Rachel Dares
President & Senior Publicist
Rachel Dares is the founder and president of Rachel Dares PR, an award-winning boutique public relations and sponsored events agency based in Orange County, California. With more than two decades of experience across media, public relations, journalism, marketing, events, and sponsorship strategy, Rachel has built a reputation for helping brands, public figures, and organizations gain visibility, credibility, and strategic positioning.
Before launching her agency, Rachel worked in broadcast journalism as a television newscaster and news writer. Her newsroom experience provides a deep understanding of how editors and producers evaluate stories, what makes a segment truly newsworthy, and how to position clients in ways that resonate with journalists and audiences. This insider perspective allows her to craft media angles that secure meaningful coverage across television, radio, podcasts, and digital publications.
Rachel has led high-impact publicity campaigns, secured national media placements, and produced sponsored events that bring brands, organizations, and communities together. Known for her strategic approach and hands-on leadership, she works closely with clients to shape compelling narratives, develop influential partnerships, and execute campaigns that generate meaningful exposure and measurable results.
Her client portfolio spans a wide range of industries and includes medical, wellness, aesthetic, and fitness businesses, established and emerging brands, professional athletes, authors and speakers, nonprofit organizations, filmmakers and artists, publication founders, entrepreneurs, and political candidates, including campaigns for California governor.
Rachel holds a degree in Radio Broadcasting and a bachelor’s degree in Education with a concentration in English. She continues to strengthen her expertise through ongoing professional development in media relations, public affairs, grant writing, and strategic communications.
In addition to leading client campaigns, Rachel mentors emerging communications professionals through her internship program in partnership with California State University, Long Beach, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world public relations, media outreach, and campaign strategy.
Madeline Safrit
Publicist
Madeline is a communications professional and publicist who helps craft clear, compelling brand stories and strengthen client visibility across social media. She also serves as the Internal Communications Manager for Special Olympics International, where she oversees global messaging that connects and informs teams and audiences around the world.
With both undergraduate and graduate degrees in public relations, Madeline brings strong expertise in strategic communication, digital storytelling, and brand development. At Rachel Dares PR, she leads the agency’s social media division, developing tailored content strategies that reflect each client’s voice and messaging. She also manages the firm’s internship program, mentoring emerging PR professionals and guiding them through hands-on industry experience.
Thoughtful, strategic, and relationship-driven, Madeline combines global insight with a grounded approach to communication - making her an integral part of the team at Rachel Dares PR.
Tiziano Mammana
Videographer, Cinematographer,
Licensed Drone Pilot
Tiziano brings a dynamic blend of technical expertise and creative precision to Rachel Dares PR’s visual production team. Specializing in videography, cinematography, and FAA-certified drone cinematography, he captures striking visuals that elevate brand stories, events, and campaigns.
With deep experience in lighting, composition, and aerial operations, Tiziano plans every shoot with meticulous attention to detail - from weather and obstruction mapping to flight path coordination for both indoor and outdoor settings. His commitment to safety, quality, and storytelling ensures every project is executed flawlessly and visually impactful.
In post-production, Tiziano’s refined eye for pacing and tone transforms raw footage into polished, cinematic content that amplifies visibility and captures attention across platforms.
Kyle Shields
Photographer, Videographer, Creative Director
With a sharp eye for storytelling and a background in Broadcast Journalism from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Kyle Shields brings years of professional experience to his role as the in-house photographer and videographer at Rachel Dares PR.
Kyle specializes in producing high-quality visuals that capture the heart of a brand, event, or individual.
Whether he's shooting portraits, producing behind-the-scenes content, or crafting dynamic video reels for social media and press, Kyle blends technical precision with creative vision to deliver content that connects. His work plays a key role in helping clients elevate their visibility and tell their stories with impact.
Outside work, Kyle enjoys downtime with his two rescued German Shepherds, Herbie and Pickett.
Carlos Escarcega
Events Associate
Introducing Carlos, our Events Associate. Carlos is a dynamic force with a wealth of experience in sales, and client development.
With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to perfection, Carlos ensures that every event we organize is a seamless and unforgettable experience. Drawing from his background at Coca-Cola, he understands the importance of impeccable execution and exceeding client expectations.
But what sets Carlos apart is his holistic approach to event management. Outside of his role as Event Associate with Rachel Dares PR, he serves as campus security and is a certified self-defense instructor and fitness trainer. This experience drives his strong focus on safety, preparedness, and the overall well-being of clients and attendees.