Family-Fueled Since '96
We’re Marakae Marketing— a tight-knit, full-service crew that’s mixed strategy with sparkle for 29 years (and counting).
The name Ma-Ra-Ka-E is a mash-up of our founding lineup—Maria, Rachael, (daughter number 1) Kailey (daughter number 2), and Ed (supportive husband). What began as one mom’s leap-of-faith to be a Momtrepreneur now packs the punch of a seasoned agency. The agency has grown as well as our lineage adding two sons-in-law, two grandkids, four cats and a circle of creatives who treat your brand like family.
Nearly three decades in, we’re still grateful for the clients who trust us, the partners who sweat the details with us, and God’s grace that keeps our coffee cups—and ideas—overflowing. Pull up a chair; let’s make something unforgettable.
From bold ideas to branded swag—consider it handled.
Need an event that wows, a logo that lasts, or promo gifts people actually keep? Marakae turns all of that—and more—into a single, seamless game plan. Our crew dives into event management, graphic design, content creation, branded apparel, promo merchandise, and strategic planning so you don’t have to juggle a patchwork of vendors.
Think boutique service with big-agency punch. Twenty-nine years of supplier clout and in-house talent let us stretch budgets, beat deadlines, and deliver marketing that feels as good as it looks. From blue-sky strategy to the tiny details (yes, even the mascot’s shoelaces), we obsess so you can exhale—and enjoy the results.
Meet Maria
Founder & CEO — serial optimist
Third generation entrepreneur, Maria Bernardo Brady launched Marakae Marketing with strong faith in God and confidence in herself. In 1996, with two clients, one fax, dialup Internet and a computer with a CPU, she knew her dreams of being a Mom and a successful business woman would become a reality. Nearly three decades later she still steers the agency with faith, creativity, and her “I Chose Happy” mantra.
Maria’s day must start with an iced mocha coffee then she can embrace the morning! Her four cats (Jameson, Jezabelle, Tiger Cub, and Harley) are office companions and miss her when she travels. Maria enjoys the outdoors, especially in her gardens, cooking and spending time with her family. Gigi loves watching her Grandson William play baseball and snuggling her baby Granddaughter Scarlett.
“Happiness isn’t just a mood—it’s the fuel for every brainstorm. Choose happy, create boldly, sprinkle kindness on the process, and leave every brand —and every person you meet—brighter than you found them.”
Tremendous Team

Rachael
Sunshine Generator
ABOUT RACHAEL
Cultivating the love of jewelry design from her father Ed, Rachael now owns Cia’s Jewelry since his passing in August 2024. Her parents launched the store in 2007, where she helped to paint the showroom and setup the jewelry cases. She even accompanied her Mom to New York City to buy unique inventory. Cia’s Jewelry is known for exceptional custom-designed jewelry utilizing CAD technology and affordable luxury jewelry. Rachael and her Dad enjoyed years of designing custom bridal pieces, pendants, and so much more.
When she’s not creating at Cia’s or Marakae, she loves spending time with her awesome husband, John, two amazing children William and Scarlett along with three cats (Cinnabuns, Blue and Fluffy) and one large Rottweiler Zee. Family time is spent with lots of hugs, baseball games, visits to Ohiopyle and jaunts through local zoos.
"Endeavor to persevere" - Elanor Roosevelt

Kailey
Master of Smiles
ABOUT KAILEY
By day an expert Environmental Scientist, by weekend a joy-filled mascot named Gabi. Greeting visitors to UPMC Health Plan events, Kailey and her husband Josh (aka Will the other UPMC Mascot) dance, catch ball and play games with the kiddos. In addition to her hula hoop skills, Kailey is an accomplished runner, completing two half marathons and one full marathon. Fun fact, she is scuba certified and has dove in the Florida Keys for her first adventure.
Kailey loves to travel, cook, beat Josh at board games and cuddle with their three cats (Bumble, Kricket and Mantis) and one dog (Buddy).
“The world is but a canvas to our imagination” - Henry David Thoreau

Brynn
Coordinator of Creative Chaos
ABOUT BRYNN
If something needs to be managed with extraordinary care, organized for today and tomorrow, or generally made into awesomeness, Brynn is your go-to person. A true “Jane of all trades”, she brings her exceptional project management skills and creative graphic design experience to our bustling office, to ensure Marakae’s clients are well cared for. At times she suits up as Gabi, the UPMC Health Plan mascot to bring her special energy to the communities of Pittsburgh and Erie.
When she’s not tackling creative projects at work, Brynn can be found tinkering around her home with her family of one amazing partner, two energetic kids, four fluffer butts (aka cats Starburst, Rosie, Teddy and Gravy ) and two sugar gliders (Bruni and Tuk Tuk) . Let’s just say it’s a household so full of personality it could be its own reality show. Brynn loves beekeeping, hiking, camping, and pretty much anything that gets her outdoors with her crew.
Her most recent mic-drop moment? In March, she and her two kids (ages 11 and 13) earned their black belts in Tang Soo Do together –proving she’s as focused as she is creative!
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” —John Muir

Tracey
Creative Communicator
ABOUT TRACEY
Making magic with Marakae since 2007, Tracey visually infuses life into graphic
design. Cookie connoisseur, outdoor enthusiast and momtrepreneur, Tracey encourages variety in life. She requires coffee in the morning and daily hugs from her 1 husband, 2 daughters, and 3 pets. Her two cats Gigi and Stinker are often curled up in her office. Tility, her spunky gray horse enjoys many rodeo adventures.
When Tracey is not acting as graphic designer/visual communicator/problem solver, she is applauding her award-winning dancing daughter or chasing rodeos for her champion cowgirl.
“If we weren’t all crazy, we would go insane.” - Jimmy Buffett

Debbie
Finance Guru
ABOUT DEBBIE
Weightlifter, super Mom, and accountant extraordinaire, Debbie loves to keep active with her husband, 2 kids (Livia 16 & Deacon 4), 5 cats (Mr. Nubz, Roo, Dusty, Winnie Boo, & Millie) and one dog (Gus Gus). Her passion lies in helping and encouraging others in a way that provides fulfillment and helping others thrive. Debbie is a whiz at Quickbooks making sure finances are fit at Marakae. When Debbie is not crunching numbers, chasing kids, and removing fur from her clothes, you will find her at the gym, lifting heavy circles and other’s spirits.
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.”

Jennifer
Chief Party Planner
ABOUT JENNIFER
A retired schoolteacher whose love of learning didn’t end at the classroom door. Jennifer now channels her creativity and organizational flair into hands-on projects at Marakae. She is a versatile and imaginative thinker who has a deep appreciation for meaningful experiences.
Whether she’s curating a Tuscan-themed wine night with a perfectly paired charcuterie board, experimenting with new cooking recipes, cheering on her favorite team, or doting on her furry companions, Jennifer brings thoughtful intention and a touch of playfulness to everything she does. This exudes with her adventures, as part of the mascot crew for Will and Gabi, for the UPMC Health Plan. Her attention to detail resonates in corporate event planning.
Known in the classroom for blending warmth, wit, and precision, Jennifer brings the same thoughtful energy to Marakae She is always guided by a desire to connect, create, and inspire.
“Have fun, make memories, and never stop exploring.”

John
Sales Enthusiast
ABOUT JOHN
Also known as SAP to his friends, John is a creature of habit with a “must-have morning” coffee before embarking on his day. Passionate about golf, John is often found on the course.
His son is an outdoorsman, and they spend a lot of time together.
With over 30 years of print management and promo item knowledge, John supports
clients with expert care and a get ‘er done attitude.
Couple fun facts about John….In 1995, Maria was a print client of John’s before she launched Marakae. And, he completed software implementation and training at the CIA Printing Office, requiring security clearance. He visited the museum and stood at the logo in the CIA building featured in various films.
“I have a tip that can take 5 strokes off anyone's golf game. It's called an eraser.” - Arnold Palmer

Josh
High-Five Guy
ABOUT JOSH
If something needs to be fun, engaging, and just the right amount of "over-the-top", Josh is your guy! Playing Will, the UPMC Health Plan mascot, Josh brings smiles, high-fives, and a little extra sparkle to events of all kinds. But don’t let the giant costume fool you — Josh also keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes by managing purchase orders and making sure everything needed for the next big event is ready to roll.
When he’s not bringing life to the party, Josh is out running (a five-time marathon runner), plotting his next board game victory, spending quality time with his wife Kailey (aka Gabi, another UPMC Health Plan mascot) along with their three cats (Bumble, Kricket and Mani) along with one dog (Buddy) and laughing it up with friends. His perfect workday? Mixing just the right amount of goofy charm with professional polish
"The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces" - Will Rogers

Takako
Organizer Extraordinaire
ABOUT TAKAKO
Takako can easily compete with Marie Condo, the famous Japanese organizer! She efficiently organizes and maintains promotional item inventory for all of Marakae’s clients. Takako expertly manages the promotional item warehouse by tracking inventory, packaging merchandise for event distribution and shipping the logo gift to clients. In addition, Takako truly enjoys bringing happiness to children when she performs as Gabi, a mascot for the UPMC Health Plan.
You may be surprised to know that Takako is a Karate (Tang Soo Do) “freak", earning her black belt along with her twin daughters along with teaching the class. Her husband is a retired air force officer and their family is complete with Olive the cat. In her spare time, she is the chauffeur for her daughters’ activities and is an excellent cookie maker!
“If you work hard, you will gain wisdom. If it's half-hearted, you will complain. If you're not good enough, you'll come up with an excuse.” - Shingen Takeda (Famous Japanese Warlords)
Meet Harley!
Chief Cuddler
“Make a choice to be like me, pause, stretch, breathe and purr as loudly as you can!” – Harley Brady
