user-centered technology professional passionate about bringing creative ideas to life through web development and optimization. She brings hands-on experience implementing responsive page layouts, conducting quality assurance testing, and optimizing performance.
With a background in computer science and web design, Kaila has used tools such as HTML/CSS, WordPress, Figma, and Adobe Creative Cloud to create engaging, efficient web experiences. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, graduating summa cum laude, with a focus on creative applications of technology.
Outside of MARQUEE, Kaila enjoys developing mobile games, reading, and expressing herself through art.
Digital & Social
Anthony Fusco
Digital Marketing Director
Anthony is a digital strategist and media specialist whose creativity, technical expertise, and collaborative mindset have elevated MARQUEE’s digital marketing capabilities. With a strong ability to connect big-picture strategy to hands-on execution, he consistently delivers innovative solutions that drive engagement and measurable results.
Since joining MARQUEE, Anthony has played a key role in advancing digital campaigns across a wide range of clients. From modernizing legacy outreach to developing high-performance funnels and e-commerce platforms, his work reflects a deep understanding of audience behavior, platform fluency, and performance metrics. His refreshed content strategies and social media innovations have helped clients remain relevant and grow their digital presence.
In addition to leading content production and account management, Anthony contributes to strategic initiatives such as the proposed “Ohio, The Heart of it All” merchandise platform. He brings expertise in visual storytelling, analytics, and platform integration, and is proficient in tools including Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics.
Anthony holds a B.A. in Digital Marketing and Media Production from Baldwin Wallace University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Communication Studies at Kent State University. His commitment to evolving platforms and experience design makes him an invaluable asset to MARQUEE and its clients.
Alex Piper
Social Media Coordinator
Alex is a creative, detail-oriented marketing professional passionate about helping brands expand their reach through strategic storytelling and digital engagement. He brings hands-on experience in content creation, communications, and brand development, supported by leadership roles in Kappa Alpha Zeta, a professional business fraternity focused on marketing and communications. Alex is currently completing his studies in marketing and strategic leadership and management at Ohio University.
Outside of MARQUEE, he enjoys following his favorite sports teams and spending time with friends.
Advertising & Data
John Fahnert
Media Buyer
John brings more than 30 years of expertise in media buying, business development, and strategic advertising to his role as Media Planner at MARQUEE Creatives. A seasoned negotiator, he has built strong relationships with media outlets across the Midwest and developed highly effective buying strategies that deliver measurable results for clients.
John’s background includes advertising roles at WKBN, WYTV, Keynote Media Group, and the U.S. Army, where he honed his skills in media planning, campaign development, and client service. His deep understanding of the Mahoning Valley audience—shaped by years of leadership and civic engagement—allows him to craft targeted campaigns that resonate with the community.
A former president of the Rotary Club of Youngstown, John has also served on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown and the WYSU Citizens Advisory Board. He holds a degree in Economics and Political Science from Youngstown State University, with a focus on urban studies.
John is a graduate of Sebring McKinley High School and remains actively involved in his community. He lives in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, and brings a passion for service, strategy, and storytelling to the MARQUEE team.
Mitchell Hill
Digital Advertising
Mitchell brings a relationship-driven approach and deep expertise in digital advertising to MARQUEE, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex media landscape and identify the right channels to reach their audiences.
With experience spanning programmatic advertising, search, CTV, social media, out-of-home, and omnichannel campaigns, he has worked with businesses of all sizes to develop performance-driven media strategies. His background includes digital sales and marketing operations with Simpli.fi as well as experience representing both traditional and advanced digital advertising platforms. He has built a reputation for translating complex media options into clear, practical strategies clients can understand and act on.
Before entering advertising, Mitchell worked in healthcare and firefighting — an unconventional path that helped shape his ability to connect with just about anyone.
When he’s not talking media strategy, he enjoys time with his wife, family, friends, and dog Winston, woodworking, doodling, and faithfully following the Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State.
Matt Abramowski
CRM Data Coordinator
Matt brings over 15 years of nonprofit experience to MARQUEE Creatives, where he serves as a Data Systems Specialist supporting client growth through organized, actionable insights. He is passionate about helping organizations use their data to attract, engage, and retain funders, customers, and stakeholders—bridging the gap between raw information and meaningful strategy.
Highly organized and solutions-oriented, Matt leads MARQUEE’s efforts in data retrieval, list management, and system optimization. He ensures that data is clean, current, and structured for strategic use. Whether managing large datasets, evaluating software tools, or training staff on data systems, Matt brings a thoughtful, puzzle-solving mindset to every task. He is experienced with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and has a growing knowledge of donor and CRM platforms.
Matt’s professional philosophy—centered on meeting client needs rather than chasing sales—was shaped early on during his high school job at a family-owned shoe store. That same values-driven approach now guides his work with mission-based organizations.
Outside of MARQUEE, Matt finds his greatest joy in being a husband to his wife Kathy and a devoted dad to their three daughters: Hannah, Gabriella, and Bridgette. He enjoys biking, golf, and exploring authentic Polish cuisine in his spare time.
Content & Writing
Valentine J. Brkich
Staff Writer
Val Brkich is a seasoned writer and editor who brings a sharp editorial eye and a gift for storytelling to his role at MARQUEE. He specializes in crafting clear, compelling web content that helps clients articulate their message and connect authentically with their audiences.
With a B.S. in English from Westminster College and more than a decade of professional writing experience, Val excels at translating complex ideas into accessible, engaging copy across websites, marketing materials, and email campaigns. He guides clients through the full content development process—from uncovering their core story to refining copy that reflects both voice and vision.
Val is passionate about humanizing brand messaging and aligning it with strategic goals. Known for his attention to tone, grammar, and structure, he brings both creative insight and editorial precision to every project.
Outside of MARQUEE, Val shares his personal essays and humor writing on valthewriter.substack.com and has authored over a dozen books. He also helps aspiring authors achieve their publishing goals through ghostwriting and editorial support.
Bella Khoury
Newsletter Editor
Bella brings a strong foundation in business operations, digital engagement, and content creation to her role as Newsletter Editor at MARQUEE Creatives. Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Operations Management at The Ohio State University, she combines academic insight with real-world experience to deliver compelling, brand-aligned communications.
Bella has hands-on expertise in social media strategy and customer engagement from her work with wellness brand HOTWORX, where she helped drive digital interaction and community connection. Her entrepreneurial spirit emerged early when she launched BellaBakes, an at-home baking business that blended creativity with client service.
Known for her energy, professionalism, and collaborative mindset, Bella is passionate about keeping audiences informed and inspired through thoughtful storytelling. At MARQUEE, she contributes fresh ideas and meaningful content that support our clients’ goals and strengthen engagement.
Alexis Watkins
Newsletter Editor
Alexis is a skilled communicator and strategic storyteller who leads the planning, writing, and editing of engaging email marketing campaigns for MARQUEE’s nonprofit clients—ensuring each newsletter is not only visually compelling but also aligned with brand goals and audience engagement strategies.
With a strong foundation in content creation and editorial work, Alexis manages the entire content lifecycle—from collaborating with clients to gather stories to finalizing layouts and selecting visuals. She is known for her sharp attention to detail, creative instincts, and ability to humanize messaging in ways that build meaningful connections with readers.
Alexis holds a degree in Communication Studies from Baldwin Wallace University, where she also studied marketing, English, and psychology. She is committed to staying ahead of digital communication trends and continues to develop her expertise in email marketing tools such as Constant Contact, A/B testing, and audience segmentation.
Outside of work, Alexis enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her two cats. She brings a thoughtful, organized, and audience-first mindset to every project she touches.
Events
Carissa Renninger
Event Specialist
Carissa brings more than a decade of experience in event planning and food service to her role at MARQUEE. With a strong background in restaurant operations, catering hospitality, and high-end weddings, she is known for executing seamless, detail-driven events that elevate the guest experience. Her work reflects a deep understanding of both logistics and client service—ensuring every event is as memorable as it is well-organized.
In addition to her event expertise, Carissa holds an MBA with a focus on leadership and team development. She is passionate about building strong teams and mentoring emerging leaders, applying that same focus to both her professional and volunteer roles.
Outside of MARQUEE, Carissa stays active in her Western Pennsylvania community. She serves as Sponsorship & Communications Chair for the Wilmington Area Soccer Club, is a dedicated Girl Scouts Troop Leader and Cub Scout Den Leader, and volunteers as a Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School leader at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. She also coaches youth baseball and softball alongside her husband, and loves spending time at the ballfields with their two children.
Rick Schilling
Event Designer
Following his retirement from higher education, Rick continued his creative career in special events, bringing more than 20 years of experience in event design and production to weddings, private celebrations, and corporate events.