Laura Orrico, President
Born with impeccable communication skills and a natural ability for connecting people, Laura has created a number of success stories with her abilities to network. A TV movie was made from her connecting a producer and screenwriter, the career of an artist took off after she connected him with a producer which led to his career in major motion pictures, a young graduate began his career after she connected him with a famous Internet sensation/political figure, and she connected a legal organization with a celebrity comedian to emcee their annual gala. Her expertise in media relations, social media, creative writing, strategic PR planning and management, image maintenance, consulting and development, media preparation, and interview coaching and networking for clients are what have launched Laura Orrico Public Relations, LLC into a sought-after boutique PR firm for high-profile clients.
Laura was born and raised in Chicago and has made a name for herself as an actress in television and film, and now as a public relations expert. During her childhood, Laura spent many days performing her own Saturday Night Live-style skits in her backyard for family. She attributes her strength to her mother, who also has a wicked sense of humor! Laura also credits her sense of humor to her father, who passed away when she was 9. Laura went to Columbia College of Chicago and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Television Writing and Producing, with a minor in Acting. Continuing with her love of the entertainment industry - and idolizing the likes of Lucille Ball, John Ritter, Gene Wilder, and Gilda Radner - she began attending classes and performing at The Second City Chicago. She credits this experience as what led to much of her success. With this, she also began runway and print modeling, as well as appearing in TV commercials. Wanting to take her career to the next level, Laura made the move from Chicago to Los Angeles where she would reside for 12 years. She quickly found success with a variety of films and television shows, with roles on: The King of Queens, That '70s Show, and a memorable role as Mia Graham on CBS’s CSI: Miami. She then continued honing her comedic prowess by becoming a series regular on TBS's Frank TV with Frank Caliendo. Her sense of humor also found fame on the Internet, as her self-produced videos went viral and she was often featured on top notch programming, including Will Ferrell's Funny or Die. Her most successful Internet sketch was developed by Airplane! director, David Zucker. It starred Laura, who was aged 40 years to play Senator Barbara Boxer, in a video titled "Call Me Senator". You can still catch Laura making special guest appearances on network TV, like her recent appearance on CBS's Kevin Can Wait. You can also see Laura in another soon-to-be-released Internet spoof by David Zucker and occasionally on Chicago’s WGN Morning News comedy sketches! Gracing headlines and talk shows, you may recognize her from being featured in Hollywood.com, Hollywood In Toto, mentioned in Vanity Fair and from appearances on shows such as Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld and a regular guest on multiple radio shows across the country to name a few.
Laura shifted focus from actress to caregiver after her husband, Ryan Cosgrove, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After losing Ryan in 2015, Laura decided to utilize the knowledge she gained from her own life experiences. This included successfully executing PR for herself and colleagues for many years prior, which eventually led to launching her own boutique PR firm. Laura Orrico Public Relations, LLC is based out of Chicago, with Laura serving as the president and representing high-profile clients across the country. Whether a large or small business or organization, an up-and-coming or established entertainer, celebrity, musician, artist, politician, or author, Laura and her team customize their work and connect clients with the proper outlets to get them notoriety and the (media) attention that they deserve. Laura Orrico Public Relations, LLC continues to be a huge success. Laura continues to make appearances on the radio and makes headlines in various publications, such as Forbes, American Express Open, AXS, Hearpreneur, and USA Today giving her expert advice.
Kourtney Pygott, Executive Assistant
Kourtney brings over 5 years of experience to the Executive Assistant role at Laura Orrico Public Relations. She earned her degree in Public Relations from Illinois State University in 2016, and feels lucky to have studied at ISU because of the hands-on course work. At ISU she helped to create a savvy public relations campaign for a local business that they still use to this day. Since then, Kourtney has gained a great deal of experience and success in event planning, graphic design, social media management, web design and media relations.
Kourtney is excited to begin her role with LOPR and grow with this amazing company. In her spare time she enjoys photography, attempting to cook new recipes, and spending time with her fiance, Connor.
Raquel Brussolo, Public Relations Associate and Strategist (L.A. Office)
Raquel Brussolo is an international strategist notably known for her people and communication skills. With a background in the entertainment industry, psychology, and media communication, Raquel is passionate about assisting clients to reach their next level of success and celebrating their triumphs. A high-achiever, Raquel graduated with honors from U.C. Berkeley with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Field, and later with a Master’s Degree in Theater, with honors, from the California State University, Northridge.
Raquel speaks Portuguese and Spanish (she was born in Brazil) and lived in Australia as an exchange student. Her love for traveling has led her to substantial connections both nationally and globally. After living in Ohio and New York briefly, then in Santa Rosa, California (“wine country”) for ten years, she decided to relocate to Los Angeles, where she currently resides with her husband and beautiful twin daughters. She has worked as a film and stage producer as well as a TV, Film and Theater actress in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Greece. In the music industry, she has worked with George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic both as a vocalist and producer. Raquel also enjoys working as a Lecturer for the California State University, teaching fitness and wellness classes as well as self-defense.
Known for her integrity and work ethic, Raquel always keeps a sense of humor and has fun in her own journeys as well as her clients’. For Raquel, there is nothing better than helping people and being a spectator of their prosperity and happiness. Now joining LOPR as Public Relations Associate and Strategist, she looks forward to sharing her networking and communication abilities with LOPR’s clients.
Taylor Leddin, Consultant
With a background in journalism, communication, and the entertainment industry, Taylor Leddin brings a number of perspectives to the public relations table. Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Taylor was a very inquisitive child who spent her time doting over movies, music, and books. Flash forward to the present where Taylor has taken her love of entertainment, experience in public relations and media, and has coupled it with her passion for writing to create a career centered around those ideas.
Taylor has also gained a great deal of social media experience, which began in college. She held a social media internship for two lifestyle publications and was successful at increasing website traffic up to 300 percent. Following graduation, she held social media positions for different entertainment/celebrity-based conventions (one of these positions was offered to Taylor based on her use of humor with her personal social media presence.) After 3 and a half years as Lead PR Associate with Laura Orrico Public Relations, LLC., Taylor is going back to her journalistic roots, but will continue on as a consultant for LOPR. Her expertise includes social media, branding, creative writing, media placement, a certificate in Google Analytics, and PR image consulting. Taylor was a featured guest on CW's The Jam, and recently appeared in USA Today, Health Monitor Magazine, and Thrive Global.
Thalir Moorthi, Intern
Thalir Moorthi is the newest intern at LOPR and is a student at the prestigious Public Ivy - Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She is also a part of the Farmer School of Business, one of the top business schools in the nation - #18 to be exact! She will be working with Laura Orrico PR in the Chicago office through mid-January. She brings a fresh perspective, strong work ethic, and a penchant for learning to the company. Thalir is trilingual, enjoys travelling, and is always learning something new.