A Message from Stacey
Whether pursuing admission into your number one college or an interview at your dream job, standing out has never been more critical. In today’s hyper-competitive environment, you must be impressively unique. The competition is fierce — and only getting more so.
Brand Up is about taking control of your personal brand and standing out from the crowd. This playbook will help you put your best, most authentic foot forward to shine distinctively. Take it from someone who is a twin; the best compliment I have ever received is you are unique! As a twin, my struggle to cultivate my own identity made me more sensitive to the need to develop one's uniqueness. And if I can do it, so can you!
The topics covered in this book will help you with college admissions, getting a job, moving into the world of trade or entrepreneurship, and more. The applications are endless!
Brand Up will equip you with strategies, tools, and exercises to uncover your strengths and passions and leverage social media to your advantage. With this book as your guide, you learn how to:
- Craft a positive personal brand
- Build a digital dossier
- Master real-world skills like networking and interviewing
- Learn how to share your unique talents and perspective with the world — regardless of your path in life
Along the way to your destination, expect obstacles — from pandemics to social injustice. It's not easy growing up in these times, which is all the more reason to stay true to yourself and pursue your passions and goals with zest. No matter your destination, Brand Up will give you the roadmap you need to get there.
I wrote this book for you to help bring out your inner champion. I can't wait to see what you achieve! Now go out there and write your own story.

Here's a taste. Let's start building your future now.
About Stacey Ross Cohen
In the world of branding, few experts possess the savvy and instinct of Stacey Ross Cohen. An award-winning brand professional who earned her stripes on Madison Avenue and at major television networks before launching her own agency, Stacey specializes in "everything" branding. She is the CEO and founder of Co-Communications, a public relations, marketing, and design agency headquartered in New York. Since 1998, Stacey has coached individuals and businesses across various industries - from real estate and health care to education and professional services - and expertly positions their narratives in fiercely competitive markets. A staple at industry conferences, Stacey recently made her debut on the TEDx stage. She is a contributor at the Huffington Post and Entrepreneur and has been featured in Forbes, Crain's Entrepreneur, and a suite of other national media. She holds a BS from Syracuse University, an MBA from Fordham University, and a certificate in Media, Technology, and Entertainment from NYU Leonard Stern School of Business.
Stacey is an entrepreneur at heart: She started her first business when she was just 14 years old and is now a member of a prominent angel investor group. Standing out has always been a matter of course for her. As a twin, Stacey's struggle to cultivate her own identity made her more sensitive to the need to develop uniqueness. The book draws on Stacey's 25-plus years of experience building both personal and business brands. She is extremely passionate about helping high school students cultivate, perfect, and activate their personal brand to become tomorrow's leaders.

Jason Shaffer
Jason Shaffer is a trailblazer in creating progressive curriculum which equips and empowers middle and high school students with the necessary skills in today's innovation economy. Jason is currently an Innovation Institute Instructor at Lake Highland Preparatory School, where he teaches entrepreneurship to middle school students to fuel work/life success. He previously developed the Personal Branding and Digital Communications curriculum for North Broward Preparatory School and has taught hundreds of students how to expertly manage their social media profiles and behaviors. Jason's curriculum, a graduation requirement at North Broward Prep, has become a model for schools nationwide. Jason has been recognized for his teaching excellence with North Broward's Soaring Eagle award and the Meritas Excellence in Teaching award. Jason received his B.A. in History from Florida Atlantic University.

Alan Katzman
Alan is a pioneer in developing and advancing techniques to teach students how to use social media. He helps teens build a compelling and reflective digital presence as a game-changing tool for creating academic and career success. Alan is a sought-after speaker for high school students, parents, and educational professionals while frequently participating in education-related events nationwide. Alan has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, ABC News, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, Business Insider, and Social Media Today. Alan made his foray into social media education with the launch of Social Assurity in 2013 and has licensed its social media courseware to thousands of students nationwide. Before forming Social Assurity, Alan served as executive legal counsel for several start-ups and Fortune 500 technology companies, where he managed the law, compliance, and administrative functions. Alan received his B.A. from the University at Albany and his J.D. from Albany Law School.