305-845-6699 info@garoimedia.com

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.

Lasana Smith GAROI Founder

eMail: lasana@garoimedia.com

Phone: 954-947-7307

Honors & Awards

Mar 2024
\
Mar 2024

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.”

Feb 2024
\
Feb 2024

FSU Black History Month Spotlight

Lasana Smith was selected for one of the FSU Black Alumni – 2024 Black History Month daily spotlights!

Jan 2024
\
Jan 2024

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.

transparent logo

Apr 2023
\
Apr 2023

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.

Jun 2022
\
Jun 2022

Powerful Idea Award

GAROI Media won a Powerful IDEA Award in the category of Most Creative Communication or Piece of Campaign Content.

Apr 2021
\
Apr 2021

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.

Oct 2017
\
Oct 2017

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.

Jan 2016
\
Jan 2016

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

As Seen In

Award Winning Agency

2023 Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year

transparent logo