An expert facilitator, Jessi LaCosta focuses on professional development, organizational effectiveness and community building. She is passionate about integrated branding, transformational leadership, strategic communication and sustainable growth for communities, organizations and individuals. In late 2009 she began an intensive post-graduate certificate program at Portland State that had her immersed in the science of brain, mind and relationships - AKA - Interpersonal Neurobiology. Incorporating this approach, which is based in more than 13 scientific disciplines, including neuroscience, sociology and biology, has equipped LaCosta with a deepened insight into managing crisis and conflict along with developing people to their fullest potential. She is the only person in the United States currently to use IPNB along with brand development to build businesses and improve upon leadership processes.

Before coaching and consulting, LaCosta worked at one of the nation's top advertising agencies, Deutsch Inc., and executed research, planning and account management for successful regional and national client campaigns. She also has held public relations, copywriting, program development, marketing and sales positions in other industries including media, museums, technology retrieval and medical marketing.

She is a sought-after speaker on issues such as branding, strategic communications and motivation. Additionally, as an assault survivor, she is often invited to present and write on the topics of overcoming adversity, conflict resolution and empowerment.

Most recently she has been focusing much of her attention on helping military veterans transition into civilian lives. Since sustainability inside organizations, as well as within community, is central to her mission, LaCosta believes there is more to be done that JUST transition work for the individual veteran. Her view is that part of the solution to the growing unemployed veteran situation is to help "both sides of the house." She has been developing a program that helps to acclimate the recently hired veterans into their new jobs, while at the same time helping the hiring managers and supervisors to leverage the veteran skill-set and the new relationship.

LaCosta is the recipient of both the H. Mebane Turner Service and the Thomas J. Pullen Outstanding Young Alumna Awards from the University of Baltimore. She has a long history of community service and nonprofit volunteerism. When not working, she enjoys reading, singing, visiting museums and days at the beach.

LaCosta holds a B.S. degree in Corporate Media from James Madison University, and both an M.A. degree in Communication Design and Leadership Certificate from the University of Baltimore. She earned a certificate in Interpersonal Neurobiology from Portland State, is also a certified mediator, a Board Certified Coach with special designations in Career and Corporate/Business/Leadership Coaching, a Certified Mastermind Executive Coach and a professional speaker.

"I just wanted to thank you for your speech. It was so appropriate. The material was relevant to the audience. I appreciated how you incorporated statistics with personal stories. I was moved by what you said..You were the perfect speaker to address our audience on Sept. 11th. Thank you for your time, energy and making our event extra special." Lovedy Zie-Carroll, Pala Casino Spa Resort

For events & appearances, visit this page.

She is Affiliated With:

Marketing Domain Expert: Connect's Springboard

Consultant/Instructor: CENTRE for Organization Effectiveness

Career Management Expert Columnist: Examiner.com

Member/Featured Training Partner: HRGuru

Member: College of Liberal Arts Alumni Society ( UB)

Former Board Member: University of Baltimore Alumni Association, Board of Governors

Facilitator: REBOOT, National Veterans Transition Services, Inc.

Member: American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)

Board Member/VP Marketing and Membership: OD Network, San Diego Chapter

Member: GAINS (Global Association of Interpersonal Neurobiology Studies)

Member: SHRM ( Society for Human Resources Management)

Member: Coachville

Member: San Diego Coaches Alliance

Learn more about her you can download a PDF BIO page here.

Follow her on Twitter: BlueRioBranding

Mark has developed and delivered courses for the SANS Institute, MIS Institute and the University of California San Diego, and currently a trainer at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Technology Training Corporation and Learning Tree International. He is also an adjunct professor at Keller Graduate School of Management and teaches business development and leadership courses at the Professional Development Academy. Mark is a master trainer, facilitator, and storyteller and has a very energetic and entertaining style that keeps audiences attention from start to finish. Mark is a member of the International Association of Facilitators, National Speakers Association (NSA), the Organization Development Institute, the Organization Development Network, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD).

“Mark, I had a great time and learned a lot from the course this week.  Your teaching style is efficient and effective.  It is hard not to like you.  I can see why you have had so much success working with people.  Sharing those personal experiences including your successes and failures were priceless.  Thanks for the illuminating week! Best Wishes” - J.M.

Chris Sardiñas (San Diego, CA) is the Director of News & Media Relations at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, working with media relations, website and publications. He is also is a media consultant, specializing in interview coaching, crisis communications, video production and is an adjunct instructor with the California Specialized Training Institute of the state government's California Emergency Management Agency.

Saunders is the former Public Affairs and Community Relations Officer for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and before that served as Executive Director of the Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc., a non-profit citizen volunteer crisis team which works closely with police, firefighters and other emergency responders.

Chris worked for 20 years as a producer, reporter and anchor at KFMB television, Channel 8. He won numerous awards, including three Emmy's and the Sol Price Award for Excellence in Journalism from the Society of Professional Journalists, as well as the San Diego Consumer Attorneys Media Person of the Year award.