ABOUT
BARÚ has a new home.
We have joined Fors Marsh, a research, strategy, and communications company that shares our commitment to driving lasting change.
For more information, visit forsmarsh.com
OUR CLIENTS
Fortune 500 companies including Viacom and NBC/Universal as well as public entities such as California Department of Public Health come to BARÚ to execute creative + marketing + media strategy.
OUR TEAM
We are a cross disciplined and diverse group of specialists, across marketing, media and creative. BARÚ is perfectly positioned to create campaigns that connect on a cultural level.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
ELIZABETH BARRUTIA
Business Strategy & Growth Director
Elizabeth founded BARÚ in 2007 to engage untapped consumer groups with a new cross cultural perspective. With a 20+ year career in general and Hispanic markets, she is a strategic innovator in multicultural marketing and media. Elizabeth has cultivated a high-growth agency that has made a positive impact in social and behavior change among hard-to-reach multicultural communities. She has led campaign strategy, development and activation across an array of category verticals including Government and Nonprofit Entities, Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods, Alc-Bev, Entertainment and Technology. Elizabeth continues to champion and advocate for diversity and inclusion at large, and is grateful to work on important initiatives that have elevated and empowered underserved communities. Having lived in Spain, Brazil, and Mexico, she is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Elizabeth is a graduate of UC Berkeley.
MICHAEL McNELLIS
COO
As one of the founding partners at BARÚ, Michael is responsible for business operations and administration, including finance, IT, human resources, facilities, legal and compliance. In addition to directing the day-to-day business functions, Michael works closely with the CEO to manage the firm’s growth through strategic planning, business development, marketing and PR, contract negotiations, and maintaining exceptional workplace culture. Michael also maintains involvement in client creative with a strong background in television production.
25 years of experience in leading cross-functional teams, overseeing operations and business management.
MADELINE BENIFLAH
VP of Integrated Strategy and Client Services
An industry veteran with extensive experience in communication strategy and planning, Madeline spent 16+ years at IPG and Mediabrands holding senior leadership positions at UM, Momentum and Identity. Madeline sets strategic vision at BARÚ as an innovator and subject matter expert in Integrated Media Comms Planning and Multicultural/Diverse segments. Diving deep into analytics, Madeline identifies trends and mines insights that tell stories to pave a path forward for our marketing strategies. Her depth of experience leading teams and reporting to the executive branch, has developed a proven track record in creating transformational solutions that drive business results for clients. Madeline’s category experience is vast including Consumer Packaged Goods, Telecom, Education, Healthcare, Government, Automotive, Finance and Banking, Technology, Energy and more. Madeline is driven by data, new marketing approaches, and tapping new trends and technologies.
CARLOS DURAND
Group Account Director
Carlos is an innovative account director focused on providing the most optimal strategic management solutions to clients. With experience in every area of the marketing ecosystem, he is always finding ways to elevate project and account management to a new level. In addition to having led some of the most renowned brands in multiple verticals, he has launched various business initiatives through his career. He has an MBA from The University of Texas at San Antonio and Bachelor in Business Administration degree from the distinguished Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana in Mexico City. He maintains a very dynamic and active lifestyle — and is always ready for a good hike or a run by the beach.
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CHELDY MORAN
Account Director
Cheldy has diverse experience that includes advertising, marketing, strategy and business development. Bringing with her more than 10 years of multicultural marketing excellence. She’s helped propel brands such as DIRECTV, American Express, Nestlé (Outshine & Häagen-Dazs), T-Mobile, Southern California Edison, PBS KIDS, First 5 LA and most recently National University. Her experience goes beyond advertising, as a marketer, she brings her ‘client hat’ – working on Hispanic driven strategic initiatives at Nexxo Financial Corporation. Los Angeles native and member of The Junior League of Los Angeles. Cheldy's committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of children within the foster care system, and improving the community.
MJ LAZCANO
Creative Director
MJ is a 9-year advertising veteran who specializes in art direction and is now serving as Creative Director at BARÚ. After graduating from Miami Ad School, she quickly began developing 360 campaigns for high profile clients such as Walmart, Verizon, AT&T, Wells Fargo, Best Buy, and Pizza Hut. Exceeding expectations won her several awards for her social media work for Walmart and Verizon. MJs contributions on Covered California and CDPH have won BARÚ several awards.
LATEST WINS
With great work,
comes great awards.
1 Communicator Award
3 Telly Awards
3 Davey Awards
4 Anthem Awards
From strategy to execution, we're here to amplify your impact.
Get in touch.
