JoAnna Tamarazzo

Founder & Creative Director, JT Collective Media & PR

JoAnna Tamarazzo is a communications professional, social media manager, and creative strategist with a strong foundation in storytelling, community-driven marketing, and brand development. A graduate of Mercy University with a degree in Communications, JoAnna combines academic training with hands-on industry experience across hospitality, small business, education, and community-based organizations.

Education & Academic Leadership

At Mercy University, JoAnna completed coursework in Effective Presentations, Marketing, Advertising, Podcasting, and Social Media Content Creation, building a well-rounded skill set grounded in strategy, messaging, and audience engagement. During her year at Mercy, she actively worked with the Career Development Center on résumé building, LinkedIn optimization, cover letters, and long-term career planning—translating classroom learning directly into professional execution.

JoAnna also works under the university’s Social Media Manager, capturing and producing content for Open Houses, Founders Fest, and institutional marketing campaigns, including Mercy University’s 75th Anniversary. She regularly contributes original content concepts and collaborates on posts published to Mercy University’s official social platforms.

Professional Experience

Communications & Social Media Management

JoAnna served as Communications Manager for a Yonkers, NY startup—Brightside Daycare, a licensed home-based daycare—where she led full digital setup and brand development. Her work included website creation and management, social media strategy, content creation, photography and video, Google Workspace setup, email templates, community outreach guidance, and marketing education for the owner.

She currently operates as a Social Media Manager and Creative Consultant, curating original photography and digital content to build brand presence and client relationships for businesses including Toscana, Tuck’d Away Bar & Grill, and Brightside Daycare.

Hospitality & Client-Facing Leadership

JoAnna brings years of experience from some of the top restaurants in the Eastchester and Westchester area, including Gigante, Mulino’s of Westchester, Burrata, Toscana, and Tuck’d Away. Her background as a hostess strengthened her skills in customer experience, communication, organization, and relationship building—skills that now inform her approach to marketing and brand representation.

Photography, Events & Creative Media

As a photographer, JoAnna captures meaningful moments and brand stories across a wide range of events, including proms, Sweet 16s, graduations, engagement shoots, small civil court weddings, and community celebrations. She also worked along Creative SMB Photography whom is her partner and he provides photo and video content for fitness and wellness brands, working with gyms and trainers such as Legendary MMA and DJ Haddar.

Her photography and content creation are intentionally community-focused, emphasizing authenticity, storytelling, and connection.

Community & PR Initiatives

JoAnna is deeply embedded in the local community and creative ecosystem. She collaborates closely with Creative SMB, working alongside community photographer Stephen Bryson, and co-founded a community-focused PR and media platform on Instagram and Facebook called Explore Eastchester. The platform highlights local businesses, events, entrepreneurs, and neighborhood stories, serving as a digital hub for community connection.

Leadership Style & Vision

Known for being a well-rounded leader in group projects and client collaborations, JoAnna brings structure, clarity, and intention to every role she takes on. Her work blends strategy with creativity, ensuring brands are not only visually strong but also aligned with their values and audiences.

Additional professional experience, collaborations, and credentials can be found on her LinkedIn profile and at www.joannatam.com.