KLPR was founded by Karrie Leung in 2009 and has grown into a full-service boutique public relations and marketing agency with clients ranging from chef-driven concepts to luxury hotels.
We tell compelling stories for people, products and businesses we love.
Karrie Leung
Founder
A publicist focusing on chef-driven concepts and luxury hotels, Karrie Leung brings almost 20 years of public relations experience to her current role as founder/director. Her background ranges from agency experience at Edelman Public Relations, Margie Korshak, and Wagstaff Worldwide to in-house positions at Mulberry, Park Hyatt Chicago, NoMI, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (Park Hyatt & Andaz). Since launching Karrie Leung Public Relations in 2009, she has worked with a wide-range of clients, including Nightwood, RIA at the Elysian Hotel Chicago, Girl & the Goat, GT Fish & Oyster, Balena, Tenzing Wine & Spirits, Boka, and Trenchermen.
Carissa Remitz,
Consultant
Carissa brings more than 17 years of experience in hospitality public relations and marketing to her role as a consultant for KLPR. Carissa attended culinary school in San Francisco and worked with the SF Chronicle in the Food & Wine sections. She joined the SF office of Wagstaff Worldwide in 2006, then relocated to Chicago in 2014 and led the team for nearly nine years as its managing director before joining KLPR in 2023. She has worked successfully with clients spanning the gamut of hospitality throughout her career.
Morgan Raphael,
Account Supervisor
Influencer + Social Media
With a background in public relations/advertising, and expansive experience in growing her own social media platforms and community, Morgan brings a 360 perspective to the PR world. She has a passion of bringing people together to both connect and gather - and what better way to do that then around food? She loves building relationships with both clients and influencers, and comes with innovative ways to enhance those experiences. She is excited to bring innovative, fresh ideas to the Chicago hospitality industry!
Sydney Wilhelm,
Senior Account Executive
Influencer + Social Media
After graduating from the University of Missouri – St. Louis with a degree in Media Studies, Sydney moved to Chicago to follow her dream of living in a city and work in social media. She capitalized on her time in the classroom knowledge to bolster national brands like Kendra Scott and Anheuser Busch. As an avid foodie, Sydney is excited to be a part of the Chicago hospitality community.
Jane Mahon,
Senior Account Executive
Media Relations
Jane is a born and raised Chicagoan with an undying passion for the hospitality scene at home and across the country. Her years of dynamic communications experience include developing innovative brand campaigns, driving PR and marketing strategy, securing large-scale partnerships, and fostering strong media relations on behalf of top-tier clients across the U.S. including MICHELIN-starred chefs, James Beard Award-winning restaurant groups, and luxury hotels.
Lauren Schumacker,
Media Consultant
Lauren fell in love with food at a young age. After attending culinary school in Chicago, she moved to Athens, GA to earn her master's in journalism at the University of Georgia. While in Athens, she took over the food-focused Locavore column in Flagpole magazine. She was also an editorial intern at Sauce Magazine in St. Louis, where she continued to freelance. Lauren worked as a lifestyle writer and editor for years, with bylines appearing in places like Tales of the Cocktail and The Everygirl. She later moved into a media relations, communications, and content role at a CPG-focused PR tech platform. She's thrilled to bring her varied perspectives and experience to KLPR as a consultant and working with their clients—standouts on the Chicago hospitality scene.
Sydney Fineberg,
Account Executive
Media Relations
Sydney was born and raised in Buffalo, NY before embarking on a journey to Indiana University, where she earned a degree in media advertising. Fueled by the desire for a vibrant lifestyle filled with delectable cuisine and inspiring individuals, she made the leap to the city of Chicago. Drawing from invaluable experiences gained from prominent public relations and advertising agencies, Sydney wanted to channel her expertise into her true passion: Hospitality. As an avid food enthusiast, eager to explore the city, she is thrilled to become an integral part of this community.
Molly Gaglione,
Account Coordinator
Influencer + Social Media
Originally from Nashville, TN, Molly entered the world of PR after graduating from Loyola University Chicago in 2021 with a degree in film and digital media production. She is passionate about keeping her finger on the pulse when it comes to the newest social media or food trends and is excited to be entering the hospitality space!
Jacqueline Southwell,
Account Coordinator
Media Relations Specialist
Jacqueline was born and raised in Seattle, WA before moving to Chicago to attend Loyola University, studying Film and Digital Media Production. It was there she discovered a passion for PR through the school’s student communications agency, where she would become the Creative Copywriting Director. In the spring semester of senior year Jacqueline began interning with KLPR, and after graduating she joined the team full-time. Her passion for storytelling drives her to craft compelling narratives for clients and help them thrive within the hospitality industry.
Gisele Jankowski,
Account Coordinator
Influencer + Social Media
A proud Chicagoan and graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Gisele, began her career mastering the art of social media and managing influencers in the beauty industry. Now, she’s thrilled to infuse her expertise into the world of hospitality PR. When she’s not crafting innovative campaigns, Gisele finds joy in exploring Chicago’s vibrant food scene, testing new recipes, and connecting with the community.
Previous Clients
