Adriana Ware lends her many skills to KQ as Senior Digital Content Strategist in the Atlanta office. A proud native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, she earned a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications from Oklahoma State University and an MBA with a concentration in marketing from Clark Atlanta University. 

Prior to joining team KQ, Adriana gained much of her experience through freelance digital marketing work for small businesses and start-ups. Raised by a family of educators, Adriana is passionate about the clients KQ serves. Due to her upbringing, she is a huge advocate for educators in the public school system and loves to make an impact on the younger generation.

In her spare time, Adriana enjoys outside activities, acting and cuddling with her dog. She loves traveling, collecting Black art and spending time with her friends and family. Adriana has a personality as big and bright as her smile, and she lives by a quote that was often repeated by her grandfather while growing up, “It’s not how you start that counts, it’s how you finish.”

Alisha Tillery is Vice President of Public Relations, Research and Engagement. Her past work experience includes nearly 20 years of agency and nonprofit communications experience, including supervising teams and landing media placements for clients in mainstream outlets, such as ABC News and EBONY Magazine. Leading multiple award-winning integrated communications projects for college and universities and regional public works organizations, she was also named Executive of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America – Memphis Chapter in 2022.

Tillery’s experience also includes nearly 10 years as an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis and freelance writing and journalism. Her writing has appeared in Smithsonian Magazine, Shondaland by Shonda Rhimes and others. 

Alisha earned her undergraduate degree in journalism from Southern University A & M College and her graduate degree in communications from Louisiana State University. 

She enjoys reading, spending time with her family and supporting HBCU marching bands. Alisha serves the community as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and volunteer work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Amy is a passionate storyteller – something she picked up during her nine years as an award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer.  At KQ, she leads a team of creatives as they use research and strategy to find unique ways to tell clients’ stories through social platforms and other digital mediums. She has successfully led some of the company’s top projects and earned honors from the Memphis and Atlanta Chapters of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) as well as the Associated Press. The Wisconsin native lived in Texas, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Tennessee before making her home in Atlanta, Georgia. Amy, of Polish heritage, played on the polka circuit as a member of an Oompah band as well as the flute and handbells at her church. She enjoys exploring Atlanta with her husband and twin boys, snuggling with her chocolate lab and cats, and claims she can fold a fitted sheet better than Martha Stewart. She’s still waiting for Martha to respond to the challenge.

Britany Ivory has provided professional consulting and design services to the Memphis community for nearly a decade. She currently serves KQ as its Operations Coordinator.

Britany holds a bachelor’s degree in business studies and management from Christian Brothers University. She discovered a passion for graphic design and project management while working as a project leader at a local design firm and cultivated operational and project management skills working for notable local and national public health organizations.

The many skills Britany brings to KQ Communications include project management, operational management, workflow development and graphic design. 

Britany grew up in Millington and currently resides in Bartlett with her husband and college sweetheart, Andrew, and their two children, Ava and Bryce. In her free time, Britany loves baking for her family and binge-watching true crime shows.

Eunice Asantewaa Ankomah is an Award Winning Strategic PR and Communications Professional with over a decade of experience in developing and implementing various Corporate Communication Strategies for brands. She is fast carving a niche for herself as a Fintech Communications Strategist owing to her years of experience in developing communications strategies within Ghana’s Financial Technology Industry.

As Corporate Affairs & Communications lead for Ghana’s National Payment Systems Infrastructure Provider, she successfully implemented strategic branding, PR, and marketing communications initiatives that enhanced the visibility and adoption of key digital payment solutions in Ghana. She led the development and implementation of go-to-market strategies for national payment solutions like Ghana’s Instant Payment Solution, Ghana’s Universal QR Code, Mobile Money Interoperability, GhanaPay Mobile Money, ACH Direct Credit NRT among others. She played a leading role in securing international partnerships, managing high-impact industry events and leading thought leadership initiatives.

Eunice is based in Accra Ghana and currently works as full time Communications and Digital Financial Services Consultant.

She holds a Master of Philosophy Degree in Communication & Media Studies, a Certification in Digital Financial Services and Inclusive Instant Payments. She is a Certified Gender Change Maker and a CIPR Accredited PR Practitioner.  She is an advocate for digital literacy, financial inclusion and Fintech Communication.

Eunice is passionate about digital financial literacy, youth and women empowerment. She is an active writer, sharing insights on PR & digital financial services through her Fintech PR Newsletter on LinkedIn. As a columnist for Ghanaweb, News Ghana, Business & Financial Times (BFT), and other news platforms, she provides valuable education on the intersection between communication and financial technology services.

In addition to her writing and advocacy work, Eunice volunteers as the Financial Coordinator for Women in PR Ghana and the Deputy Secretary for Digital Finance Practitioners Ghana. She also volunteers as Communications lead for the African Foundation for Premature babies and Neonatal Care (AFPNC).  

She is married to Stephen Tindi, PhD and they are blessed with two adorable children, Liam Kekeli Tindi and Lily-Ann Aseye Tindi.

Janay Jeans is a Memphis native and graduate of the University of Memphis where she earned a master’s degree in journalism and strategic media and a bachelor’s degree in political science. 

Driven to excel in public relations and storytelling as an Account Executive, Janay brings experience in writing, social media and media relations to her role. 

In 2023, she served as the awards chair for the  Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Memphis chapter. Prior to joining KQ, she worked in communications at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, creating digital art illustrations, reading and playing tennis.

Jermaine Guthrie brings more than 10 years of graphic & web design experience to KQ with a focus on WordPress web development. 

As KQ’s Web Designer, he specializes in bringing our clients’ vision to life, believing that form over function is key in web design. First it has to work, then it must be compelling and beautiful across all devices. 

Jermaine was raised in Brooklyn and the Bronx, where he developed his talents and skills as an all-around artist before earning his bachelor’s degree from Hunter College in New York City. He currently works out of our Atlanta office. Outside of work, Jermaine, a husband and father of three boys, enjoys watching wrestling and sports, as well as spending time with his family.

Joyce McKinney is the Chief of Client Services at KQ Communications, where she leads the firm’s Atlanta office. An award-winning communications strategist, public relations professional, and community engagement leader, Joyce brings extensive experience in corporate communications, public affairs, and strategic partnerships. She has successfully led initiatives for government agencies, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies, including MGM Resorts and Hilton Hotels Corporation, where she directed corporate communications and community outreach that garnered national awards and attention.

Since joining KQ Communications in 2014 after graduating with honors from the University of Memphis, Joyce has played a pivotal role in the firm’s growth and has led numerous award-winning projects. Her ability to anticipate client needs and craft innovative solutions propelled her from Senior Account Executive to Vice President before assuming her current leadership position.

Beyond her professional achievements, Joyce is deeply committed to community service. She actively supports various local initiatives and contributes her time and expertise through her church, The Faith Center in Tucker, GA. With 10 siblings, 27 nieces and nephews, and two godchildren, Joyce is an expert communicator who thrives on connection and making space for the next generation of communicators.

Kailyn Allen is a Memphian through and through. Raised in the historically significant Orange Mound neighborhood, this vibrant Social Media Specialist has more than five years of experience in the ever-evolving landscape of communications. 

Kailyn is passionate about communications with a background in journalism, digital marketing, freelance graphics and social media management. Her experience enables her to create dynamic campaigns and captivating content that stand out and drive results by blending compelling storytelling with cutting-edge strategy.

Kailyn is a proud HBCU graduate of Tennessee State University, where she earned her degree in integrated marketing communications. She believes that creativity and attention to detail are key components for social media success. Her bubbly personality shines through in the work that she does, making collaborating enjoyable and productive.

Kailyn draws inspiration from everyday interactions and entertainment media like movies, commercials and podcasts, bridging the excitement of entertainment with day-to-day life. When she’s not busy connecting with brands and their audiences, you can find her rollerskating, shopping or concert hopping, bringing creativity into every aspect of her life.

Kenneth Worles, Jr. serves as Director of Creative Services at KQ Communications. A Middle Tennessee State University alum, Kenneth has spent nearly two decades honing his craft as a storytelling expert in the marketing and advertising industry. 

Prior to joining KQ, Kenneth built and led an award-winning marketing agency, managing teams in Memphis and Washington, D.C., that helped brands across the nation increase engagement, build relationships and amplify bold messages. Some of those prominent clients include The White House, Saks Fifth Avenue, the Memphis Grizzlies and Marriott Bonvoy. His work has earned him accolades such as 40 Under 40 honors, recognition by Black Enterprise Magazine, and being named a 2022 Power Player by Memphis Magazine.

Outside of work, Kenneth enjoys being a husband to Jasmine, father to Nile and Mali, and best friend to their dog, Czar.

Kirstin L. Cheers is a native Memphian and multi-hyphenate creative. A self-proclaimed “jade of all trades,” Kirstin holds a master’s degree in communication studies with an emphasis in media and cultural studies and a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in African American studies from the University of Memphis.

Prior to working in communications, Kirstin started her career in politics in college, interning for both the TN General Assembly in Nashville, and The United States Congress via The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in Washington, D.C. 

As a writer and photographer, she has bylines in REVOLT, The Root, The Huffington Post, MLK50, The Commercial Appeal, and The New Tri-State Defender. 

In her free time, Kirstin enjoys spending time with her dog-daughter, Peaches, a foster she adopted during the pandemic. She also enjoys powerlifting and road-tripping with friends to explore new brunch spots.

Meredith Pierce is a native Memphian who explored the West Coast and Midwest before returning to the Bluff City in 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

As a Senior Account Executive, Meredith enjoys writing, research and leading projects. She is a passionate proofreader and has worked in journalism and communications for 20-plus years. As a reporter, her beats included civil courts, education, transportation, county government, and criminal justice. In recent years, she led communications teams at K-12 school districts in Memphis and St. Louis.

Her favorite things include the ocean, podcasts, nonfiction, crossword puzzles, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Memphis Tigers basketball, cooking, traveling, and downtime with her wife and their two cats.

Moses Everett is Vice President of Digital Services. Tapping into more than 15 years of experience in graphic design, digital marketing, web development and social media management, Moses successfully collaborates with clients of all sizes, including start-ups, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies. 

As a rare left and right brain thinker, Moses uses strategic frameworks to inspire visual concepts and provide direction and leadership to the graphic design, web design, social media and digital marketing teams.

Moses earned a bachelor’s of business administration in marketing from Savannah State University and a certification in digital marketing strategies from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Prior to his time at KQ, he served as the Marketing Manager for a safety technology company and worked in communications, recruitment and marketing in K-12 education and higher education. 

Married to a teacher and the son of a retired Superintendent, Moses is a passionate supporter of public education and often donates his time and talents helping schools “tell their story” through branding initiatives. 

In his free time, Moses enjoys collecting sneakers, playing fantasy football, cooking, traveling and spending time with his wife, two daughters and dogs.

Nicole Brown is an Account Executive at KQ Communications in Atlanta. In her role, Nicole excels at gaining notable features in national, regional and local media outlets as part of B2B and B2C campaigns.

She has earned features in “Black Enterprise Magazine,” “Ebony Magazine,” “Essence Magazine,” “FDMC Magazine” and “Forbes.” Her clients have been featured on Fox 5 Atlanta’s “Portia Show,” “Fox Soul” and “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”

A proud University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazer, Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in marketing.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling spontaneously in the U.S. and abroad, binge-watching ’90s sitcom TV shows, reading and finding waterfalls.

Paula, our resident “mama bear,” keeps the office going and growing by overseeing all operations. Growing up in a military family, Paula spent her childhood in Georgia, Virginia and Frankfurt, Germany before moving to Tennessee. The self-proclaimed army brat has picked up the organizational skills necessary to keep KQ’s productivity at maximum levels. A graduate of Memphis State University, she spent more than three decades in the printing and design industry before coming to KQ. And her service beyond KQ includes spending 12 years running a program that feeds the homeless and participation in mission trips to orphanages in Brazil and Swaziland where her service included building wells and feeding hungry children. She also serves as an associate pastor at The Church on the Square in Midtown Memphis.

Renee Malone, APR, is the President & CEO of KQ Communications. Known as the firm’s strategic communications planning and crisis media expert, she is accredited in public relations (APR), certified in crisis communication and holds an undergraduate degree in communications and an MBA with a concentration in marketing.

Renee has spent nearly two decades leading award-winning projects for KQ’s nonprofit, business and government clients. As a result, KQ has grown into one of the largest Black-owned PR firms in the Southeast. 

Renee has received awards from PRNEWS, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Memphis and Georgia chapters, and the National School Public Relations Association. Past honors include PRSA Memphis 2019 Executive of the Year; 2021 Memphis Business Journal (MBJ) Superwoman in Business and two-time finalist for the MBJ Executive of the Year Award (2017 and 2021). She also serves several nonprofit and business-related organizations, including The BOW Collective, comprising the top 1% of business owners.

Before co-founding KQ, Renee worked as a broadcast news reporter and anchor, and as a public information officer for a school district. She is an Illinois native. Renee is married to Dr. F. Kevin Malone, and they have two adult children, Dominique (Yannick) and Kevin Jr.

Renee is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Brown Missionary Baptist Church.

Shelby Hamilton has a creative eye for content. Born and raised on the bayou of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Shelby is a Social Media Manager and our resident illustrator. 

Through art, design, writing and communication, Shelby has found her passion. She uses her talents to help people from different backgrounds form connections, regardless of age, language or circumstance.

Following in the footsteps of a long line of artist family members, Shelby moved from Moss Point, Miss,. to Brookhaven, Miss. to study art in high school at Mississippi School of the Arts. 

She continued her education at Memphis College of Art where she graduated with a bachelor of fine arts in illustration. 

Her pursuit of the arts has bloomed and includes design, teaching and photography. She has more than a decade of experience in social media management and graphic design.

Still a Mississippi resident, Shelby also illustrates children’s books and enjoys competitive gaming. On the weekend, you can find her cuddling with her fur babies and teaching her daughter to paint.

Dr. Teri Del Rosso is a research-driven communication strategist specializing in community engagement and strategic communications. As the Director of Research and Engagement at KQ Communications, she leads a newly established department (est. 2023) and oversees research initiatives and strategic outreach efforts. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, she has successfully designed and implemented research strategies for KQ’s diverse clients base, leveraging surveys, focus groups, interviews, social listening, and community insights to drive measurable impact.

With a background in higher education, Teri has mentored students and led public relations campaigns as a faculty member at the University of Memphis and Bridgewater State University. She earned her master’s degree in media studies at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and her doctorate in media studies from the School of Journalism & Communication at the University of Oregon.

A loyal sports fan, Teri has collected teams to cheer for across the country as she’s moved throughout her career (Go Packers, Orange, Ducks, Grizzlies, and USWNT!). When she’s not cheering for her teams, she likes to go on walks, explore new destinations, and will always order the mussels, soft pretzel or crème brûlée if it’s on the menu.

Terrell Burton has a keen eye for design and is dedicated to providing an exceptional level of service to KQ’s clients as Senior Graphic Manager. 

He joined the firm in 2019 and also heads his own freelance graphic design firm, TeeTony, which he launched in 2016.

Terrell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Visual Communication from Middle Tennessee State University with a double minor in Marketing and African American Studies. 

With the goal of delivering creative, thoughtful and innovative designs, Terrell leans into data and research. His work has been recognized as part of numerous award-winning public relations and marketing campaigns.

When he’s not working, Terrell may be found making road trips to nearby cities to visit friends and family or composing music on one of the nine instruments he knows how to play.