Marketing EDGE team
Joel Luks
Chief Strategy Officer, CKP
Adjust Professor, University of Houston
Marketing Edge Co-Chair
Joel Luks is a marketing and public-relations strategist who helps brands and cultural organizations craft stories that spark loyalty and growth. As Head of Strategy at CKP, he has guided campaigns for global companies, regional nonprofits, and solo entrepreneurs, blending data, creativity, and audience insight. Joel teaches in the University of Houston’s Master of Arts Leadership program, where he mentors emerging leaders at the crossroads of marketing, storytelling, and technology. A frequent speaker for Rice, Eastman, and St. Thomas, he shares sharp perspectives on brand alignment, AI, and the power of narrative to turn customers and communities into ambassadors.
Sarah Smith
Co-founder and CEO, Speakerbox Media
Marketing Edge Co-Chair
Sarah Smith is the Co-founder and CEO of Speakerbox Media, Texas’s first full-service podcast agency and studio, where she helps B2B executives build content-led communities that drive demand. A seasoned podcast producer, she specializes in transforming ideas into audio and video experiences that captivate audiences and elevate brands. Sarah guides clients from concept through post-production, weaving strategy, storytelling, and technical polish into every show. Her expertise spans narrative development, guest recruiting, and growth optimization, positioning organizations as thought leaders. Based in Houston, she blends entrepreneurial vision with creative precision to craft podcasts that inform, inspire, and spark meaningful connections.
João Fernando
Multilingual Marketing & Communications Strategist
Project Manager
João Fernando Corrêa is a multilingual marketing and communications professional with expertise spanning English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. With a background as a news reporter and TV producer, João brings agility, cultural fluency, and precision to his work—skills honed under the pressure of tight deadlines and diverse global perspectives. Today, he specializes in content strategy, stakeholder relations, and creative communication approaches that strengthen brand networks and engagement. His ability to adapt quickly, learn rapidly, and deliver compelling narratives makes him a trusted partner for organizations seeking innovative strategies to connect with audiences across markets.
James Clancy
Marketing Specialist
Marketing and Communications
James is a Houston-based marketing strategist with a passion for connecting ideas, people, and brands. With experience leading digital campaigns, managing creative teams, and turning data into actionable insights, he brings both strategy and execution to the Marketing Edge team. He’s energized by big-picture problem-solving and building spaces where marketers can learn, collaborate, and grow. His background in sales and marketing taught him the importance of listening and uncovering the “why” behind decisions—a curiosity that led him to data and insights. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family shaped his commitment to team-first leadership and creating value for all stakeholders.
Emily Zettlemoyer
Marketing Specialist
Marketing and Communications
Emily Zettlemoyer is a Houston-based digital media specialist with experience in brand strategy, social content, and community-driven marketing. A recent graduate of the University of Houston, she founded and grew DigiMarketers, a student-led organization that connected nearly 200 students with industry professionals through workshops and campaigns. Her work spans rebrands, websites, SEO-driven content, and multi-platform strategies, and she is passionate about using marketing to build communities and create meaningful impact.
Edgardo de la Garza
Partner, DLG Research
AMA VIP of Programming
Edgardo has focused his career on understanding the amalgamation of General and Hispanic markets, and their constant interaction that creates the new America. During his 20+ years in the research and marketing industry, Edgardo has worked with top national agencies, as well as on the client side, on a diverse array of categories including banking and financial services, quick service restaurants, retail and grocers, adult beverages, construction, communications, automotive, and non-profit social issues.