Lasana Smith
Founder & CEO of GAROI Media
Lasana Smith
Founder & CEO of GAROI Media
Founders Expertise
Lasana Smith, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in marketing, sales, and digital media, is the Founder and CEO of GAROI Media. Lasana’s extensive career includes key roles at prestigious companies such as Columbia Records, MTV Networks, Ogilvy & Mather, Groupon, YP, Excelerate Digital, and the Miami Herald.
Lasana earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and International Business from Florida State University, as well as a Master of Science in Communication Management from the University of Southern California. Lasana has been named one of Legacy Magazine’s “40 Under 40” and one of “Miami’s Most Influential and Powerful Black Business Leaders” in recognition of her outstanding achievements.
As CEO of GAROI Media, Lasana is instrumental in forging national media partnerships. Her leadership is pivotal in both client relationship management and internal process optimization, ensuring that advertising campaigns are not only data-driven and strategic but also inclusive, innovative, and generate high returns on investment. Lasana is passionately committed to driving client growth by harnessing advanced technologies and smart engagement strategies to target the right audiences effectively.
Most recently, GAROI Media was recognized with the prestigious “Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year” award at the 5th Annual American Marketing Association (AMA) South Florida Awards. This accolade celebrated the agency’s innovative and impactful advertising campaign for the New World Symphony, titled “I Dream a World: Harlem Renaissance in Europe.”
In addition, the agency received top finalist honors in several other categories, including Marketing Campaign of the Year, Marketing Team of the Year, and Non-Profit Marketing Campaign of the Year.
eMail: lasana@garoimedia.com
Phone: 954-947-7307
Honors & Awards
Women Who Rock Spotlight
Lasana Smith was named one of the “Women Who Rock” in the International Women’s Month spotlight at the Hard Rock Cafe Miami. ????
“Wishing every woman the opportunity to thrive, flourish, and fulfill her limitless potential. May women continue to lead with empathy, compassion, and strength, making the world a better place for all. Here’s to empowering women to stand tall, speak up, and advocate for themselves and others.”
FSU Black History Month Spotlight
Lasana Smith was selected for one of the FSU Black Alumni – 2024 Black History Month daily spotlights!
Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year
GAROI Media was awarded the prestigious “Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year” at the 2023 AMA Marketing Awards for its impressive digital deployment for the New World Symphony “I Dream a World: Harlem Renaissance in Europe” music festival.
Miami's Most Influential and Powerful Black Professionals of 2023
Legacy Miami, a business and news publication serving South Florida’s Black community in Miami Dade County with insightful articles, information on business, careers, politics, education, culture and social commentary featured GAROI Media Chief Executive Officer, Lasana Smith, on their list of Miami’s “Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders of 2023” within the Miami Herald.
Powerful Idea Award
GAROI Media won a Powerful IDEA Award in the category of Most Creative Communication or Piece of Campaign Content.
Miami's Most Influential and Powerful Black Professionals of 2021
Legacy Miami, a business and news publication serving South Florida’s Black community in Miami Dade County with insightful articles, information on business, careers, politics, education, culture and social commentary featured GAROI Media Chief Executive Officer, Lasana Smith, on their list of Miami’s “Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders of 2021” within the Miami Herald.
Legacy Magazine's 2017 40 Under 40 Leaders of Today and Tomorrow
High-achieving professionals are nominated by past honorees and community members. Then Legacy South Florida Magazine selects 40 individuals based on their professional and philanthropic accomplishments. The publication celebrates a talented group of professionals who are leading the way in South Florida.
East Coast's Q4 2015 Top Marketing Consultant for YP Search and Search Pro Products
Earned the honor of being named the East Coast’s Q4 2015 Top Marketing Consultant for YP’s flagship Search and Search Pro products in total billed revenue.
Volunteer Experience
Board Member
Dranoff International 2 Piano Foundation
– Present 2 years 7 months
Arts and Culture
Board Member
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum
May 2022 – Dec 2023
Arts and Culture
Leadership Miami
Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
Feb 2023 – Present 1 year 1 month
Social Services
Award Winning Agency
2023 Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year
