ArtistDirect News
Jackie Martinez Marushka Builds a Latina-Led PR Empire in Nashville
In 2016, Nashville’s own Jackie Martínez Marushka launched Marushka Media, a Latina‑owned PR firm that quickly became a go‑to agency for Americana, country, and Latin artists. The firm is the first Latina‑owned PR firm in Tennessee and focuses on brand development and strategic media placement.
Raised in Velarde, New Mexico, a modest farming town, Marushka was surrounded by entrepreneurial energy—her parents served state agencies while her grandparents ran a general store and a Texaco station. That environment seeded her future in entertainment.
She earned a degree in television and radio production from the University of New Mexico, then launched her career in Albuquerque at KFMG Rock 108, 92.3 KRST, and KOAT‑TV’s public‑relations department. A KRST client, Midnight Rodeo dance hall, sparked her move to Nashville in 1995, where she first joined Pecos Films as an office assistant.
Marushka’s first official PR assignment came under veteran publicist Melissa Matthews. She later joined Provident Music Group’s Benson Records as Vice‑President of Communications and Public Relations, a role she held for twelve years and managed PR for labels such as Benson, Essential Records and Reunion Records.
In 2016, she formalized her vision by forming Marushka Media, a limited‑liability company. Its inaugural clients—Charles Esten, Lee Brice, Randy Rogers, Parker McCollum, and the Americana Music Association—quickly validated the agency’s bespoke, story‑centric approach.
Today, Marushka’s roster includes Cook Allender, Gustavo Mioto, Keith Stegall, Kenny Sharp, MŌRIAH, and Russ Lannom, as well as collaborations with the Americana Music Association, Barbecue Country, Billy Blue Records, Celtic Crossroads Brussels, CelticWorld, Get After It Media, The Heartland Network, Music City Irish Fest, the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Whippoorwill Arts, and Your Roots Are Showing.
In 2019, Marushka founded the Hispanic Entertainment Alliance, the first organization devoted to elevating Latino representation in Nashville’s music scene. The Alliance also established a charitable fund through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, while her global initiatives include partnering with Brazilian country star Gustavo Mioto on English‑language releases and engaging with Ireland’s Your Roots Are Showing conference.
Her book, The PR Playbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Personal Branding & Public Relations, hit shelves in January 2026, distilling more than thirty years of experience into a practical manual for emerging PR professionals, artists, and managers.
Marushka has played a pivotal role in shaping Latino visibility at AmericanaFest, managing the first Latino panel in 2019 and hosting a Latino showcase in 2024, co‑sponsored by the Hispanic Entertainment Alliance. She also served as general manager of Shore Fire Media’s Nashville office, growing the team from zero to four staffers and launching an internship program.
Her mentors include industry stalwarts such as Steve Rohr, Cindy Watts, Joe Galante, Ellen Levine, and Charlie Monk, among others. She attributes her success to hands‑on experience, strategic networking, and a commitment to authentic storytelling.
Marushka Media continues to broaden its reach across Nashville and beyond, delivering customized PR and brand‑management services to a diverse roster while championing Latino representation in the music business.
Raised in Velarde, New Mexico, a modest farming town, Marushka was surrounded by entrepreneurial energy—her parents served state agencies while her grandparents ran a general store and a Texaco station. That environment seeded her future in entertainment.
She earned a degree in television and radio production from the University of New Mexico, then launched her career in Albuquerque at KFMG Rock 108, 92.3 KRST, and KOAT‑TV’s public‑relations department. A KRST client, Midnight Rodeo dance hall, sparked her move to Nashville in 1995, where she first joined Pecos Films as an office assistant.
Marushka’s first official PR assignment came under veteran publicist Melissa Matthews. She later joined Provident Music Group’s Benson Records as Vice‑President of Communications and Public Relations, a role she held for twelve years and managed PR for labels such as Benson, Essential Records and Reunion Records.
In 2016, she formalized her vision by forming Marushka Media, a limited‑liability company. Its inaugural clients—Charles Esten, Lee Brice, Randy Rogers, Parker McCollum, and the Americana Music Association—quickly validated the agency’s bespoke, story‑centric approach.
Today, Marushka’s roster includes Cook Allender, Gustavo Mioto, Keith Stegall, Kenny Sharp, MŌRIAH, and Russ Lannom, as well as collaborations with the Americana Music Association, Barbecue Country, Billy Blue Records, Celtic Crossroads Brussels, CelticWorld, Get After It Media, The Heartland Network, Music City Irish Fest, the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Whippoorwill Arts, and Your Roots Are Showing.
In 2019, Marushka founded the Hispanic Entertainment Alliance, the first organization devoted to elevating Latino representation in Nashville’s music scene. The Alliance also established a charitable fund through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, while her global initiatives include partnering with Brazilian country star Gustavo Mioto on English‑language releases and engaging with Ireland’s Your Roots Are Showing conference.
Her book, The PR Playbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Personal Branding & Public Relations, hit shelves in January 2026, distilling more than thirty years of experience into a practical manual for emerging PR professionals, artists, and managers.
Marushka has played a pivotal role in shaping Latino visibility at AmericanaFest, managing the first Latino panel in 2019 and hosting a Latino showcase in 2024, co‑sponsored by the Hispanic Entertainment Alliance. She also served as general manager of Shore Fire Media’s Nashville office, growing the team from zero to four staffers and launching an internship program.
Her mentors include industry stalwarts such as Steve Rohr, Cindy Watts, Joe Galante, Ellen Levine, and Charlie Monk, among others. She attributes her success to hands‑on experience, strategic networking, and a commitment to authentic storytelling.
Marushka Media continues to broaden its reach across Nashville and beyond, delivering customized PR and brand‑management services to a diverse roster while championing Latino representation in the music business.