Meet Mariela, Communications Mentor on Upnotch

Mariela Hoyer Starcevic, Upnotch Member, is an Independent Communications Advisor.

Mariela is a communications leader and former journalist whose career began in a Venezuelan newsroom, reporting on public health, education, and politics for underserved communities—an early foundation in how storytelling shapes public understanding. After relocating to Europe, she brought that purpose into press freedom advocacy at the International Press Institute and then into senior communications leadership roles for international NGOs and intergovernmental organizations. Over two decades, she has led global communications strategies, built and managed multicultural teams, driven digital transformation, and advised senior leaders through growth, crisis, and institutional transition at organizations including the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) and Asylum Access. Blending journalism instincts with strategic communications expertise, she helps organizations strengthen narrative, editorial strategy, and content that resonates with media, policymakers, funders, and public audiences. She also recently authored ¿Venezolano, yo?, an illustrated children’s book on migration and identity.

Mariela would be an exceptional mentor to anyone building narrative and messaging strategy, executive positioning, editorial workflows, digital communications, audience engagement, or communications for mission-driven work (human rights, social justice, global development).

To connect with Mariela, check out her profile https://shortlink.upnotch.com/marielahoyer-K5cezasobSmc0K3KCLQG. All mentorships on Upnotch are free.🧡

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