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Charisse Barnachea

Senior PR & Communications Lead
Charisse Barnachea

Charisse Barnachea

Senior PR & Communications Lead

Charisse Barnachea is the Senior PR & Communications Lead at Mekky Media Relations, where she oversees both client and agency communications. In her expanded role, she leads key client accounts — including the agency’s longest-standing and largest partnerships, such as Abt Electronics, Craig Bolanos, and the American Library Association — while also driving Mekky Media’s own marketing and public relations efforts, including those for the agency’s founder, Michelle Mekky.

With a strategic and collaborative approach, Charisse guides teams in developing and executing thoughtful communications plans that elevate brands and deliver measurable results. Her media relations expertise has earned placements in top local, regional, and national outlets, including The TODAY Show, FOX & Friends, Entrepreneur, USA Today, Business Insider, Chicago Tribune and Chicago magazine, among others.

Charisse also plays a key role in driving strategy for Elevated by Mekky Media, the agency’s sister company that focuses on media training, public speaking coaching and professional development. She is also heavily involved in Mekky Media’s media training services, helping clients strengthen their messaging, confidence and on-camera presence through customized, real-world guidance.

In addition to her client and agency leadership, Charisse serves as Mekky Media’s DEI Lead, a role she has held since 2024. She partners closely with a consultant to design and implement workshops and initiatives focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring these values remain at the heart of Mekky Media’s culture year-round.

Before joining Mekky Media, Charisse worked at boutique PR firms in Chicago and at Yelp, where she developed her skills in strategic communications, brand positioning, community engagement and influencer relations. She is a graduate of Bradley University, where she earned her B.A. in Communications (Public Relations concentration) with a minor in Family & Consumer Sciences.

Outside of work, Charisse enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, exploring new dining experiences, discussing pop culture and listening to live music.