ABOUT

Learn how we redefine higher education
and professional development.

OUR Mission

Orange Umbrella functions as living, growing business and a student collective of experiential education beyond the classroom. Oranges become familiar with the professional world by working with real clients under the guidance of our Advisory Board and seasoned alumni. Strong client relations and internal structure ensure members are immersed in a collaborative business environment that prepares us to jumpstart our careers. Combining professionalism with curiosity and creativity fuels our pursuit of innovation and untapped ideas. It’s why we’re unfazed by unfamiliarity. It’s how we’re constantly growing and serving the freshest ideas to our clients.

OUR LEADERS

MJ Barnes

Managing Director

Melissa Jane Barnes is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and real-world experience.

MJ (AKA the Lara Croft of Orange Umbrella) began her advertising career in Miami at CP+B, one of the most well known agencies in the industry. She managed culture-shifting campaigns for iconic brands like Volkswagen, MetLife, and American Express Travel.

At the University of Miami, MJ utilizes real-world, agency-style techniques to train and teach students. MJ began serving in her role as Managing Director of Orange Umbrella and the Koenigsberg & Nadal Interactive Media Center in the Fall of 2016.

MJ attributes her success at the University of Miami to her best friend and sidekick, Captain.

Alessia Petricca

Creative Director

Allie Finkl

Co-Director of Social & Designer

Alyssa Miller

Director of Operations

Angelo Candelario

Director of Business Development

Ayden Roche

Account Director

Elle Kakaletris

VP of Business Development

Emily Chiong

Director of Photography

James Coccaro

VP of Creative (Design)

Jared Harwin

Director of Insights and Analytics

Jennifer Vega

Director of Videography

Julia Sackett

Account Director

Julie Schoen

Director of Public Relations

Lena Bruscato

Co-Director of Social & Copywriter

Mallory Garber

VP of Creative (Copywriting)

Margaret Christovich

Director of Interactive Media

Max Schwartz

VP of Public Relations

Mia Porter

Director of DEIB

Olivia Fox

VP of Strategy and Insights

OUR STAFF

Alex Berman

Social Media Copywriter

Alex Maruca

Project Manager

Allie Salvucci

Photographer

Ally Polner

Project Manager

Amber Quettan

Copywriter

Ashleigh Lloyd

Account Manager

Briana Vargas

Public Relations Strategist

Captain Barnes

Furry Chief Officer

Dina Sarwani

Business Consultant

Gaby Acherman

UX/UI Designer

Gaby Garcia

Account Manager

Geethika Kataru

Videographer

Heath Ruchman

Strategist

Jake Tessler

Business Consultant

Jay Hurst

Designer

Jonathan Macchiaroli

Business Consultant

Joya Lahoud

Employee Coordinator

Kayla Soyer

Public Relations Strategist

Kumani Riley

Project Manager

Madeline Earle

Social Media Strategist

Maya Allison

Insights and Analytics

Michael Marino

Business Consultant

Michelle Bogaert Tavares

Public Relations Strategist

Nicole Reyes

Project Manager

Nicollette Wong

Employee Coordinator

Pheobe Klein

Designer

Phoebe Oyana

Financial Advisor

Raphael Vulcain

Business Consultant

Roxy Shafiezadeh

Financial Advisor

Sami Frankel

Social Media Strategist

Sharron Lou

Photographer

Shivani Koka

Web Designer

Sophia Savitz

Copywriter

Sophia Sturek

Public Relations Strategist

Ysabella Maldonado

Account Manager