STRATEGIES - Key Persons
BIO
Since a very young age, Alejandra has had a passion for creating art. And it was in college when she developed a new interest in design, as it amazed her that design can be found in everything we perceive. It was then when she realized graphic design was a profession that cohesively mixed both aspirations, and she set out to graduate from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. Alejandra is originally from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, but she has lived in San Diego for almost half of her life, trying to pursue her American Dream. Even though she loves her country, and still visits, she believes this was a better path for her. Another one of her passions is food; eating and cooking new recipes, trying to create something equally delightful and creative. She also enjoys traveling to explore new cultures through their flavors and their traditions. When traveling is not an option, you can find her trying new places to eat and visiting museums on both sides of the border.
BIO
Growing up, Alyssa's favorite thing to do was read. Anywhere her parents would let her, she could be found curled up with a good book. Throughout the years, this love for reading ignited a passion for writing that has stuck with her ever since. The effect that words can have on people has always amazed her. Born and raised in Santa Clarita, California, just outside of Los Angeles, Alyssa enjoyed the best of both worlds with a comfortable suburban town and bustling city just a short drive away. Living so close to one of the most popular destinations in the world, an adventure was always just a day away! Whether slurping noodles at a new ramen restaurant, spending the day strolling through The Getty, or attending Lakers games with her parents, the idea that "there's always something to do" was a way of life for her. When it came time for college, Alyssa knew two things: she wanted to write and she wanted to find a new city to explore! Alyssa attended San Diego State University and earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Media Studies with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Recreation and Tourism Management. For Alyssa, San Diego was love at first sight, and she is positive it's her forever home. In her free time, she loves to explore the food and nightlife scene, see new movies and go thrift shopping. Alyssa is elated to be joining the Alt Strat family as a Media Relations Coordinator and can't wait for what's to come!
BIO
Jessica's strong sense of adventure brought her halfway across the country, from Kansas City, Missouri, where she was born and raised. She packed only what fit into her mid-sized car, including her two younger sisters, and headed west for the Golden State. Having always dreamt of living in California, she enjoys the year-round perfect weather with trips to the beach, finding new places to hike, requesting patio seating at restaurants whenever available, and bringing her trusty "sidekick" (dog) Kona along for it all.
Jessica graduated from Truman State University with her BA in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing and a Minor in Psychology.
While serving as the school's Homecoming Committee public relation's chair, she quickly discovered her interest and aptitude for communication and relationship building. Jessica further developed these skills, and discovered a hidden passion for writing in her most recent career in the event planning industry.
Being raised by a left-brain, business-minded father and a right-brain, creative-thinking mom, Jessica brings her ability to see and understand a wide array of viewpoints and is able to incorporate the best of both ways of thinking. She is beyond excited to be a part of the Alternative Strategies team and bring along her enthusiasm, desire to problem solve and her overall zest for life!
BIO
Juan Fran Blanco (a.k.a. John White, as he's known by his American friends) came from almost 6,000 miles away to Alternative Strategies in order to grow up professionally as a graphic designer and give a helpful hand to the team in everything he can possibly do.
Originally from Málaga, Spain, he has a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising and Public Relations and has specialized in Graphic and Web design with two Master's degrees. Graphic design has always been his passion, even though he didn't know that what he liked to do in his free time while he was in high school was called "graphic design."
He worked on the East Coast before, and has a passion for America's multiple ways of life. He admits he has a big ‘traveling addiction' and loves exploring new places he has never been before.
BIO
Mark joined Alternative Strategies in April 2022 as a Media Relations Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience working with local, national, and international media. The San Diego native and Scripps Ranch High School graduate worked in the baseball industry for 18 years, beginning with the hometown Padres as a member of the spirit-inducing Pad Squad. His other stops included the Boston Red Sox (where he earned a World Series ring in 2004), Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the minor-league Rochester (NY) Red Wings in various public relations roles. While baseball is often considered to be America's National Pastime, Mark believes dining out is deserving of the same moniker and is excited to be working with so many great restaurants and breweries. While ballgames are a timeless tradition, his ideal night out is a nice dinner with family or friends. Mark considers himself a writer first and foremost. His passion for penning words came to fruition while attending a journalism summer camp at Northwestern University's prestigious Medill School of Journalism, where he studied media and integrated marketing communications prior to his senior year of high school. He went on to attend Boston University, where he earned a B.S. in Communications. Mark is well versed in various styles of writing. He has even taken a crack at song writing with his tune, "This Isn't A Love Song (Curved Pinkies)" that was professionally recorded by a local artist and later turned into a music video. Mark enjoys listening to Country music, going on Caribbean cruises, and taking long walks on the beach (no joke!). He and his wife Marisa reside in Mission Valley. They were married in February 2022 at a winery in Temecula.
BIO
Rita is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and moved to San Diego in 2020. She graduated with honors from The Pennsylvania State University - "we are!"
Rita joined the AltStrat family in November of 2021. She loves creating events & promotions to drive participation and sales growth for her clients. She also loves her colleagues, with whom she is also great friends with!
She has previously done marketing for QVC (the television retailer) and Sodexo.
Outside of work, Rita loves attending Broadway shows and concerts, trying different restaurants, watching Eagles games (go birds!) and spending time with family and friends.
BIO
A seasoned Social Media Manager with extensive experience in digital marketing. Originally from Indiana, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of trading the Midwest for the laid-back SoCal lifestyle, where he has proudly called home for the past sixteen years.
Ryne earned his Bachelor's Degree in Telecommunications with a minor in Business & Marketing from Indiana University. With over fourteen years in the field, his career has spanned various industries including automotive, non-profits, and hospitality.
Outside of work, Ryne enjoys a diverse range of interests. He channels his culinary creativity as a self-proclaimed home chef and expresses his artistic side through photography and graphic design. A dedicated advocate for health and fitness, Ryne recently set a personal goal to resume competitive swimming with the US Masters, reflecting his ongoing pursuit of physical excellence and personal growth.
Job Titles:
- Social Media Manager
- Social Media / Marketing Coordinator
BIO
Whether it's photography, cooking or abstract art - Sandra has always had a hands-on approach to life. Growing up in Berlin, Germany, the hustle and bustle of the city created the perfect environment for her to explore those creative avenues and to work with a wide variety of people.
With a bachelor's degree in International Business and Marketing, Sandra's people-oriented approach led her to create customer-centric marketing strategies for manufacturing companies in the U.S. and Germany, as well as an eCommerce start-up.
Sandra has a passion for connecting brands with their clients and creating long-lasting and meaningful relationships through social media and content creation.
Her studies in international business originally brought her to San Diego, where it was love at first sight. During that time Sandra started to explore the area's wide variety of local restaurants and rock-climbing gyms.
BIO
Walter Wilson is currently photographing restaurants and commercial work out of his hometown of San Diego where he lives with his beautiful wife Ashley and English Bulldog Bruno. In addition to Alternative Strategies clients, he has also shot for many other brands- including Jack in the Box, Rubio's, Nike, LG Samsung, and Nixon. Walter's work has been featured in blogs, publications, and magazines ranging from The Knot, INSTYLE magazine, Bridal Guide Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, Style me Pretty, San Diego Weddings, Wine Country Weddings, Pacific Magazine, Sonoma Weddings Magazine and many more.
BIO
William founded the agency in 2000. He has over 20 years of experience in marketing and PR, specializing in retail, automotive, and franchises, and has won national recognition for marketing and PR campaigns he has created. William holds a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing and a master's and a doctorate in Education from Northwestern University-Chicago, along with a certification in Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence from Stanford University. He gained significant marketing and PR expertise during his tenure at such noted companies as Nordstrom's, Enterprise Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, Nine West, and Planet Hollywood. Working for these companies gave him an inside look at franchise-based organizations, business-to-business and business-to-consumer advertising, and large-scale marketing implementation. William also believes in giving back to his community. He currently serves as the board President for North Park Main Street and a board member for the PRSA San Diego Chapter. William was also appointed to the San Diego County Sheriff's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council.