Women’s History Month Feature: Andrea Fernandes Is Shaping Up To Be The Next Woman Publicist Powerhouse

Working with names recognizable across various industries, Andrea “Drea” Fernandes of New York City is one woman to watch. From her current work leading all PR for media company REVOLT, spirits brands Cîroc and DeLeón Tequila, NFL player Jonathan Jones, and more, Drea continues to diversify her portfolio working with a list of highly successful brands and individuals, and is shaping out to be one of the best publicists to work with for luxury brands and well-established individuals. 

Drea’s work with figures who are recognizable across socials such as Travque and 19 Keys is where some people in the entertainment industry may have seen her work. I have known Andrea from four years ago – the Andrea who helped a young, then 24 year old DMV native, navigate New York City during a more strenuous time of my life. One thing immediately noticeable about Andrea is that she is a damn sweet woman. Like a Disney princess she runs with animals helping her any chance they can type of nice. So nice that baby birds probably wake up and hand Andrea her phone. 

To best describe it, Ms. Fernandes befriends everyone she meets. Graduating from St. Bonaventure University undergrad and Hofstra for Grad School, Drea has always had an interest in the field of Public Relations, even with roots that began in journalism. Throughout the years, she has worked under multiple firms and has grown into the powerhouse publicist she is today. 

Her company, Speke Media Group, formerly known as Transformation PR, showcases the legacy that Drea is building for herself and her clients. From all of her dope PR hits, to her refined advice on the industry based upon her schooling plus real life experience, Speke Media Group is a testament to Drea’s ability to go above and beyond for her clients. I love seeing established publicists give actual advice on garnering attention for clients and not something cliché.

The name of her company is based off of a mountain in Africa—Mount Speke! She wanted to showcase the journey her clients go through to climb to the top of the mountain, or reach the highest point in their professional journey. Mountains are also symbolic to her personal journey, as she reflected on the sacrifices made by the women before her, and having a desire to make the mountain taller so that women who come after her can see farther. Andrea is bringing back ethical and interesting storytelling. It’s also a dope connection to her purpose of becoming a publicist. Ms. Fernandes is elevating and showcasing stories that highlight Black success. She acquires media and notoriety that portray all of the good her clients do in the world to help advance the Black community. Drea is not in this for popularity, she is in it to help advance her community, build legacies that help change the world and change the way Black people are seen. The proof is in her continued work and her increasing client roster.

The word popularity was never in Andrea’s blood, the better word to describe her is creative! Follow her journey and keep all eyes on the good work Andrea does!