About Steve Stop Boring Us! Punctuation Junction Marketing Network Forum College: TWU

 

Steve Toms' Marketing Network Forum

e-bios | where talent and opportunity connect

MNF partners are invited to post a profile

It's  provided to each guest speaker before each event, and often it will be posted
for networking purposes at various events. Partners always bring  business cards.

Copy the following format text. Click here to open an email message. Paste the text
and complete your profile. Before sending, please type  "MNF bio" in the subject line.

MNF Partner Profile: (First/Last name as it will appear on your event nametag)

Currently, I'm (current job title and short description of what you do)

When not at work, I (several of your favorite activities)

I'm most interested in (what would you like to know more about)

Want to contact another partner? Email Steve. He'll forward your message.

< back

bios: alphabetically by last name

A-B-C-D-E

Steven Amaya

...at your service. I am currently in the promotional products industry assisting my clients fine tune their target audience.  So much so that we can target an individual to receive a message and deliver it with laser beam accuracy!  In less than 10 years TCB Specialties has molded itself into a promotional agency. 

Some interesting on-going projects are MD Anderson Blood Banks, MD Anderson Children's Art Project and NASA's 50th Anniversary. I have a wife, Christina, a daughter, Gabrielle and recently twin boys! Huntly & Brady that I love to love. 

When I am not working I love to be outside.  It really does not matter what I'm doing just enjoying the weather is enough.

I am most interested in seeing what the future holds.   I thoroughly enjoy analyzing ... statistical data, U.S. Census #s, fashion trends, color trends, body language., etc.  Traditional media seems to be losing dollars, but yet still a necessity.  New technology media ... is that really the future? 

EMAIL (posted by request):  samaya@tcbspecialties.com


Myris Brown

Currently, I'm a Senior Intellectual Property Litigation Paralegal for an oilfield services company.  I manage lawsuits and assertions (accusations before lawsuits) between us and companies who do similar work, when we think they are infringing on our patents or they think we are infringing on their patents.

When not at work, I spend time with my husband, stepdaughter and my Westie. I am a health news junkie.  I watch it on TV and surf the Internet for it. If I could start over again I’d become a personal trainer.  I like to play pool, throw horseshoes, exercise and read.

I'm most interested in becoming more knowledgeable about American politics.  I went on a Barcelona study tour and it seems that the rest of the world is more knowledgeable and interested in American politics than most Americans. I think that’s shameful.


RaShonda Brown

Currently, I'm a former teacher who is working at home organizing a school for inner city children.  I was given a vision two years ago to open Enrichment Through Exposure Career School.  E. T. E.  is a non-traditional, hands-on, interactive Christian-based middle and high school that is designed to open doors to endless opportunities for inner-city students who have the potential but lack
the resources. 

When not at work, I spend time with my husband and daughter, but mainly at the computer organizing the school. This is my passion and desire. Under the guidance of God, I have dedicated my whole life to this school.  As a teacher it hurts to see children who have brilliant minds but nowhere to develop them.

I'm most interested in learning more on how to market this school effectively | to donors.

I have a strong opinion when it comes to children who have the potential to succeed but lack the wisdom and resources to do so. 


L. Monica Canales

Currently, I'm in transition to become a Marketing and Communications Consultant. With more than 15 years experience in Marketing and Public Relations, I seek to help companies leverage the strength of their assets (including employee's strengths) through strategic communications. After a 1 year leave with my second baby, I'm ready to roll up my sleeves again and get back to work.

When not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, such as playing, singing and dancing with my daughters, chatting and cuddling with my husband, and conversing with extended family and friends. Whenever alone, I enjoy practicing my organizational skills, cooking and reading. 

I'm most interested in the effects of change in people. I've been learning about change management and I'm fascinated at how so many companies work towards improving their corporate structure only to have their investments go to waste due to lack of communication and proper implementation. I would love to be regarded as an expert at aligning employees with corporate objectives to achieve increased productivity and enhance revenue.

F-G-H-I-J

Janet Joshua

Currently, I help people to make informed decisions about their insurance needs. I am an Insurance Agent, and I love it. I changed careers after working in the travel industry for 16 years. 

 When not at work, I am either reading, exercising, or gardening.

I am interesting in listening to people's opinions on current affairs, and traveling.

I have a strong opinion when people believe their ideas or opinions are superior to others. I believe that everyone should be given a chance to express themselves. Sometimes great ideas comes from people that are the least expected.

K-L-M-N-O

MaryJane Mudd

Currently, I'm Principal of Full Tilt Communications, a strategic marketing and public relations business committed to providing its clients with results-driven integrated business communication and development solutions. Specialties include marketing and public affairs planning and execution; media relations and crisis communications training; copywriting and executive speech writing; and presentation skills training and executive speech coaching.

 

When not at work, I enjoy managing a crazy household with three kids, three dogs, two cats, a husband, and friends in and out like we have a revolving door.  Life is also made richer by reading, entertaining, travel, stimulating conversations with colleagues and staying on top of current affairs. Advocacy for the disabled is high on my list as well, as our teenage daughter has a genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis complex.

I'm most interested in new and better ways of doing the things I do.  Be it client service, marketing or public affairs strategies, communications tools and tricks of the trade, improved networking, balancing work and life….all of it.  I’m open to new ideas and points of view; I relish the energy that comes from learning new things and sharing them with others.


Tamara Nicholl-Smith

Currently, I'm: A Senior Consultant at Enaxis Consulting specializing in organizational and behavior change management for Fortune 100 & 500 companies. I also act as the environmental sustainability champion for my firm and I am a member of our marketing team.

When not at work, I: Write poetry, reading, attend 2Star Symphony shows, unpack and organize at my new house.

I'm most interested in Learning about Green business practices, energy sustainability and security and New Urbanism.

I have a strong opinion when it comes to:  1) The term Human Resources – it makes people sound on par with tar sands or a pile of lumber. 2) Companies shooting themselves in the foot around “Getting the right people on the bus.”  

P-Q-R-S-T

Ilka Rosado 

Currently, I'm a Bilingual Victim Advocate with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.  I offer emotional support, guidance and information to victims and survivors of drunk driving crashes. I have a passion and commitment for delivering quality support to people who would otherwise have given up due to their misfortune.  I enjoy assisting people in their journeys to recovery and empowering them for a more positive future.   

When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 children, cooking, reading, traveling and going to festivals throughout the year. 

I'm most interested in homeopathic medicine, yoga, integrated marketing communications (this topic has really peaked my interest), and am fascinated with self-improvement books.

I have a strong opinion on negativity, its damaging effects, and people who choose not to improve their circumstances.  I believe everyone has the ability to help someone in some way.    


Nathalie Sessions

Currently, I serve as project director for HEADS UP at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – School of Public Health. Health Education And Discovering Science while Unlocking Potential is a project designed to excite middle and high school students about science and health science careers and is funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health. The research center with which we're affiliated (Dell Center for Advancement of Healthy Living) is an obesity prevention research center. This is particularly exciting to me because in addition to working full time, I am also a part-time student, having returned to the classroom to pursue my dream  to become a registered dietician. After recently completing several science course pre-requisites, I will be in my first official nutrition class in fall 2008!

When not at work (or school), I enjoy spending time with friends, lounging by the pool, practicing Anusara yoga, reading, movies, and keeping my eye out for Mr. Right. Love wine/wine bars and am a (healthful!) foodie.

I'm most interested in refreshing my marketing savvy and learning ways to apply effective marketing/communication principles in the field of scientific research (scientists desperately need help with this and look to me as an expert—somewhat concerning since I'm not always the guru they think me to be!)


Brad Smith

Currently I’m the proud father of my six month old son Brock Bear Smith. My wife and I own BootTopPurses.com.  We makes purses out of cowboy boots new and used. Customers send us their old cowboy boots and we send them back made into a sentimental purse.

When I am not at work I enjoy being on the water Rockport, Texas and in the Texas Hill Country working on our land in Wimberley.

I’m most interested in learning how the best father and husband I can be as I am new to both!


Regina F. Smith

Currently, I'm am a Nurse Manager at MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Internal Medicine department.  I am responsible for a staff of ten Nurses and work with Physicians/patients with diseases specific to internal medicine and cancer.

When not at work, I love to read, discuss current events, write short stories and attend science fiction based movies.

I'm most interested in learning new ideas and creative ways to incorporate what I have learned from the business arena into the healthcare environment. I have a strong opinion when it comes to giving excellent customer service. I believe most companies' decline in long term business success is due to poor customer satisfaction i.e. Wal-Mart, and this can be averted by "listening and learning from the customer."


Jacqui Sowell

Currently, I'm a Quality Assurance Coordinator at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. My main objective is to make sure the Transfusion Service adheres to all the rules and regulations of our federal, state and local inspection agencies. Human blood must be tested, preserved and stored in a controlled environment before it can be transfused into a patient. It is my job to ensure that the controls are in place and followed at all times by the staff for the safety of the patients.

When not at work, I love to hang out with my family or go shopping with my friends. I love a good spa day to relax my mind and body at least once a month. I also enjoy reading and needlepoint when time permits. I am currently reading A New Earth and The Pillars of the Earth. Both books are from Oprah's book club and are extremely good.

I'm most interested in living a life of purpose, giving back to my community and enjoying everyday life.


Cindy Stephens

Currently, I'm a writer. I write marketing materials for businesses - full-time for a software company: NetIQ. I edit and authenticate sales collateral, web site content, white papers, event materials, data sheets, conference presentations, company brochures, yada yada yada, and I'm the editor for their two publications. 

My other focus, and growing business is to write for clients on a freelance basis to clearly identify and grow their business, which could include websites, brochures, magazine advertorials, presentations, and anything else we come up with.  

When not at work, work on a 60 year old house, attend jazz festivals, sail, watch old movies, cook, collect wine, read marketing publications and off beat magazines.

I'm most interested in being challenged as a Marketing Communications professional, opening the door to new writing gigs, and retaining my job within a volatile industry.


Steve Toms

Currently, I'm owner of ProComm, helping clients build business through improved communications.

When not at work, I am either swimming my daily mile, consulting with clients, or in the classroom.

I'm most interested in classical music, flying (I'm lucky to have several students who own planes), and finding time to read. Next book: Chip Kidd's The Learners.

I have a strong opinion when it comes to students who cannot distinguish between those who engage in marketing activities, and others who are actually marketing-oriented. I strongly hold that  truly successful marketers got that way by first asking tough questions; then doing whatever was required to take care of their customers.

Steve maintains a presence on both Linkedin and Facebook. Feel free to invite him to join your network.

U-V-W-X-Y-Z

Jessica Walters

Currently, I'm a Marketing Program Manager at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.  My group is responsible for all of the brand and service line marketing and advertising, including TV, radio, print, and online venues.

When not at work, I'm doing homework!  When I graduate, I'll be trying new restaurants, sampling red wine, completing the Sunday crossword puzzle, developing a blog, and volunteering for various arts organizations.

I'm most interested in social networking and utilizing web presence to create awareness/profit for your company; as well as how you started your company.
Did you use VC funding, angel investors, or your own financing?  How did you make that initial leap into business?


Jasmine Williams

Currently, I am  Executive Director of a local non-profit that provides infant formula to families during emergencies— the only such agency in the greater Houston area that does so.

When I’m not at work, I run (have completed a half and full marathon), and read 4-5 books per month.

I am most interested in how different people learn to use their special gifts and talents.

I have a strong opinion when it comes to people not living up to their potential.  I believe everyone was placed on this planet with unique abilities to make it better and it is such a waste to see that so much of the world is not.


Judy Young

Currently, I'm Manager of Development Communications for The Methodist Hospital Foundation, assisting staff and physicians with material that facilitates philanthropy benefiting The Methodist Hospital System; in addition to writing, editing, and mentoring, I enjoy being involved with strategic planning related to Methodist’s fundraising efforts.

When not at work, I read, do homework, watch indie films with my spouse and friends, listen to music, think about exercise, and periodically visit a few local wine bars. Before beginning my MBA, I was also involved in fundraising and communications consulting.

I'm most interested in the exchange of ideas; great music, art, and literature; travel; exploring why people do what they do; having fun; and pursuing the perfect bottle of wine.

I have a strong opinion when it comes to people who have shut off their minds and can’t or won’t learn. I have other strong opinions as well, but I’m more eager to hear those of others than promulgate my own.

< back to MNF homepage  | ^ top | question?

© 2008 | Steve Toms | Marketing Network Forum