Ebony Vaz

Ebony Vaz is the founder and CEO of Above Promotions, a marketing technology and public relations company specializing in crisis communications for cybersecurity incidents. Vaz integrates her engineering background and government research experience with expertise in public relations and marketing to implement science and technology into storytelling for public awareness campaigns, growth strategies, new product launches, and in-person events.

After graduating from the University of Central Florida, where she conducted research in virtual reality and password information security, Vaz started Above Promotions as a side project before transitioning it into a full-time business.

With experience spanning more than 15 years and over 100 brands, Vaz has contributed to campaigns for AT&T, AAA, AOL, Cold Stone Creamery, and Verizon Wireless, as well as smaller national and international organizations and public-funded entities such as University of South Florida. She has managed campaigns and projects with budgets ranging from four to seven figures, supporting clients in achieving increased revenue and higher returns on investment.

Vaz is the co-author of published research on reducing human error-related information security incidents and understanding human memory limitations and password authentication practices. Her book, "Because You're Small: Effective Marketing Strategies for Immediate Implementation," highlights her role as a marketing instructor and thought leader.

Vaz serves as the membership director of InfraGard Tampa Members Alliance, an impact board member for Synapse, a Foreign Direct Investment Sub-Committee member of the Global Coalition Committee with Pasco EDC, and a member of the Tampa Bay Chapter of (ISC)². She is also a board advisor for the Bright Young Minds Coalition, a Small Business Development Center expert consultant, and a Venture Deals Kauffman Fellows Academy and Techstars participant who has judged various startup pitch competitions. Vaz is a graduate of Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Black in Business Cohort One.

Recognized as one of the Top 50 Black Marketers on the Rise by AAMA, Vaz is frequently invited to speak on topics including emerging technology for marketing and public relations strategies, crisis communication with an emphasis on cybersecurity, consumer psychology, research, marketing trends, startup ecosystems, and STEM and diversity. Above Promotions is a minority and woman-owned company recognized for its contributions throughout Florida and the nation, earning the MEDWeek Legacy Award for Excellence in Marketing. Vaz has been featured on MSNBC.com, Food and Wine, Social Media Today, BizBash, AdWeek, PR Daily, Yahoo.com, and other publications and panels, establishing her as a credible voice at the intersection of marketing, technology, and public relations.