When you think about strong leadership, what comes to mind? For us, we think of all of the amazing, professional women that make up the BLKDOG team!
BLKDOG was founded in 2007 with the belief that diversity and culture are key drivers of innovation. Fresh perspectives and diverse experiences help us to solve problems in new and interesting ways.
The female powerhouses of BLKDOG approach every project with strong leadership, a clear vision, and the highest level of creativity. The result? Awesome brands and content for all of our clients! Today we want to take this space to place a spotlight on these truly amazing ladies that keep us at the forefront of innovation, progress, and equity in all projects!
01.
LYSSA HOWARD
LEAD WEB DEVELOPMENT
Lyssa has been leading website development projects at BLK DOG since she joined in 2013. Developing professionally branded sites combined with top-line functionality involves the writing of custom code (using multiple methods such as PHP, CSS, and HTML) to tailor sites toward individual client needs. Lyssa lives locally with her spouse and dog Moose. Her awards include:
- 6th in the Nation for Graphic Design Competition – Skills USA.
- 3rd in the State for Photography Competition – Skills USA.
- Career & Technical Education Staff Award – WSWHE BOCES.
02.
LAUREN OCHIOGROSSO
GRAPHIC DESIGNER / BRAND DEVELOPMENT
Lauren O builds brand identities. Her insane ability to read conceptual project briefs and create authentic, visually clean, and thoughtful brands are the backbone of her skill set. She’s a versatile and adaptive designer who leads the art direction of client campaigns, working in both print and digital mediums. She strives to develop unique and impactful brand aesthetics, always content-centered and concept-driven. Lauren is responsible for the packaging design of many of the tasty elixirs you enjoy on Friday night. She has won multiple ADDY awards and is an encyclopedia of music knowledge.
04.
Julia Howard
DESIGNER
Julia is a visual designer who is passionate about expanding the human experience through art and design. Although a traditionally trained graphic designer, she finds her stride in maximalist compositions and brutalist design experimentations. Enthusiastically, she believes the combination of research, writing, and design can change the world into a friendlier place (even if it’s only one pixel at a time).
“From tattoos to gum wrappers, to wallpaper — everything inspires my design. Designers have not only a challenge but a responsibility to ethically design for the greater good of our collective future.”
When not designing, you can find her listening to music, making art with found objects, and gardening!
05.
ALEXIS SHIPPEE
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Alexis’s perspectives were formed by her years working in newsrooms and studying journalism at Hofstra University.
“I love how strong brand development and copywriting boil down to connection through storytelling. Rather than selling, hustling, and fighting for customers, I think the most successful brands are the ones doing it for the “goodness” of it: whether that’s a dedication to quality, the desire for things to be better than they are, or another deeply rooted reason.”
06.
HANNAH NOACK
COPYWRITER
Hannah is passionate about people – and the stories that define them. With a background in advertising + public relations, she finds joy in helping brands tell their stories + build loyalty through authentic, engaging content.
07.
KERRY MASON
ACCOUNTING + BILLING
Kerry has been a part of the BLK DOG team since its inception. She’s an expert at all things organization: managing internal processes; bringing clients into our accounting system; providing estimates, account history, and billing updates; and ensuring our team is paid, supported, and taking vacation time
08.
LAURA MANCINI
WEB DEVELOPER
Laura is a versatile full-stack developer with proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, React, Angular, and more. Her expertise extends to developing full-stack web applications using the MERN stack and seamless API integrations. With a passion for creating engaging and dynamic user experiences, Laura brings a holistic approach to software development all while adhering to best code practices.
In addition to Laura’s technical skills, she is a seasoned musician who has shared the stage with Grammy Award winners Ashanti and Ja Rule. Laura’s musical journey has also led her to aid in scoring and recording for Netflix shows, including “The Haunting of Bly Manor” and “Midnight Mass.” Whether crafting code or composing melodies, Laura is dedicated to bringing creativity and innovation to every project she undertakes.
