Meet Rosemary Ravinal from Miami, Florida.
Rosemary is a bilingual public speaking coach and media trainer with over 30 years of experience in corporate communications. As America’s Premier Bilingual Public Speaking Coach, she helps leaders elevate their executive presence and communication skills. With a background as a TEDx speaker and former media executive, Rosemary has transformed the public speaking landscape for high-profile clients across the U.S. and Latin America.
The Early Foundations: A Passion for Communication
Rosemary Ravinal’s journey in communication began early in life. Born in Cuba and raised in suburban New York, Rosemary’s bilingual upbringing gave her a unique perspective on the power of language and storytelling. Her passion for communication led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Journalism from Adelphi University. During her time at Adelphi, she developed a keen interest in media and public relations, setting the stage for what would become a thriving career.
To further hone her skills and broaden her global perspective, Rosemary later pursued a Master’s degree in Global Strategic Communications from Florida International University. This advanced education allowed her to blend strategic communication theory with practical application, preparing her to lead in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Making Waves in Corporate Communications
Rosemary’s professional career began in New York, where she quickly made a name for herself as a dynamic and skilled communicator. One of her first major roles was as a News Analyst and On-Air Contributor for MSNBC, where she became the first Hispanic market expert for the network during its inaugural year. Here, Rosemary provided insights on Hispanic markets and current events, solidifying her reputation as an authoritative voice in multicultural communication.
This role marked the beginning of a series of high-profile positions in corporate communications. Rosemary joined Discovery Communications as Director of Communications for Latin America and Iberia, where she managed publicity for major pay-TV channels, including Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. During her time there, Rosemary was instrumental in executing pan-regional campaigns that tied promotional events to popular programming initiatives, such as Shark Week and the Titanic.
“Effective communication isn’t just about speaking well—it’s about resonating with your audience,” Rosemary explains, a principle she has carried throughout her career.
Rising to Executive Leadership at Sony Ericsson and A+E Television Networks
Rosemary’s reputation as a public relations leader continued to grow as she took on the role of Director of Public Relations for North and Latin America at Sony Ericsson. Tasked with elevating the company’s brand across diverse markets, Rosemary led a $4.5 million budget and directed communications strategies that garnered global attention. One of her most notable achievements was the rebranding of the Lipton Championships tennis tournament into the Sony Ericsson Open, an internationally recognized event that still carries her legacy.
Following her success at Sony Ericsson, Rosemary joined A+E Television Networks as the Vice President of Public Relations and Corporate Communications. Over her seven-year tenure, she spearheaded campaigns for networks like A&E, The History Channel, and the Biography Channel, reaching 40 million households across Latin America. Rosemary’s efforts not only doubled media impressions but also tripled the advertising value of media placements. She created premier events for iconic TV biographies and launched educational forums that reached thousands of students across five countries. Her innovative approaches to corporate communication, including the use of digital media for viewer engagement, became industry benchmarks.
“When you create a connection with your audience, you’re not just telling a story—you’re building trust,” Rosemary says of her philosophy on corporate communication.
A New Chapter: From Univision to Founding RMR Communications Consulting
In 2017, Rosemary joined Univision Communications, where she served as Vice President of Public Relations for the Entertainment Division. Leading publicity for the world’s largest Spanish-language media company, she played a critical role in positioning Univision’s programming and talent on a national stage. Working closely with talent relations and media, Rosemary’s strategic vision helped shape Univision’s public image and bolstered its presence in the competitive entertainment landscape.
But in 2019, after decades of shaping the communications strategies of major corporations, Rosemary decided to pivot her career to focus on her true passion: public speaking and executive coaching. She founded RMR Communications Consulting LLC, a Miami-based firm dedicated to helping bilingual business leaders master public speaking and media presentation skills. Through her coaching, Rosemary empowers executives to improve their executive presence, media interview skills, and overall communication abilities.
One of Rosemary’s innovative contributions to the field of executive coaching was the creation of the ZoomScore™ in 2020. This tool, which evaluates 10 essential elements of professional video meetings, was developed to help executives transition to the virtual stage during the global pandemic.
“Your presence on the stage, in media interviews, or on virtual calls can make or break your career,” Rosemary advises her clients, emphasizing the critical nature of mastering public speaking in the digital age.
Current Role and Impact
Today, Rosemary continues to make a significant impact through her firm, RMR Communications Consulting. Her client roster includes high-profile names such as Intercontinental Hotel Group, the Everglades Foundation, and Norwegian Cruise Line. She works with executives across various industries, providing bilingual coaching that enables leaders to communicate with confidence and authority in both English and Spanish.
In addition to her coaching business, Rosemary is a prominent figure in the public speaking community. She is a TEDx speaker and serves as co-director of the Florida Speakers Association Academy. She is also the president of the Miami-Wynwood Toastmasters and the director of PechaKucha Night Miami, where she promotes the art of concise storytelling. Rosemary is a trusted advisor to Yoodli.ai, an AI-driven speech coaching platform, and contributes to BigVu, a video creation platform used by professionals around the world.
In 2024, Rosemary will publish her first book, “The Joy of Thinking Out Loud,” which chronicles her personal journey overcoming stuttering and finding her voice. This highly anticipated book will provide readers with inspiration and practical advice on how to embrace public speaking with confidence.
Personal Life and Hobbies
When Rosemary is not coaching executives or giving keynote speeches, she enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her deep appreciation for culture and history. She is an avid fan of Spanish cinema and loves to create collage art in her free time. Rosemary also enjoys gallery hopping and exploring historic places, activities that fuel her creativity and passion for storytelling. She currently lives in Doral, Florida, with her beloved silky terrier, Chucho.
5 leadership Lessons
- Authentic Communication is Key: Building trust through honest and transparent communication is vital for leadership success.
- Bilingual Skills Enhance Influence: Leaders who communicate across languages can engage diverse audiences and foster broader connections.
- Adapt to Changing Platforms: Whether in-person or virtual, effective leaders continuously evolve their communication style to fit the medium.
- Presence Drives Perception: How you present yourself in meetings or on stage shapes others’ perceptions of your leadership and credibility.
- Embrace Personal Challenges: Turning vulnerabilities into strengths, like Rosemary’s journey with stuttering, makes leadership more relatable and impactful.
Editorial Note
Rosemary Ravinal’s career exemplifies the power of authentic communication and adaptability in leadership. Her journey from corporate executive to America’s Premier Bilingual Public Speaking Coach highlights the importance of presence, trust, and vulnerability in driving success. Through her work, Rosemary continues to empower leaders across industries to find their voice and communicate with confidence.
