Over the last 18 years, Brooklyn-based Publicist, Rhea Smith, has created, coordinated and executed successful media/branding strategies, increased institutional exposure through community outreach and programming, developed strong media relationships and creatively negotiated traditional/non-traditional advertising campaigns and contracts while working at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Brookly
n Children's Museum, Bed-Stuy Restoration Corp. and Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts in varied capacities. She has worked with artists/companies and talent booking agencies like, Arturo O’Farrell, The Mighty Sparrow, David Rudder, Freddie McGregor, Machel Montano, Barrington Levy, Mr. Vegas, Luciano, dancehall legend - King Yellowman, Freddie Jackson, Bill Cosby, Isaac Hayes, Savion Glover, Gregory Hinds, Ben Vereen, Ky-mani Marley (Dear Dad book signing, Love Over All Foundation and Museum literacy program reading), Le Ballet National du Senegal, St. Petersburg Ballet, Dance Cuba, Tango Flamenco, Brad Simon and William Morris. Her community projects includes work with the Caribbean Cultural Center of New York, West Indian American Day Carnival Association NY (WIADCA), NYC Administration for Children's Services, NYC Council, U.S. Congress, NYS Senator, Brooklyn Borough President and NYS Assembly representatives and NY Daily News 2013 Mayoral Debates. Smith is the Founder/CEO of FUNSATION4 Media - a special events/media management and production company, founded under the mission of producing uniquely themed cultural, socially driven and quality entertainment events/projects. Collaborations/co-productions/events include: Caribbean Tales - New York Film Showcase (Canada), Caribbean Cultural Theater, Brooklyn’s Best Jumpin’ JazzFest, Kiddies Carnival Fiesta, Circle of Love Dad’s & Daughters Valentine’s Ball, WORD UP! reading series, ringing of the New York Stock Exchange opening bell (February 2011), the U.S. Virgin Islands Inaugural Ball (2009) - the only inaugural ball representing Washington’s Caribbean Diaspora during the U.S. Presidential Inauguration weekend and the historical NY debut of Reggae in Symphony (October 2007). Smith also founded the United Islands of the Caribbean - an organization responsible for the planning, coordination and presentation of Virginia’s first Caribbean Carnival in Richmond. In June 2015, Ms. Smith was selected by the Brooklyn Borough President to serve as a Brooklyn Ambassador and in 2012, Ms. Smith was awarded Sesame Flyers, Inc. Bridge Builder Award for her extensive work in the community and currently she is completing the documentary entitled One Family - a reality based, television, cultural, docu-trip, highlighting the differences and similarities in traditions, culture, music styles and influences between Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago in an effort to educate, identify and unify. She also continues to facilitate Bridging the Gap Caribbean Youth Initiative - developed to "bridge the gap" between international companies based in the Caribbean and non-profit organizations (that service youth) by funding, supporting and strengthening programs and outreach throughout the Caribbean (ex: Cyril Ross Nursery- Trinidad & Love Over All Foundation Jamaica).
