MEET THE TEAM

Barbara is a communications specialist who bases her work relationships on a simple philosophy — the most effective ones start with listening.

Her career history includes working with such noteworthy companies as Steiner Studios, M&T Bank, Douglas Elliman, Zillow, Charney Companies, Tavros Holdings, BFC Partners, Toll Brothers City Living, Equity Residential, the Tavistock Group, Jamestown, Fetner Properties, the Empire State Building, Cushman & Wakefield, Steiner NYC, BFC Partners and Macklowe Properties. Her knowledge and expertise in economic development has helped promote Brooklyn’s DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and Greenpoint Landing, along with Staten Island’s Empire Outlets.

In addition to her real estate background, Barbara has collaborated with artists Tom Otterness, Julian Opie, Charlie Hewitt and Jim Watt, among others. She has represented the Marlborough Gallery, Marlborough Chelsea, Edward Tyler Nahem Fine Art, the Museum of Arts & Design (MAD), the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the New York Botanical Garden, the New York Public Library, the High Line and the Indianapolis Museum of Art, along with art consultants Janis Gardiner Cecil and Emily Santangelo.

Before starting her own firm in 2021, Barbara was an Executive Vice President at Rubenstein. Earlier in her career as a journalist she wrote articles for New York Magazine, the Ladies Home Journal, Cosmopolitan, IBM and Success and was Assistant Managing Editor of Cosmopolitan.

Joanna, a founding member of Barbara Wagner Communications, holds the position of Chief Operating Officer, responsible for managing the firm's business operations. With her clear analytical thinking, cross-functional experience, and problem-solving mentality, she has been instrumental in moving BWC forward. In her role, she handles all financial and HR operations, oversees graphic and website design, and implements enhancements to firmwide systems and policies.

At Rubenstein, where she worked for seven years, her calm demeanor and unparalleled organization was essential to firm clients, including the Tribeca Film Festival, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Netflix, among many others. Aside from supporting PR initiatives, Joanna assisted HR with onboarding new employees and serving as a mentor for many.

Promoting interest and knowledge of Greek wine in the US has been Joanna’s passion project. She has worked on campaigns fostering relationships between winemakers with US press, trade influencers and dignitaries, planning tasting events and dinners.

Joanna has earned a certificate in project management from Cornell University.

Elana is a Senior Vice President at Barbara Wagner Communications specializing in the intersection of real estate, lifestyle, and the arts. Throughout her career, she has driven strategy and publicity campaigns for clients in a wide range of sectors, including residential and commercial development, arts and culture, and policy. Current and past clients include Fetner Properties, M&T Bank, BFC Partners, Tavros, Charney Companies, Brookfield Properties, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties, WS Development - Boston Seaport, Douglas Elliman, and Extell Development, among others.

In 2021, she was named to City & State's Inaugural 40 Under 40 list focusing on the real estate and construction industries up-and-coming leaders who are driving the industries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, carrying out innovative new development strategies, and finding ways to give back to the community. Prior to joining Barbara Wagner Communications, Elana worked in the esteemed real estate practices at both BerlinRosen and Rubenstein. 

Elana holds a B.A. in public relations, political science, and history from Syracuse University.

Juliana is a Senior Account Executive at Barbara Wagner Communications, where she supports a variety of communications and PR initiatives within the firm. Juliana is a passionate communicator driven by her desire to share experiences and positively impact the people she works with. With previous experience working as a media relations intern at Sony Pictures Entertainment and The International Center for Journalists, Juliana brings in a range of skills and perspectives. Some of the client accounts Juliana has worked on include: M&T Bank, Zillow, Steiner Studios, NEXUS Luxury Collection, Tavros, artist Charlie Hewitt, BFC Partners, Village Preservation, Museo de Arte de Ponce, among others.

Juliana has a Master’s Degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from New York University. Prior to NYU, Juliana earned a B.A. in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from George Washington University.

Katie is a Content Studio Director at Barbara Wagner Communications. As a photographer, cinematographer, and editor, she has worked with M&T Bank, Zillow, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties, Steiner Studios, artist Charlie Hewitt, Charney Companies, Tavros Holdings, BFC Partners, and Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center. 

With a focus and passion for the arts and filmmaking, Katie has held a variety of positions in these industries. She was an assistant at the Ruth Orkin Photo Archive, concentrating on events at the Fotografiska in New York City and a gallery assistant at the Ubu Gallery in Paris. Katie was an intern at Gigantic Pictures and at the Council of Fashion Designers of America Award Show. Outside of BWC, she has directed, written, and edited two award-winning short films.

Katie is a graduate of Wesleyan University with a B.A. in Film Studies.

As an Account Coordinator, Valentina brings her passion for storytelling and communications to every account. Her strategic and organized approach to public relations set her apart.

Providing crucial support for all clients, Valentina’s keen eye catches all media placements and keeps her abreast of the latest trends and news. Her clients include Charney Companies, Fetner Properties, M&T Bank, NEXUS Luxury Collection, and Tavros Capital.

Prior to joining BWC, Valentina was a Research Assistant at NBCUniversal Telemundo and held an internship at Savi, working across fashion accounts and preparing clients for New York Fashion Week.

Valentina holds a B.A. in Media, Culture, and Communications from New York University.