About Hype PR

At Hype PR, we shape brand stories that resonate in a world where culture, media, and technology are constantly shifting. With partners in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, New York, and Los Angeles, we work nationally and cross-border to ensure your story connects seamlessly across audiences and markets.

We focus on impact, not vanity metrics. Every strategy blends creativity, cultural intelligence, and data-driven insight to help brands earn attention that lasts. Each client works directly with senior strategists who combine deep media relationships with hands-on measurement and modern tools to deliver results that matter.

With a proven track record supporting brands like Rogers Sports & Media, Refinery29, Canadian Tire, Roots, Special Olympics Canada, Fresh Restaurants, eOne, Penguin Random House, and Dairy Farmers of Ontario, our campaigns are designed to build trust, spark conversation, and drive meaningful action.

SERVICES

Influencer Relations

Media

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Influencer Campaign Development

Influence evolves, but trust endures.
We build intentional influencer programs rooted in credibility, creativity, and conversion, using data and insight to connect brands with the right voices and audiences.

Media Relations

Visibility that matters.
We craft stories that capture attention across traditional, digital, and social platforms, supported by decades of strong editorial relationships and a deep understanding of how media works today.

Publicity

Stories people share.
We turn brand messages into credible conversations, earning coverage that builds engagement and lasting affinity.

Executive Profile Building

Reputation starts at the top.
We help leaders shape their public presence and industry voice through thought leadership, strategic storytelling, and media visibility.

Media Training

Confidence under pressure.
From interviews to keynotes, our senior trainers prepare executives and spokespeople to communicate clearly, authentically, and with control in every media moment.

EXPLORE OUR SUCCESS STORIES

Publicity

Meet the Team

Founder & Lead Publicist

Erin Richards

Erin Richards is the founder of Hype PR and one of Toronto’s most connected media and influencer relations specialists. Known for her strategic clarity and calm under pressure, she helps brands break through the noise with work that’s insight-driven, culturally aware, and deeply human.

Before starting Hype, Erin led entertainment and sports publicity at CBC, developing a deep understanding of how stories move culture and capture public imagination. She has directed Olympic campaigns for Canadian Tire, launched purpose-driven influencer programs for Special Olympics Canada, represented world-class athletes like Penny Oleksiak, and produced creator events and red carpets for brands including eOne and TIFF.

At Hype, Erin’s focus is on what’s next – how creativity, data, and technology can come together to redefine how stories are told and shared. She’s helping shape a future for PR that’s agile, inclusive, and deeply attuned to how people connect and engage in an ever-evolving media environment.

Director

Brigitte Kenny

Brigitte is a seasoned public relations professional specializing in media relations and influencer marketing within the lifestyle, entertainment and fashion space. She has played a key role in launching high-profile fashion collaborations, including former NHL player P.K. Subban’s suiting collection and Meghan Markle’s capsule collections with Canadian retailer Reitmans. She has also worked closely with high-profile Olympians such as Penny Oleksiak and Kelsey Mitchell to secure brand endorsement deals.

With experience leading PR and influencer efforts for clients like Special Olympics Canada, Canada's Got Talent, Dairy Farmers of Ontario and Penguin Random House Canada, Brigitte excels at crafting compelling narratives that drive media coverage and consumer engagement. Results-driven, Brigitte has cultivated effective relationships with local and national media, and influencers securing top-level coverage for clients.

Communications Strategist

Aliya Jiwan-Thawer

Aliya is an award-winning journalist who spent nearly a decade working as a television and radio news reporter, anchor and producer with the CBC, CTV and CP24 in Edmonton, Ottawa, Halifax and Toronto and gained valuable work experience at the CBC bureau in London, England and at SABC in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Following a successful journalism career, she transitioned into the world of public relations where she worked in large and boutique PR agencies creating and executing public and media relations campaigns in a variety of industries including financial, health, IT, education, childcare, corporate and non-profit sectors.

Over the years, she has successfully launched products and charities, media trained spokespeople, planned and managed fundraising events and positively positioned clients to help raise their profile and drive their bottom line.

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Communications Strategist

Kerline Hall

Kerline is a communications strategist who helps brands earn attention and trust through intentional PR and influencer strategies that blend creativity, culture, and data.

She guides teams in finding clarity in their message, aligning stakeholders, and shaping stories that connect and drive meaningful impact.

With more than a decade of experience across sport, wellness, entertainment, and social impact, she has collaborated on campaigns spanning athlete and influencer partnerships, brand storytelling, and community initiatives for clients including Rogers Sports & Media, the Coaching Association of Canada, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, and Special Olympics Canada.

Influencer Marketing Manager

Kayla Vaz

Kayla has a strong background in influencer marketing where she has managed talent directly, as well as led integrated campaigns on behalf of brands. She specializes in creating content strategies to maintain brand consistency for top brands, brings expertise and thought leadership on industry trends and best practices for influencer marketing to advertisers across all verticals including key performance metrics, creator content and attribution methodologies across all marketing channels.

With a keen interest in data and analytics, she thrives when conducing thorough audits of social and digital media channels to identify new opportunities and areas of improvement.

Communications Advisor /
Event Management

Julie D'Uva

Julie’s background in Sociology ignited her curiosity about human behavior, fueling an expansive career in PR, events, and storytelling. With a keen eye for design and a collaborative spirit, she has brought bold ideas to life for both independent brands and global icons like SoulCycle, NBA All-Star, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

She thrives on creating memorable experiences and amplifying messages that leave a lasting impact. Working with talent is a special skill—she’s connected personalities like Sir Elton John, Karl Lagerfeld, Cindy Crawford, and Brunello Cucinelli with the media to generate exciting coverage.

On a personal note, Julie grounds herself with gratitude and is deeply committed to movement and well-being. Now three years cancer-free, she balances her passion for PR with teaching Pilates, bringing the same energy and purpose to both.

Whether producing an event, pitching a story, or teaching, Julie believes leading with purpose isn’t just important—it’s absolutely essential.

Influencer Marketing Specialist

Adrienne St. Louis

Adrienne got her start in the beauty space, working to identify emerging trends and content creators for Coty Inc. With a creative eye and strong attention to detail, she excels at developing strategic campaigns designed to drive brand awareness and engagement. She is always up to date on trends and passionate about emerging social platforms, bringing a thoughtful approach to ensure brands achieve impactful results in a constantly evolving market.