In 2013, Erica Mechlinski launched 212 Communications, a boutique, women-owned strategic communications and marketing firm based in Baltimore. A former executive at one of the largest public relations firms in the world, Erica believed she could deliver big-agency public relations expertise, strategy and know-how to small and mid-sized companies in the Baltimore/Washington region. Today, 212 Communications provides integrated marketing solutions that help companies to “be seen, be heard, and be understood.” Erica’s firm has been recognized as a top PR firm in Baltimore by Expertise.com since 2017.

Melanie Coburn has always been passionate about connecting and helping others. After more than a decade of marketing for the Washington Redskins, she built a very diverse network of clients, partners and friends, and focused on building those relationships over time. She pioneered the creation of the business side of the Redskins Cheerleaders, and was the first person in the NFL to hold this position. With the cheerleaders, she used to say that she was in the business of smiles. Now, through her co-founding role in CADRE, Melanie hopes to become a cheerleader for world-class professionals. As the Chief Relationship Officer of CADRE, she advocates for supports over 100 CEOs and business leaders full-time.

Tools mentioned by Melanie and Erica

Nozbe (https://nozbe.com/) - Nozbe is a system that helps effective teams get tasks and projects done, and provides dedicated apps for Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile devices. It's a project management tool to put every task and share calendars.

EMDR (www.emdria.org/page/what_is_emdr_therapy) - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress. During EMDR therapy sessions, you relive traumatic or triggering experiences in brief doses while the therapist directs your eye movements.

Talk Therapy (https://www.verywellmind.com/talk-therapy-2671994) - Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is based on the core idea that talking about the things that are bothering you can help clarify them and put them in perspective.