Future Link Optimizing Processes and Expanding Sustainable Impact for Future Link’s Career Coaching Program Client Future Link Year 2023-2024 Scope of Work Project Management, Systems Implementation, Administrative Assistance Industry Non-Profit Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) Future Link sought a program evaluation consultant to assess and provide recommendations on the structure, processes, metrics, and scaling plan for their Career Coaching Program (CCP). The goal was to increase students' college persistence rate, degree completion, and workforce training outcomes that lead to internships and job placements. With nearly 1 million followers, viral moments, and cultivated influence, Tina Turtle has reached a pivotal point in her brand journey, that involves solidifying her as a fashion and lifestyle content creator. Our Approach BRVC worked closely with Future Link to evaluate the program and create recommendations aimed at scaling the CCP. Our approach focused on improving efficiency, streamlining processes, and maintaining a human-centered approach while leveraging technology for scalability. Program Evaluation & Process Improvement: We reviewed the current program, focusing on the three-track structure, student life cycle, and career coach life cycle. Based on our analysis, we created three Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Documents to standardize processes for the Career Planners, students, and staff. We also recommended automation to streamline tasks, improve efficiency, and maintain program effectiveness. Metrics Evaluation & Scaling Plan: We conducted market research to assess national benchmarks for career development programs, ensuring that Future Link was measuring the right data points. We also developed a scaling plan that outlined the steps needed to grow the program — including human, technical, and financial resources. Implementation & Automation: We implemented processes using Monday.com for tracking, reporting, and automation. This included designing workflows for all stages of the program and providing a clear, actionable plan for scaling and reporting to key stakeholders, such as the Future Link board and the ECMC Foundation. Our Impact & Client Milestones BRVC helped Future Link build a scalable framework for their CCP, focusing on process improvement, resource development, and data-driven strategies to ensure sustainable growth: Scaling Plan Development: We created a roadmap to expand CCP by focusing on human, technical, and financial strategies. The plan set clear goals to increase student reach to 175 students and secure 65 internships by 2024. We also identified key metrics for success, including graduation rates and financial stability. Process Improvement & Automation: Streamlined SOPs and integrated Monday.com for tracking and automating workflows. This improved efficiency, reduced administrative tasks, and supported the scaling of the program without compromising its personalized approach. Resource Creation: Developed 41 resources, including templates, tutorials, and guides, to aid in program execution and staff onboarding, empowering Future Link to grow while maintaining consistency. Data-Driven Strategy: We aligned the scaling efforts with measurable metrics, ensuring continuous improvement and positioning Future Link for future funding opportunities with detailed reports for stakeholders like the Future Link board and the ECMC Foundation.

"I don’t have to shape-shift in order to grow this brand. I’m literally just showing up. It all works because it’s my brand, it’s me. Brianna’s method has reassured me that it’s okay to use my brand story to keep going, that all the moving pieces in my business will come together, I can be authentic in every stage, and make sense as my business evolves. Her method has made me feel like my brand is such a representation of what I’m authentically trying to translate to the people." April Kelly Mompreneur & Start-Up Founder

The Breed Ent Grammy-Winning Producers Unite 400+ Members of The Music Scene In Their Home State Client The Breed Ent: Uniting CT's Arts Community Year 2019 Scope of Work Brand Messaging Development, Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, Public Relations, Brand Partnerships, Event Planning Industry Entertainment, Lifestyle Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) What used to be known as an annual high-energy, day party, transformed into an inaugural 4-day weekend intended to amplify as well as unify the culture and talent in Connecticut's arts community. Founded in 2009 by Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum producers—Aaron “Y-A” Rogers and Rashad “Snacks” Johnson—The Breed Entertainment is a multi-tiered production company that creates quality and culturally-driven experiences through music, as well as community and entertainment events. Prior to 2019, The Breed Weekend only referred to an annual day party. However, Y-A and Snacks wanted to create a different experience that would break barriers and encourage Connecticut creatives to make genuine connections that would foster more collaboration and positive energy across the state's music community. Our mood going into this project: Our Approach Keeping the production company's desire for unification and amplification in mind, we worked with Y-A, Snacks and The Breed Entertainment team to create The Breed Weekend---the first 4-day event that bridged gaps in Connecticut’s entertainment scene through interactive moments. Specifically, we produced an event coordination that itemized essential tasks (i.e. budget, roles, and run of show). We also worked with The Breed to brand the event by providing messaging for all four events, as well as developed and implemented a marketing and communications plan that would generate awareness, attendance and revenue for the event. Our Impact & Client Milestones The multi-day event generated over 450 attendees. Specifically, our marketing and PR efforts resulted in: The creation of sponsorship opportunities as well as outreach that produced partnerships with Shine Papers, Connecticut Office of The Arts, Audiomack, Martell USA, Single Mom’s Alliance and the City of New Haven The creation of vendor opportunities that resulted in the involvment of local small businesses: Kenzie Kare, Concreat, Z For Everybody & Typsy Gypsy Earned 200,000+ impressions and 20,000+ engagement activity on Instagram Earned media coverage from Incline Magazine, CT Breakthrough, Power of Connecticut & IGASTT Podcast (estimated 20,000+impressions) Developed messaging for promotional video that was featured on a mobile advertisement Received attendance and involvement from influential experts familiar with funding Connecticut artists, the art of DJing, record labels/music industry, content producers, management and music producers. The Plug | The Breed Weekend 2019 The Grand Opening of The Live Room introduced a new "pressure-free" venue for artists to perform their music in front of a crowd that respects their craft. Artists came to "plug" their latest music for Connecticut's entertainment scene to enjoy. This event was hosted by Martell Cognac; and sponsored by Audiomack and Shine Papers. Bridging The Gap | The Breed Weekend 2019 Bridging the Gap was a night that combined interactive networking with a "town hall" discussion about breaking down walls and emphasizing the possibilities of success for everyone. Featured speakers included: Hot 93.7's Big Regg, Connecticut Office of the Arts' Adriane Vegas Jefferson, Chill Shump (music producer) and more. The Breed Day Party | The Breed Weekend 2019 The Breed Day Party 2019 was an opportunity for creatives and beyond to come together and have a good time! Thank you to Martell USA for partnering with The Breed Weekend 2019! Before The Breed Weekend, BRVC also collaborated with The Breed Entertainment and provided brand development, social & digital strategy consulting and public relations to all talent within the company which includes: Aaron "Y-A" Rogers (producer), Rashad "Snacks" Johnson (producer), DluxB (producer), Randi "Kashthebreed" (producer), Slay Washington (host/MC), DJ Eazy, and BUTT3R (artist). After The Breed Weekend, BRVC consulted The Breed on brand development as well as team development and engagement for the The Breed Academy.

Town of Waterford Showcasing Grant Impact and Establishing the Economic Development Commission’s Presence Client Town of Waterford: Establishing the EDC's Presenc e Year 2023 Scope of Work Brand Identity, Brand Messaging Development, Content Creation, Newsletter Creation Industry Municipal Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) In 2022 and 2023, with the help of BRVC’s Operations Management team, the Town of Waterford (TOW) awarded a total of $170,065.01 in grants to small businesses through its Small Business Grant Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Despite the program’s success, TOW lacked in-house support for marketing and content creation to effectively showcase its impact and position the Economic Development Commission (EDC) as a resource for the local business community. Our Approach BRVC’s Creative Strategy team provided comprehensive support to amplify the program’s success and elevate TOW’s branding as well as storytelling. Marketing Audit Conducted a competitor analysis to refine TOW’s brand identity and identify successful elements of similar programs. Mini Marketing Campaign Developed messaging, strategy, and key performance indicators to promote the program and align with TOW’s long-term branding goals. Content Creation Produced 8 original social media posts, including captions and hashtags, along with a newsletter and press release highlighting the program’s achievements. Visual Branding Designed and delivered a specific EDC logo to establish the commission as a trusted resource for the business community. Our Impact & Client Milestones Delivered high-quality, engaging content (videos, graphics, and written assets) shared on TOW’s website and social platforms, effectively showcasing the First Selectman and EDC’s impact on small businesses. Supported TOW in sharing grant recipients’ stories and highlighting the program’s success, building stronger connections with the local business community. Provided a ready-to-use press release template to spotlight the distribution of over $170k to small businesses. Positioned the EDC as a valuable resource through cohesive branding and storytelling, and a first-ever logo. With BRVC’s expertise, TOW successfully demonstrated the transformative impact of its grant program, enhanced its public visibility, and set the stage for long-term community engagement and support BRVC x TOW & EDC - NEWSLETTER - Small Business Grant Program Cohorts 1 and 2 (2022 - 2023) PRESS RELEASE - Waterford’s Economic Development Boosts Local Businesses

My Sister's Keyp'her New York Based Non-Profit Maintains Community Presence with The Launch of a New Initiative for Women of Color Client My Sisters Keyp'her: Community Hub for Women of Color Year 2019 Scope of Work Brand Identity, Brand Messaging Development, Content Creation, Social Media Management, Influencer Marketing, Brand Partnerships Industry Non-Profit, Start-Up Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) Following the success of her 2nd fashion show to raise breast cancer awareness among Black women, Power In Pink founder, Dafina Morris, created My Sister's Keyp'her to expand the ways she could support and uplift Black women. She wanted the initiative to serve as a hub for Black women to enjoy empowering events, engage with educational content and share experiences regarding a variety of health issues. For My Sister's Keyp'her's launch, Dafina wanted to host an intimate conversation for women of color (millennials to early 40s) to relax under the sun, and engage in activities that spark conversations about: balancing "trying to have it all" with self-care, uplifting one another and the power of networking/mentorship. Our Approach Because Dafina had been known for her breast cancer awareness advocacy, it was essential for us to develop solid messaging and consult on identity qualities (i.e. a logo) that clearly defined My Sister's Keyp'her as its own entity. Additionally, it was important that we strategically and gradually introduced this initiative to Power In Pink's audience, with takeaways that still resonated; and didn't cause disassociation with how they've come to relate to the organization within the past 2 years. Our Impact & Client Milestones Through our #PIPShifts soft social media campaign, we produced content that prioritized the transition into My Sister’s Key’pher—and specifically, recaps of the My Sister’s Keyp’her Kickback. 107 posts, 2,199 engagement, 24,733 impressions and 17,984 reach The most effective posts were: a Michelle Obama quote to emphasize self-check-ins—which garnered 43 engagement and 354 impressions; a giveaway The most effective posts in August 2019 were about: a black-owned construction firm An Instagram advertisement garnered 5,694 impressions (89% from the ad), 4,551 unique accounts and 32 visits to the RSVP link. The audience was 100% women, aged 25 - 34, located in New York Brand promotion for the event, specifically, garnered 9,000+ impressions on Instagram Received 15 new newsletter subscribers; and 16 new followers in less than 60 days With the help of BRVC, Power In Pink produced and hosted My Sister’s Keyp’her Kickback in Brooklyn, New York's Prospect Park which resulted in 12 RSVPs, a 58% attendance rate and a positive share of voice on Instagram post-event—from influencers. Coordinated and secured attendance from NYC influencers, bloggers & Youtubers: Quiana from Harlem Love Birds, Nellie from Brooklyn Active Mama, and Netta Woods (collective following of 32,000+) Secured 2 sponsorships with local businesses: Y7 Studio and Effie's Paper Curated gift box for attendees

Cheat Code Cheat Code Celebrates Black History Month By Promoting Financial Education and Delivering Free Stock Certificates to Children Client Cheat Code: Black History Month Campaign Year 2022 Scope of Work Brand Messaging Development, Public Relations Industry Start-Up Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) A cause through their non-profit branch, the NVST Foundation, the campaign aims to generate $100,000 in donations from donors who advocate for financial literacy among marginalized families, create early access to wealth in the form of 1000 Roblox stock certificates, and provide a stepping stone to youth. As seen on Yahoo News, Business Insider, MarketWatch and Earn Your Leisure, Cheat Code is a holistic investment and trading company offering software, courses, community and products that make financial education easy and generational wealth a possibility for marginalized communities. Launched in 2021 by co-founders and entrepreneurs, Francis Kway and Jehu Graham, Cheat Code provides beginner-friendly support that is active, affordable and accessible. Designed for traders of all experience levels, Cheat Code ALGO, Cheat Code Academy and the Cheat Code community of 17,000+ members equip communities of color to invest with ease and confidence. Committed to elevating disenfranchised communities through equitable access to financial education, Francis and Jehu wanted to fundraise $100,000 from donors who advocate for financial literacy among marginalized families, create early access to wealth in the form of 1000 Roblox stock certificates, and provide a stepping stone to youth—with the ultimate goal of interrupting deleterious cycles of poverty. Our Approach To ensure we best positioned Cheat Code's efforts and value in a way that was beginner-friendly, we conducted an audit of their existing online presence as well as a competitive coverage analsysis. Then, we used our findings to help rebrand messaging for the Cheat Code brand, including its products and non-profit entity--NVST Foundation. Finally, we used the messaging to help the Cheat Code update all pitchable assets, structure their Accessible Generational Wealth for Your Legacy campaign, and produce a press release. Our Impact & Client Milestones The distribution of our press release on the wire resulted in their campaign launch receiving coverage on 116 media platforms (Estimated impressions: 95 million), which included: 45 AP outlets Notable media coverage: Yahoo and Market Watch Our tailored pitches, resulted in 4 media placements (Estimated impressions: 657.76K). 25% of the coverage shared the brand's story (vs. solely its products or a mention)--which outperformed competitor coverage Notable media coverage: Sheen Magazine, Money Geek, and Media Feed

The Breed Ent Grammy-Winning Producers Unite 400+ Members of The Music Scene In Their Home State Client The Breed Ent: Uniting CT's Arts Community Year 2019 Scope of Work Brand Messaging Development, Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, Public Relations, Brand Partnerships, Event Planning Industry Entertainment, Lifestyle Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) What used to be known as an annual high-energy, day party, transformed into an inaugural 4-day weekend intended to amplify as well as unify the culture and talent in Connecticut's arts community. Founded in 2009 by Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum producers—Aaron “Y-A” Rogers and Rashad “Snacks” Johnson—The Breed Entertainment is a multi-tiered production company that creates quality and culturally-driven experiences through music, as well as community and entertainment events. Prior to 2019, The Breed Weekend only referred to an annual day party. However, Y-A and Snacks wanted to create a different experience that would break barriers and encourage Connecticut creatives to make genuine connections that would foster more collaboration and positive energy across the state's music community. Our mood going into this project: Our Approach Keeping the production company's desire for unification and amplification in mind, we worked with Y-A, Snacks and The Breed Entertainment team to create The Breed Weekend---the first 4-day event that bridged gaps in Connecticut’s entertainment scene through interactive moments. Specifically, we produced an event coordination that itemized essential tasks (i.e. budget, roles, and run of show). We also worked with The Breed to brand the event by providing messaging for all four events, as well as developed and implemented a marketing and communications plan that would generate awareness, attendance and revenue for the event. Our Impact & Client Milestones The multi-day event generated over 450 attendees. Specifically, our marketing and PR efforts resulted in: The creation of sponsorship opportunities as well as outreach that produced partnerships with Shine Papers, Connecticut Office of The Arts, Audiomack, Martell USA, Single Mom’s Alliance and the City of New Haven The creation of vendor opportunities that resulted in the involvment of local small businesses: Kenzie Kare, Concreat, Z For Everybody & Typsy Gypsy Earned 200,000+ impressions and 20,000+ engagement activity on Instagram Earned media coverage from Incline Magazine, CT Breakthrough, Power of Connecticut & IGASTT Podcast (estimated 20,000+impressions) Developed messaging for promotional video that was featured on a mobile advertisement Received attendance and involvement from influential experts familiar with funding Connecticut artists, the art of DJing, record labels/music industry, content producers, management and music producers. The Plug | The Breed Weekend 2019 The Grand Opening of The Live Room introduced a new "pressure-free" venue for artists to perform their music in front of a crowd that respects their craft. Artists came to "plug" their latest music for Connecticut's entertainment scene to enjoy. This event was hosted by Martell Cognac; and sponsored by Audiomack and Shine Papers. Bridging The Gap | The Breed Weekend 2019 Bridging the Gap was a night that combined interactive networking with a "town hall" discussion about breaking down walls and emphasizing the possibilities of success for everyone. Featured speakers included: Hot 93.7's Big Regg, Connecticut Office of the Arts' Adriane Vegas Jefferson, Chill Shump (music producer) and more. The Breed Day Party | The Breed Weekend 2019 The Breed Day Party 2019 was an opportunity for creatives and beyond to come together and have a good time! Thank you to Martell USA for partnering with The Breed Weekend 2019! Before The Breed Weekend, BRVC also collaborated with The Breed Entertainment and provided brand development, social & digital strategy consulting and public relations to all talent within the company which includes: Aaron "Y-A" Rogers (producer), Rashad "Snacks" Johnson (producer), DluxB (producer), Randi "Kashthebreed" (producer), Slay Washington (host/MC), DJ Eazy, and BUTT3R (artist). After The Breed Weekend, BRVC consulted The Breed on brand development as well as team development and engagement for the The Breed Academy.

City of Bridgeport Driving Community Engagement for Equity in Procurement Client City of Bridgeport Year 2024 Scope of Work Content Creation, Public Relations Industry Municipal Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) The City of Bridgeport, in partnership with Griffin & Strong, P.C. (GS), conducted a Disparity Study to examine potential disparities in municipal procurement based on race and gender. GS sought BRVC’s support to drive local community engagement and public relations efforts to raise awareness of the study and maximize attendance at English- and Spanish-speaking Informational Meetings and Public Hearings. Our Approach BRVC implemented a strategic outreach and public relations plan to promote the Disparity Study and encourage community participation. Key initiatives included: Community Outreach & PR Planning: Created pre-event plans tailored to English- and Spanish-speaking audiences for both the Informational Meetings (September 10–11, 2024) and Public Hearings (November 20–21, 2024). Collaborated with GS and Bridgeport’s Small Minority Business Enterprise office to identify and engage target organizations, networks, and individuals through databases, research, and personal connections. Marketing Collateral Development: Designed transformative English-language flyers for both the Informational Meetings and Public Hearings to connect with the community. Drafted and launched press releases via Cision’s PRWeb, reaching up to 133 media platforms. Distributed press releases directly to local outlets, including CT Post, News 12, Channel 8, Hartford Courant, Patch - Bridgeport, and event platforms like AllEvents.in. Strategic Online Promotion: Secured calendar placements on local platforms like CT Post, Patch, and others to maximize visibility. Adapted outreach for Public Hearings to target construction-related professionals and service providers for broader participation. Our Impact & Client Milestones BRVC’s strategic outreach and public relations efforts successfully amplified community awareness and engagement for the City of Bridgeport’s Disparity Study, resulting in the following impactful outcomes: Increased Visibility: Press releases reached a potential audience of up to 3.8 million, with 260 placements across both events and numerous clicks driving interest. Secured online calendar placements on prominent platforms like CT Post, Patch - Bridgeport, and AllEvents.in, generating thousands of local impressions. Community Engagement: For the Informational Meetings, 83% of contacted organizations responded, with 33% sharing event details through newsletters and e-blasts. Notable participants included Colorful Bridgeport, Connecticut Construction Industries Association (CCIA) + CCIA Divisions/Associated General Contractors of CT, and ABC Connecticut (Associated Builders and Contractors of CT), demonstrating strong community collaboration. Public Hearings maintained participation, with key organizations like the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and others amplifying outreach efforts and engaging diverse community members. Event Attendance: Recognizable attendees included influential community members and representatives from targeted sectors, particularly construction-related industries, as outreach efforts shifted to better align with audience demographics.

Lachers Reese Expansion, Here We Come! Lachers Hair By Demand Improves Operations Management Client Lachers Reese: Holistic Growth Year 2018-2019 Scope of Work Brand Messaging Development, Brand Partnerships, Project Management, Systems Implementation, Administrative Assistance, Team Development Industry Lifestyle, B2C Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) A move to a new salon location in 2018, sparked a determination for brand growth--starting from the inside! Goal & Objectives Update and launch website Create and promote event packages for weddings, event planners, bar & bat mitzvahs, entertainment companies, etc. Create and implement marketing/public relations plan that increases client relationships, workshops and strategic partnerships Find opportunities to maximize staff, and overall growth in customers Our Approach To prepare the Lachers Reese brand for the benefits of an aggressive integrated PR/Marketing Strategy & Communications plan, BRVC's collaboration focused on brand development, digital marketing consulting, operations consulting, creative services & preliminary public relations support. Our Impact & Client Milestones Updated website for discoverability, brand identity and consistency purposes. Updates included: biography, images, online booking, special occasion bookings and newsletter subscriptions. The updated website generated incoming inquiries from potential clients (a nearly 50% monthly increase from 2017-2018) Developed messaging & graphics for brochures, which highlighted special occasion bookings Generated a list of state-wide venues, event planners & entertainment/performing arts companies to prepare for an aggressive promotional campaign Brainstormed & created a brand ambassador/influencer program to connect with local influencers Grew salon team to include assistant, receptionist and another stylist that aligns with updated brand goals and company infrastructure Ongoing support: Lead operations management Develop internal processes Improve company culture Host staff meetings Brainstorm salon specials Improve external communication processes & more

CT Office of The Arts Connecticut Office of the Arts Bolsters Economic Opportunity in the Arts with Workforce Initiative Client CT Office of The Arts: Improving Economic Opportunity in the Arts Year 2017-2023 Scope of Work Project Management, Systems Implementation, Administrative Assistance Industry Municipal, Non-Profit Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) A paid apprenticeship program that gives Connecticut college students, emerging creatives, formerly incarcerated individuals and military veterans an opportunity to gain high-level professional work experience with not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations throughout the state. Since its inception in 2017, more than 100 Connecticut college students, emerging creatives, formerly incarcerated individuals and military veterans have been placed in apprenticeships at non-profit and cultural organizations. In return, they have explored various job opportunities in the arts, developed new passions, enhanced their skillset, received professional development support and, for some, long-term employment. Additionally, host organizations have provided apprentices with engaging experiences in arts administration, visual arts, arts presenting/curating, media arts, performing arts, visual arts, arts education and literary arts. In an effort to scale the program with an intenton of curating a well-rounded summer apprenticeship experience that attracts more talent as well as fosters job opportunities, the Connecticut Office of the Arts requested assistance to achieve the following outcomes: Maintain retention of apprentice placements in selected organizations Show that AWI/employment in the arts contributes to the economic growth in CT Be able to gather accurate apprentice demographics, and use data to further improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the program Build trust as well as organic & ongoing relationships between COA, apprentices & organizations (receive genuine trackable & quality feedback from organizations & interns in regards to their experiences with one another, as well as COA/AWI) Instill professional development workshops/trainings for intern applicants & selected organizations Long-term: Receive applications that align with the cross-sectors of the arts' community (i.e. public relations, marketing, etc.) Our Approach We worked with COA’s leadership to thoroughly assess and update internal messaging for the program to ensure it maintains its integrity of following state policy as well as its READI principles, provided messaging and counsel for public information sharing via newsletters, social media and directly with stakeholders, strategically and carefully implemented communications and operational practices/counsel to COA, stakeholders and apprentices as they navigated COVID-19 and facilitated implemenetation and supervision of the developed processes Our Impact & Client Milestones Since 2020, a total of 35 apprentices were provided job opportunities in 35 non-profit organizations within 2 years, resulting in over $131,250 being distributed to apprentices. (Please view our reports for details on the impact of our work and how we met/exceeded required outcomes: 2021 and 2020. Kindly note, each of our client collaborations include frequent check-ins, agendas and recap reports.) Additional Reference Links: AWI Website (Kindly note, BRVC is a part of the program’s redesign for 2023. Our work involves: brand development, social & digital strategy, public relations and project management.) 2021 Selected Apprentices 2020 Selected Apprentices

"TAPPING INTO MY SECRET SAUCE helped build confidence and let me know to just be myself because that’s what my audience will love the most. I enjoyed Brianna's course and was able to learn how to better understand my audience. Her course was supportive and encouraging, I appreciated the group setting because it allowed me to listen and pick up from others because we all did things differently." Micha'Angelina Founder