Rona Mercado is our next spotlight feature this week for FAHM. As a Chief Marketing Officer at Cashmere, a marketing agency, she's gained 20 years of experience in her field and created countless of campaigns. She was recently recognized by AdAge in their Women to Watch in 2020 and this year, she is a Campaign US 2021 Championing Change Female Frontier Honoree for her contributions in the industry. Let's get to know more about Rona Mercado.
1. Rona helped launch the Nice Sweater division at Cashmere
According to PR Newswire, she oversaw the launch of Nice Sweater, a digital events division. With everything that happened during the pandemic moving all events digitally, the division focused on altering the way brands connected with consumers by taking client experiences virtually. They'll be giving the experience of in-person events, parties, and performances in a virtual setting.
2. She began her career in the music industry
As Rona will lead the marketing, advertising and strategic communications initiatives for the organization's brand as CMO, Rona will be focusing on client health and growth. Before her time at Cashmere, Rona began a career in the music industry working with notable artists like: Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Jadakiss, Wu-Tang Clan and Mos Def. During that time, she also created and produced a SIRIUS XM show and managed a DJ collective.
3. The San Diego native also lends her time as an advisor to organizations
From her hometown to graduating from CSU Long Beach, she's a SoCal resident through and through. Rona sits on the board of directors of Street Poets, a Los Angeles non-profit organization that helps at-risk-youth connect with their authentic selves through poetry and art. She is also on the Advisory Council for Orthopedic Institute for Children.
4. She was the first employee at Cashmere
"When I joined the agency, the first employee, the vision was to become the go-to agency for brand and entertainment clients...Now we're a mid-size agency made up of 75 percent people of color and 55 percent women. There's a high demand for our knowledge and expertise that's socially-driven and deeply rooted in culture. That's why we're working with some of the biggest brands in the world and we look forward to continuing that growth in 2021," Rona tells PR Newswire.
5. She really maintains a work-life balance
Outside of work, Rona enjoys riding her bike, indulging in amazing eats, finding the best coffee roasts in town and spending time with family. She also owns a very impressive collection of signed vinyl records and hip-hop memorabilia, spanning from Eric B. & Rakim to Kanye West.
Rona Mercado is definitely someone to look up. We are excited to see what else is in store for her and her team over at Cashmere.
Cover Photo Credit: Cashmere Agency
