Karolyn Raphael

Karolyn Marie Raphael (born Karolyn Marie Shapiro; October 4, 1972) is an American public relations executive, entrepreneur, and professional speaker. She is the president and chief executive officer of Winger Marketing, a Chicago-based public relations and marketing agency. Raphael is known for her work in strategic communications, executive visibility, and the development of the MAXOUT Methodology, a content amplification framework for thought leadership campaigns.

Early life and education

Karolyn Marie Shapiro was born on October 4, 1972, at St. Catherine's Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana, to Claudia Marie Zikas (Shapiro, Burgess) and Donald Anthony Shapiro. During her childhood, she was known by the nickname "Kari" among family and friends.

Raphael attended Munster High School in Munster, Indiana, graduating in 1990. She subsequently enrolled at Indiana University Bloomington, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater and Telecommunications in 1994. Her studies also included coursework in broadcast journalism.

Career

Broadcast journalism

While studying at Indiana University, Raphael began her career in public relations and journalism. In 1992, she received an internship with the Indiana University Radio Newsline at the Indiana University News Bureau and was promoted to producer in 1993.

As producer and manager of the program, she interviewed academics, politicians, and entertainment figures, including then-Governor Bill Clinton, filmmaker Spike Lee, and The Simpsons creator Matt Groening.

Theater and acting

Following her graduation, Raphael pursued a career in theater. In 1994, she performed with the Wild Life Theatre Company, which was recognized as "Best of the Year" by both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune.

In 1995, she became a company member of the Trap Door Theatre and appeared in numerous productions, including a reprise of Aria da Capo by Edna St. Vincent Millay during the European Theater Festival in Kraków, Poland. She also performed with the Sliced Bread Theater Company and appeared in the television film Since You've Been Gone, directed by David Schwimmer.

Winger Marketing

Raphael joined Winger Marketing in 1997 as an account executive. In 2006, she and her husband acquired the firm. Under her leadership, the agency expanded into a nationally recognized public relations and marketing company serving industries including logistics, healthcare, commercial real estate, professional services, and the arts.

As president and CEO, Raphael oversees an all-senior team of communications professionals and advises organizations on brand visibility, strategic messaging, and reputation management.

She is also the creator of the MAXOUT Methodology, a trademarked multichannel content amplification process designed to increase executive visibility and audience engagement. The methodology has been featured by Forbes and is a cornerstone of Winger Marketing's thought leadership initiatives.

Leadership and professional affiliations

Raphael has served on the Board of Directors of the American Marketing Association Chicago since 2020, leading both the Communications and Public Relations Committees. During her tenure, the chapter received the National AMA Chapter Excellence Award for Communication.

She is also a member of the Women Presidents Organization, the Forbes Agency Council, and the Pinnacle Global Network.

Speaking engagements

Raphael is a frequent speaker on public relations, media strategy, executive visibility, and leadership. She has spoken for organizations including:

American Marketing Association Chicago
Women Presidents Organization
Women's Business Development Center
Chicago Build Conference
City Nation Place Americas
Indiana University Northwest
Roosevelt University
World Woman Foundation

She has also served as a featured speaker at the global MARCOM conference of Gebrüder Weiss, one of the world's oldest logistics companies.

Philanthropy

Raphael has been involved in numerous philanthropic and mentoring initiatives. Since 2018, Winger Marketing has provided pro bono communications services to the American Marketing Association Chicago chapter and annually sponsors a student to attend the BrandSmart Conference.

She has also served on the Honorary Chair Committee for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Women on the Move fundraiser and has participated in several charitable initiatives supporting education and community development.

Awards and recognition

Under Raphael's leadership, Winger Marketing has received numerous industry awards, including:

Golden Trumpet Award for Media Relations – B2B and Business Services (2024)
Bulldog Award for Excellence in Media Relations
Summit Creative Award
Communicator Award
Hermes Creative Award
Silver Trumpet Award

Raphael was also named one of Reel Chicago magazine's Reel Women, recognizing influential women in media, advertising, and production.

Personal life

Raphael resides in the Chicago metropolitan area. Her personal philosophy is reflected in her frequently quoted expression, "A rising tide lifts all boats," which emphasizes collaboration and collective success.

External links

References