WHO WE ARE
We give clients more bang for their buck because our team is diverse, flexible and knowledgeable.
Extremely Focused
The Mad Hat Maven team has 25+ years of experience in a variety of industries including, oil and gas, energy, government, retail, tech, hospitality, finance, non-profit, real estate, and entertainment. We get granular, fill the gap and provide solutions for marketing, creative, high-profile events, communications, compliance, and more. We’ve cut our teeth at large agencies and major corporations, so we have a keen sense of urgency and know how to get things done – the right way.
Get the attention you deserve. We give our clients a regular Performance Audit so they have the ability to take a magnifying glass to our work. We constantly analyze, measure and tweak our performance in order to stay on point with your goals. We don’t believe in hidden fees, ballpark hours and shouldas, wouldas and couldas. In short, we dedicate our time to helping company goal-diggers accomplish “smarketing” objectives on time and on budget.
We fill the gap. Mad Hat Maven helps companies who need to outsource their marketing, public relations and event management services. Companies faced with budget cuts, overhead reduction and staffing limitations realize it is more affordable to outsource than to hire internally. We bring a team of experienced consultants, writers, and designers to the table, offering companies more bang for their buck.
Our team operates like a family. Mad Hat Maven has developed a stimulating, free-thinking, creative culture that inspires us to do our very best work every single day. We are a community of intuitive, passionate people work hard to keep our clients happy.
Our mantra: No excuses, only solutions.
Our team
The Mavens
Heather J. Taylor
Chief CONSULTANT
A dynamic creative professional, Heather has over 20 years of experience wearing multiple hats as a marketing consultant, publicist, creative director, and producer. With in-depth expertise in traditional and digital media, she stays ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving tech world, constantly adapting to the latest trends and innovations. During her career, she has provided tailored solutions for an impressive roster of clients, including Chevron, Shell, NRG, Wella Corp, Plaza Athénée Paris, and The Women’s March. She has earned prestigious honors, including two American Advertising Awards, multiple MarComm Awards, and Muse Creative Awards. Taylor has volunteered for many non-profits in Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston, co-chairing momentous events, managing silent auctions, and raising critical community funds.
Tré Miller Rodriguez
Sr. Communications Director
An Addy-winning copywriter and author, Tré translates the voice of today’s brands into effective messaging. From articles and press releases to videos and social media, she has delivered strong engagement outcomes for 20+ years. With a proven track record of launching brands like the W South Beach, she has a gift for generating buzz that translates into a stream of media coverage. Tré brings stability (and even serenity) to the often-chaotic conditions that come with effective PR. Her ability to craft compelling narratives and secure high-value press placements has positioned numerous brands in top-tier publications, establishing them as industry leaders. Tré is the author of Splitting the Difference: A Heart Shaped Memoir and her essays appear in The New York Times, Marie Claire, Glamour, and more.
Susan Christian
Principal Consultant
Susan Christian is a visionary leader with nearly 40 years of public service, known for transforming Houston into a nationally recognized hub for culture and celebration. Serving under seven City of Houston mayors, she retired as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events after shaping some of the city’s most iconic traditions, from Freedom Over Texas and the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade to championship victory parades and Super Bowl festivities. Christian co-founded Houston Civic Events, Inc. to support Houston’s Civic Celebration Program and champion local talent, while also helping secure major national events such as NCAA Championships and the upcoming 2026 World Cup. In March 2025, she joined Rice University as its first senior director of campus and community engagement and conference services, where she continues to advance large-scale event production, academic conferences, and cultural exchange. A proud parent with her partner Laura Spanjian, Christian brings her lifelong commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and community enrichment to every role she embraces. She joined Mad Hat Maven as a Principal Consultant in 2025.
Claudia Durgnat
Principal Consultant
Claudia is a Swiss-American bilingual (French–English) communications and events strategist with international experience across sports, culture, science, and environmental initiatives. A former film festival director in Geneva, Los Angeles, and Abu Dhabi, she has led cultural programs and large-scale events that unite diverse audiences through compelling storytelling. She has produced and promoted the PULSE International Sports Film Festival in collaboration with international federations, the United Nations, and the Union Cycliste Internationale, and most recently curated a film program for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 in Lausanne, advancing dialogue on health, representation, equity, and the cultural power of sport. Beyond sport, Claudia has directed global media strategies for pioneering projects including the Solar Impulse round-the-world flight, ClearSpace’s space technology missions, and the Montreux Jazz Festival. In 2025, she joined Mad Hat Maven as a Principal Consultant, bringing creativity, vision, and diplomacy to projects that inspire and connect.
Joris Rijnders
Principal Consultant
With over 12 years of experience in the events and entertainment industry, Joris Rijnders is a versatile and creative event professional based in Amersfoort, The Netherlands. He specializes in creative concept development, production, and artist management, with a strong track record in both commercial and community-driven projects.
Joris is the founder of the international LGBTQIA+ talent platforms Pride Stars Live and Pride Stars, Home Edition. He is a skilled creative booking agent and talent manager known for his ability to identify potential and deliver impactful experiences across Europe. His work also includes the creative design and production of parade boats for both the Utrecht and Amsterdam Canal Prides, with his focus now building toward Worldpride Amsterdam in 2026. A strategic thinker with a personal commitment to resilience, Joris has completed multiple Ironman triathlons. He has worked with Mad Hat Maven since 2019, leveraging his expertise and passion to bring unique events to life.
Muneeb A. Malik
Digital Manager/Software Engineer
Muneeb is a skilled software engineer, with deep insights in artificial intelligence, and project management. He has nearly a decade of experience in full-stack software and app development. His expertise spans across various industries, leading the development of high-performing applications from concept to launch. Managing the entire software lifecycle, from requirement gathering to delivery, he ensures seamless collaboration between technical teams and stakeholders. Muneeb leads our technical team, overseeing extensive campaign production and backend security.
Hometown: Pakistan
Favorite musical artist: James Arthur
Favorite movie: Scent of a Woman
Pet-peeve: Lack of kindness
Makenzy Fernandes
Senior Project Manager
Makenzy is a self-motivated client liaison, ensuring seamless communication and coordination. With a background in accounting, marketing, and public relations, she has extensive experience managing client projects and executing successful strategies. Her deep market knowledge and expertise in event planning make her instrumental in creating an impactful brand presence. Skilled in managing timelines, overseeing media outreach, and aligning campaigns with brand objectives, Makenzy plays a key role in driving engagement and results. Because our clients reside nationwide, she works all time zones, as necessary, to get the job done. And when our clients travel overseas, she goes above and beyond to ensure quality communication while they are away.
Hometown: Navy Brat
Favorite Movie: Pokémon: The First Movie
Favorite Musical Artist: Deadmau5
Pet-peeve: Overly critical people
Manal Asif
Social media specialist
Manal has helped brands succeed by focusing on what matters: results. As a digital marketer and content writer, she develops inventive strategies and dynamic content that consistently deliver. She specializes in SEM, social media, and content strategy designed to boost our client’s brand's presence online, deepen customer engagement, and drive revenue growth. She leads our global campaigns utilizing cutting-edge tech and human interaction to engage audiences in various industries, which has resulted in up to 60 percent growth in less than 30 days.
Hometown: Pakistan
Favorite Musical Artist: Coldplay
Favorite Movie: Daredevil
Pet-peeve: Becomes irrationally bothered when the volume isn't set to a multiple of five.
Bonnie Madeley
Data Analyst Manager
Bonnie is a data-driven professional with over 10 years of experience in marketing and analytics. She considers herself a liaison, in that she can serve as both a generalist or a specialist depending on the project, and has a passion for teamwork and collaboration. She is currently pursuing a data analytics certification. She enjoys hiking, yoga, and cooking tasty dishes.
Hometown: Houston, TX
Favorite musical artist: Florence + The Machine
Favorite movie: Interstellar
Pet-peeve: Rudeness
Juan Herrera
DESIGN + Motion Graphics Lead
Juan joined our team in 2021 as a triple threat, leading our graphic design, animation, and video editing efforts. He served as the lead designer for the award-winning 2022 rebrand of Pride Houston 365's logo and annual theme, and was the motion graphics animator for their "The Beat Goes On" grand reveal video. His signature style has enhanced a range of notable brands, including Perkins&Will, AIDS Foundation, and Nature's Hollow. A proud husband, father, and designer, Juan brings a unique blend of creativity and technical skill to every project.
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Favorite musical artist: Kenny Loggins
Favorite movie: 12 Angry Men
Pet-peeve: Giving away movie spoilers
Emily Love
Copywriter
Emily is a writer local to Southern California that truly exemplifies the “woman of many hats” title. A freelance copywriter, a screenwriter, a social media manager, a makeup artist, an administrative assistant — you name it, Em has probably dipped her toe into it when it comes to the process of creating something impactful. She values impeccable work, storytelling, and thorough sourcing above all else, which makes her right at home with the Mad Hat Maven team.
Hometown: North Brunswick, NJ
Favorite musical artist: Marianas Trench
Favorite movie: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Pet-peeve: Stubborn Ignorance
Ashlie Gutierrez
Administrative Assistant
Ashlie Gutierrez brings over a decade of experience in administration, management, sales, and accounting to her work, with a strong background in cross-training across multiple departments. This diverse skill set makes her the ideal candidate for wearing a "Maven" hat. Ashlie is also a licensed Notary Public and has extensive proficiency in all office software, allowing her to assist clients in navigating daily tasks efficiently. In addition to her administrative expertise, Ashlie plays a crucial role in supporting public relations, marketing, and advertising efforts. Her passion for service extends beyond the 8 to 5; since 2018, she has been involved with the Human Rights Campaign, where she served as Co-Chair of the Membership Outreach Committee, effectively managing volunteers, business owners, and recruitment, ensuring the success of events and initiatives. Her unique blend of organizational skills, leadership, and dedication to community makes her an invaluable asset to any team.
Hometown: Pearland, TX
Favorite musical artist: Gregory Alan Isakov
Favorite movie: The High Fidelity
Pet-peeve: Intentional lack of empathy.
Asif Majeed
Web Developer
With over a decade of experience, Asif is a disciplined and decisive leader with extensive knowledge in web development. He possesses a strong command of modern front-end technologies, including React, Angular, and Vue.js, and is proficient in TypeScript and GraphQL. His skills extend to back-end frameworks, allowing Asif to manage projects from initial planning and documentation to final implementation. He dedicates his day-to-day to solving complex problems for our clients and achieving project goals.
Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan
Favorite Musical Artist: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Favorite Movie: Inception
Pet-peeve: Getting interrupted while speaking
Jeremy Jones
Senior Editor
With a decade of agency experience under his belt, Jeremy has worked on a variety of motion graphic projects around the world as a videographer, visual designer and editor for companies including Chevron, Walmart and Allura.
Chan Lung
Mobile APP Developer
Chan is a full-stack mobile developer who’s creative, passionate, and puts an emphasis on building native and hybrid mobile apps. He is detail-oriented, adaptable, and hardworking. He enjoys working on cutting-edge projects and developing new technologies in the hope that one day they will translate back to the real world and have a direct impact on our lives. His favorite activities include soccer, computer games, basketball, reading, and fishing.
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Favorite musical artist: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Favorite movie: Home Alone
Pet-peeve: Loud noises
Yanellie (Nellie) Guevara
Translator
Yanellie, better known as Nellie, was born and raised in a small border town called Mission, TX. She is a proud Mexican and loves to cook. Nellie moved to Houston back in 2010 after graduating from Palmview High School. She considers herself a Houstonian after living in Houston for over a decade. Nellie graduated with honors from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelors in Sociology. She is currently working on her Masters in Social Work at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Nellie is very adventurous and loves to travel. She is goal-oriented and is pursuing a career in adoptions.
Hometown: Mission, TX
Favorite musical artist: Blue October
Favorite movie: Rent
Pet-peeve: Loud Chewing
Jessica Uresti
designer/ photographer
Jessica is a creative person who loves building and designing websites, creating beautiful graphics and taking outstanding photos. She is always learning and is currently taking a certification course in UX design. She is passionate about art, design, photography, her family and keeping fit. She loves to play soccer. She creates designs and builds informative websites and marketing graphics.
Hometown: Houston, TX
Favorite musical artist: Tycho
Favorite movie: Babel
Pet-peeve: Bad User Experience
Michelle Cowan
CONTENT CONSULTANT (adjunct)
After working for Reliant as a writer and Content Manager for five years, Michelle decided to pursue her PhD in Technical Communication and Rhetoric. She has over a decade of writing experience and specializes in constructing sustainable information architectures within systems like SDL Tridion and OpenText. We bring Ms. Cowan to the table when she has time because she is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Washington and Lee University teaching students about effective communication.
Hometown: Borger, TX
Favorite musical artist: Wassily Kandinsky
Favorite movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Pet-peeve: When people pronounce "realtor" as "reel-ah-tor"
Dione Overshown
Creative CONSULTANT
Mad Hat Maven’s brand would not exist without Dione. She’s supported the company since day one and her first assignment was creating our logo. Dione has nearly a decade of experience designing logos, brand identities, print and digital assets. She has worked on creating content for a slew of clients including, Reliant, Chevron, and Noble Energy. She spearheads the Chariot Energy design team and in her spare time, enjoys spending time with her children. Recently she has been focused on creating content for non-profit organizations.
Hometown: Houston, TX
Favorite musical artist: Mint Condition
Favorite movie: Friday After Next
Pet-peeve: Bad drivers!
Melanie L. McDonald
Production Manager
With over 28 years of experience, Mrs. McDonald is a versatile and detail-oriented professional in the live events and video production industry. Her expertise spans the entire video lifecycle, from preproduction and on-set production to post-supervision and live event support. Specializing in global corporate teleconferences and live event logistics, she has a proven ability to manage every detail of a project. Her diverse background even includes roles as an assistant director and, when needed, a talent wrangler. Melanie has provided her creative and logistical support to a roster of clients that includes Chevron, Belay Media, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Let’s share a coffee. We can talk the talk and walk the walk.