Dee Rivera, the mastermind behind Times Square Fashion week believes that these events will enable people to celebrate their self-expression, designer craftsmanship and expose audiences to new voices, new designers with an element of tech involved with theTimes Square Fashion Week marketplace powered by Metaburnett. As the Producer of the 6th annual Times Square Fashion Week, Dee is also the Founder of Latinista Magazine, and CEO of DCG Media Group . Dee started her career in editorial magazines as a Fashion + Beauty Editor at Modern Bride Magazine, Latina Magazine,Splash and a contributor to a few other platforms. She then rolled up her sleeves in Public Relations as a Publicist at one of New York City’s top PR firms.
In 2007, Dee established Dee + Co Group a boutique firm in NYC specializing in digitalmarketing and branding, including experiential curated events with a focus on lifestyle beauty and fashion brands. Her repertoire covers the fields of food, sports, tech, health, wellness, fitness, charity, and fashion, with media placement seen on The Today Show, The Early Show, Latina Magazine, SiriusXM, Huffington Post,Essence, NBC, Wendy Williams, ABC, NBC, CBS Show, Extra, The New York Times, Associated Press, The New York Daily News, The New York Post and more.
As the producer of the 6th annual Times Square Fashion Week, you have revolutionized the experience of runway shows in NY. Tell us about the show.
The show is worked on a year in advance. At times I feel like a firefighter, putting out fires as they come up. This year was so phenomenal in so many ways. We had a chance to find an amazing team backstage. This year we gave two awards to 17 year olds Emerging Designer of the Year, Sierra Hotel Hoodies Arabelle Moffit and Rising Star Hudson Mckinley-Uss who I believe in the next 10 years will be a well-known designer. I had the privilege to work with such amazing designers who debuted their collection like Mrs Momma Bear Workwear, Tantiana Mcgrath and Sarah Hutson from Australia including SADA Chicc.
Tell us about your commitment to diversity and helping local fashion businesses.
Times Square Fashion Week emphasizes its commitment to diversity and supporting local fashion businesses by showcasing a wide range of designers and styles that reflect the vibrant community of New York City. The event aims to create an inclusive platform for emerging talent, prioritizing representation across various backgrounds, cultures, and aesthetics. By partnering with local designers, Times Square Fashion Week not only highlights unique fashion perspectives but also promotes economic growth within the local industry. This initiative fosters a sense of community and encourages collaboration among fashion entrepreneurs, ultimately enriching the fashion landscape in the area. We are so grateful for the Parks Department and City of New York including Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine for supporting us each year. Next Year we are planning something that has never been done. But I don’t want to share yet. I like to walk in silence.
You began your successful career in editorial as a Fashion + Beauty at Modern Bride, Latina Magazine, and Splash. How did your experience shape your future as one of New York City’s top Publicists?
My experience has been pivotal in shaping my future as one of New York City’s top publicists and the CEO of DCG Media Group. Starting in the fast-paced environment of public relations, I learned the importance of building strong relationships and understanding client needs. Working with diverse clients allowed me to hone my skills in strategic communication and brand development.
Navigating the competitive landscape of New York City taught me resilience and adaptability. Each campaign presented unique challenges, and overcoming them helped me develop innovative solutions that set my clients apart. Collaborating with various media outlets and influencers further expanded my network, enabling me to create impactful partnerships.
As I transitioned into leadership, my experiences informed my vision for DCG Media Group. I prioritized a culture of creativity and collaboration, empowering my team to think outside the box. This approach not only fostered a dynamic work environment but also led to successful campaigns that elevated our clients’ brands.
Ultimately, my journey has been defined by a commitment to excellence, a passion for storytelling, and an unwavering belief in the power of effective communication—elements that continue to guide my work today.
Tell us about Dee + Co Group and your areas of expertise for clients and how you stand out?
Dee + Co Group stands out in the public relations landscape through a combination of tailored strategies and a deep understanding of our clients’ unique needs. Our areas of expertise include brand development, strategic communications, media relations, and digital marketing.
What makes us unique is our personalized approach; we focus on building strong relationships with our clients to truly understand their vision and goals. We leverage our extensive network in media and influencer circles to create impactful campaigns that resonate with target audiences.
Additionally, our commitment to diversity and inclusion allows us to craft narratives that reflect a wide range of perspectives, enhancing our clients’ brand stories. By staying ahead of industry trends and employing innovative techniques, we ensure that our clients not only stand out but also thrive in an ever-evolving market.
Ultimately, our holistic approach—combining creativity, strategic thinking, and a genuine passion for our clients’ success—sets Dee + Co Group apart as a leader in the industry.
As one of the top empowering women in the US, what initiatives are important to you?
As one of the top empowering women in the U.S., several initiatives are particularly important to me:
1. **Women’s Leadership Development**: I advocate for programs that provide mentorship and training opportunities for women in various industries. Empowering women to take on leadership roles is crucial for fostering diversity in decision-making.
2. **Entrepreneurial Support**: Supporting women entrepreneurs through access to resources, funding, and networking opportunities is vital. Initiatives that promote small business growth among women help to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship.
3. **Diversity and Inclusion**: I prioritize initiatives that focus on increasing diversity in the workplace. This includes advocating for policies that create inclusive environments where all voices are heard and valued.
4. **Education and Empowerment**: Promoting education for young girls and women, particularly in STEM fields, is essential for breaking down barriers and expanding career opportunities.
5. **Mental Health and Wellness**: I support initiatives that emphasize mental health awareness and wellness programs, recognizing the unique challenges women often face in balancing personal and professional lives.
6. **Advocacy for Equal Rights**: Engaging in advocacy work to promote equal rights, pay equity, and policies that protect women’s rights is fundamental to creating a more equitable society.
By championing these initiatives, I aim to inspire and empower women to achieve their goals and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future.
What will people notice when working with you?
When working with me, people will notice several key qualities:
1. **Collaborative Spirit**: I foster a team-oriented environment where ideas are welcomed and collaboration is encouraged. I believe that the best results come from diverse perspectives working together.
2. **Passion for Empowerment**: My commitment to empowering others is evident in my interactions. I strive to uplift and support every team member and client, encouraging them to reach their full potential.
3. **Strategic Thinking**: Clients will appreciate my ability to think strategically and develop tailored solutions that align with their goals. I focus on creating impactful strategies that drive results.
4. **Strong Communication**: Clear and open communication is a priority for me. I keep clients informed and engaged throughout the process, ensuring that their needs and feedback are always considered.
5. **Adaptability**: I am responsive to change and open to feedback, allowing me to adjust strategies as needed. This flexibility helps us navigate challenges effectively.
6. **Dedication to Excellence**: My attention to detail and commitment to high standards means that I strive for excellence in every project, ensuring that the final outcomes reflect our shared vision.
Overall, working with me means engaging in a partnership built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to success.
Share your proudest moment of your career.
One of my proudest moments in my career was securing a significant partnership and sponsorship with a major global brand , Ferrari for Hamptons Fashion Week. This opportunity not only elevated our client’s visibility in a competitive market but also showcased the unique value they brought to their industry.
The process involved extensive research, strategic pitching, and navigating complex negotiations, but seeing our hard work pay off was incredibly rewarding. The partnership resulted in a successful campaign that not only boosted our client’s brand recognition but also opened doors to further opportunities and collaborations.
Additionally, witnessing the positive impact this win had on the client’s growth and their team’s morale was truly fulfilling. It reinforced my belief in the power of strategic communication and the importance of building strong relationships. This experience not only solidified our reputation in the industry but also motivated us to continue striving for excellence on behalf of our clients.
