Multicultural Advertising Agency
We know the target because we are the target.
We’re not your traditional agency. Our collective experience comes from working at some of the top media companies in the world.
As former insiders who are reimagining the way we reach and convert targets, we know that today’s consumers no longer check one box. Rather, they’re a fusion of ages, identities, races, genders, religions, ethnicities, likes, and dislikes—for whom we’ve developed campaigns in up to 19 languages, reaching even the most elusive.
Our Team
Meet the forces of Venus.
In 2018, Cathy Murphy left the big-media world to create smarter, more fiscally favorable ways to reach consumers. With a team that brings to market 85 years of combined experience at powerhouses like Facebook, CBS, and Pandora, Venus leverages its deep relationships with media companies, vendors, and data providers to create breakthrough integrated media strategies that make for thriving bottom lines—and happy clients. And they’re just getting started.
Cathy Murphy
Founder & CEO
“I’m a connector by nature. I’m passionate about bringing people together to spark new ideas, partnerships and opportunities.”
Full bio
Cathy has over 20 years of executive experience in the Radio, TV, Digital, and Social Media spaces. Following a decade at CBS, she gained expertise in the inner workings of the digital space at Pandora and most recently held an Industry Manager post at Facebook and Instagram. Cathy’s diverse, hands-on media experience gives her a unique ability to lead clients to unprecedented success.
A founding member of Chief and HeyMama, Cathy has appeared on podcasts from The Suuchi to Inside the Box.
Cathy loves tennis, biking with her daughter, golf, travel, and skiing (she’s originally from Colorado), and is a passionate bourbon enthusiast!
Cathy Murphy
Founder & CEO
“I’m a connector by nature. I’m passionate about bringing people together to spark new ideas, partnerships and opportunities.”
Cathy has over 20 years of executive experience in the Radio, TV, Digital, and Social Media spaces. Following a decade at CBS, she gained expertise in the inner workings of the digital space at Pandora and most recently held an Industry Manager post at Facebook and Instagram. Cathy’s diverse, hands-on media experience gives her a unique ability to lead clients to unprecedented success.
A founding member of Chief and HeyMama, Cathy has appeared on podcasts from The Suuchi to Inside the Box.
Cathy loves tennis, biking with her daughter, golf, travel, and skiing (she’s originally from Colorado), and is a passionate bourbon enthusiast!
Sylvia Herrera
Sylvia Herrera, Chief Operating Officer & Partner
“The world is evolving and so is media. It’s been incredibly exciting and rewarding collaborating with our clients and helping them see the value in reaching diverse audiences, across diverse media.”
Full bio
Sylvia earned her sales stripes at CBS Radio where she worked with major brands such as AT&T Wireless, Lincoln, and New York Presbyterian Hospital.
But as media started its digital transformation, and the more she embraced her Latin heritage, she decided it was time to switch to Spanish language TV at Telemundo and help brands understand the importance of the growing Hispanic market. It was during this time that she reconnected with Cathy and it was the beginning of what would ultimately lead to the creation of Venus Media.
With her experience, cultural fluency, and passion for media and consumer behavior, she empowers brands to think differently when reaching their target audiences – often womxn, LGBTQ+, and multicultural communities.
Fun fact: Sylvia loves interior design, hence her home is always a work in progress. Her latest renovation is worth a cooking show broadcast.
Sylvia Herrera
COO & Head of Diversity
“The world is evolving and so is media. It’s been incredibly exciting and rewarding collaborating with our clients and helping them see the value in reaching diverse audiences, across diverse media.”
After 25 years at CBS Radio and Telemundo, Sylvia helped to build the highly successful Healthcare vertical at Pandora. There, she served as Northeast Industry Lead, guiding the digital transformation for HCA Healthcare, Memorial Sloan Kettering and Daiichi Sanyko. Sylvia is especially adept at helping clients bridge the gap between Traditional and Digital Media.
Sylvia’s personal therapy is working out (she says it’s cheaper), she loves pop culture (claims she’s full of useless information) and interior design (hence her home is always a work-in-progress).
Amy Burrows
VP of Digital
Full bio
Amy’s professional path started after she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and public relations from Westfield State College. She has worked with clients like Bertucci’s and Mystic Aquarium from Connecticut and even joined the Walt Disney World Company marketing team, where magic became her everyday work.
Since 2015, Amy has specialized in programmatic advertising, collaborating with clients such as Shark Ninja, the New York Jets, and Raising Cane’s. With her unique blend of professional savvy and personal passions, Amy brings intellect, fun, and a touch of magic to everything she does. We couldn’t be happier to have her on board!
When she’s not creating marketing magic, Amy enjoys solving puzzles with Wordle and Sudoku.
Kourtney Edwards
Account Director / Government Specialist
Amy’s professional path started after she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and public relations from Westfield State College. She has worked with clients like Bertucci’s and Mystic Aquarium from Connecticut and even joined the Walt Disney World Company marketing team, where magic became her everyday work.
Since 2015, Amy has specialized in programmatic advertising, collaborating with clients such as Shark Ninja, the New York Jets, and Raising Cane’s. With her unique blend of professional savvy and personal passions, Amy brings intellect, fun, and a touch of magic to everything she does. We couldn’t be happier to have her on board!
When she’s not creating marketing magic, Amy enjoys solving puzzles with Wordle and Sudoku.
Kourtney Edwards
Account Director / Government Specialist
“We live in a multicultural society. I love helping brands achieve their full potential of growth through cultural relevance.”
Full bio
Kourtney is a leader in the media space who built her career working with national networks like Univision, CBS, NBC Universal/Telemundo, and Mitú. She brings over 10 years of experience in digital advertising and broadcast television, with niche expertise in the multicultural market.
Recognized for her charisma and high energy, Kourtney is a natural relationship builder who helps organizations craft targeted strategies to engage consumers and navigate the evolving media market. A Jersey girl at heart, she is passionate about spending time at the shore, exploring the culinary arts, and attending Broadway musicals.
Kourtney Edwards
Account Director / Government Specialist
“We live in a multicultural society. I love helping brands achieve their full potential of growth through cultural relevance.”
Kourtney is a leader in the media space who built her career working with national networks like Univision, CBS, NBC Universal/Telemundo, and Mitú. She brings over 10 years of experience in digital advertising and broadcast television, with niche expertise in the multicultural market.
Recognized for her charisma and high energy, Kourtney is a natural relationship builder who helps organizations craft targeted strategies to engage consumers and navigate the evolving media market. A Jersey girl at heart, she is passionate about spending time at the shore, exploring the culinary arts, and attending Broadway musicals.
Esabel Magpantay
Client Success Manager
“I believe we’re constantly learning every day and I find that there’s no better collaboration than how the Venus Team can share our expertise with our clients, but also learn from them! ”
Full bio
Esabel brings a wealth of experience from the SaaS world, spanning industries like Agency, Retail & eCommerce, and CPG.
Her fresh approach, sunny personality, and leadership skills make her a joy to work with for both clients and our team.
When she’s not conquering the business world, you’ll find Esabel traveling, sipping matcha lattes, exploring new brunch spots, or indulging in some retail therapy.
Empowered by the incredible women on the Venus team, she’s ready to grow and shine in her new role.
Esabel Magpantay
Client Success Manager
“I believe we’re constantly learning every day and I find that there’s no better collaboration than how the Venus Team can share our expertise with our clients, but also learn from them!”
Esabel brings a wealth of experience from the SaaS world, spanning industries like Agency, Retail & eCommerce, and CPG.
Her fresh approach, sunny personality, and leadership skills make her a joy to work with for both clients and our team.
When she’s not conquering the business world, you’ll find Esabel traveling, sipping matcha lattes, exploring new brunch spots, or indulging in some retail therapy.
Empowered by the incredible women on the Venus team, she’s ready to grow and shine in her new role.
Haley Scott
Media Buyer
“Social media is like a second language to me—and nothing gives me more pleasure than passing on that knowledge to our clients.”
Full bio
Coming to us with an expertise in all things social media, Haley is a 2020 graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the Robert H. Smith School of Business. During her college career, she worked for Dow Jones, Swish Beverages, and Maryland Athletics. She simultaneously managed multiple social media accounts for a variety of businesses and is now running our Venus platform.
When she’s not working you will find Haley in a thrift store (shoutout to Goodwill), discovering and up-cycling old clothing. If for some reason she’s not there, try Dunkin’, where she’s on an iced coffee quest with her best friends.
Haley Scott
Media Buyer
“Social media is like a second language to me—and nothing gives me more pleasure than passing on that knowledge to our clients.”
Coming to us with an expertise in all things social media, Haley is a 2020 graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the Robert H. Smith School of Business. During her college career, she worked for Dow Jones, Swish Beverages, and Maryland Athletics. She simultaneously managed multiple social media accounts for a variety of businesses and is now running our Venus platform.
When she’s not working you will find Haley in a thrift store (shoutout to Goodwill), discovering and up-cycling old clothing. If for some reason she’s not there, try Dunkin’, where she’s on an iced coffee quest with her best friends.
Fernanda Alvarez
Social Media Manager
“I’m dedicated to navigating into the deep waters of what people usually consume online and transforming it into a strong key point for the agency.”
Full bio
It wasn’t until 2020 that she became interested in social media and digital communication, leading her to work for clients in health & wellness, apparel, and the arts. Her expertise includes content and strategy creation, blog writing, customer service, and community growth.
Fernanda is passionate about music, food, and animation. In fact, not a single day goes by for her without watching some cartoons.
Fernanda Alvarez
Social Media Manager
It wasn’t until 2020 that she became interested in social media and digital communication, leading her to work for clients in health & wellness, apparel, and the arts. Her expertise includes content and strategy creation, blog writing, customer service, and community growth.
Fernanda is passionate about music, food, and animation. In fact, not a single day goes by for her without watching some cartoons.