Our Team

Meet Ali, whose passion for marketing is as boundless as his love for Santa Barbara, the place that not only inspired the name of his company but also marks the beginning of many lifelong relationships and personal milestones, including his marriage to his beautiful wife Nicole and the birth of his sons: Arya and Shayan. Under Ali's leadership since August 2023, Funk Zone Media has flourished, focusing on insurance, legal, and finance sectors, with plans to expand into new business verticals. Ali's career trajectory is marked by significant leadership roles, where he drove substantial growth and formed enduring partnerships. His experience at Calls Direct, co-founded with close friends, taught him the power of collaboration in scaling large consumer businesses through innovative marketing strategies. Ali's entrepreneurial spirit was further demonstrated in his founding of Just a Little Push, a venture dedicated to supporting non-profits and individuals in need, showcasing his commitment to societal impact through creative fundraising methods. With a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from John Carroll University, Ali's professional life is fueled by a commitment to doing business the "right way," aspiring to make Funk Zone Media a coveted workplace known for its integrity and familial care. On a personal front, Ali is a family man at heart—traveling the world with his loved ones, envisioning creative projects with his family, and cherishing the simple yet profound joys of life. His leadership style is not just about achieving business success but fostering a community where professional and personal lives are valued equally.

Meet Abbie Pasquinelli! Abbie's journey began at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she honed her skills in Communications and emerged as a leader within the Delta Gamma Phi chapter. Prior to joining Funk Zone Media in August 2023, Abbie excelled as a VP of Sales, where she was instrumental in generating new business and maintaining robust client relationships, demonstrating her expertise in navigating the complex landscape of performance marketing. At Funk Zone Media, Abbie has been pivotal in steering the company through its nascent stages, creating a fun and dynamic work environment while driving significant sales growth. Her strategies for "closing the deal" emphasize showing immediate value and building personal connections, underscoring her belief that successful business relations are founded on trust and mutual respect. Outside of her professional life, Abbie enjoys the simple pleasures of a long walk in Chicago's fleeting perfect weather, experimenting in the kitchen, and engaging in a spirited game of pickleball. Her ability to balance intense work commitments with personal downtime reflects her compassionate nature and dedication to making a difference both in and out of the office.

Meet Kayleigh Cannon! Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, and now flourishing in San Francisco, Kayleigh’s international background has profoundly shaped her worldview and outlook on both life and business. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from UC Santa Barbara, she has had a dynamic career that spans from leading legal marketing programs to driving sales initiatives at both Fortune 500 companies and small start-ups. Kayleigh finds joy in fitness, trail running, and embracing the great outdoors of Northern California. At Funk Zone Media, she has been instrumental in expanding the company’s partnerships landscape, driven by her passion for creating opportunities that leverage diverse talents and ideas. Her approach is rooted in a powerful blend of preparation and adaptability, ensuring that every collaboration is set up for success. Beyond her corporate achievements, Kayleigh is a vocal advocate for eradicating global inequalities—an aspiration influenced by her own transitions between continents. As a twin sibling, she has always embraced a spirit of healthy competition and mutual growth, qualities that she believes are crucial in nurturing a productive and inclusive professional environment. With a history of impactful volunteering and a diverse international background, Kayleigh brings a unique blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and leadership to the forefront of Funk Zone Media’s mission.

Meet Gavin Nater, the Chief Operations Officer at Funk Zone Media, whose journey from economics student to media innovator captures a spirit of adventure and intellectual curiosity. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Economics from The University of Texas at Austin, Gavin's education laid the groundwork for his leadership skills. At Funk Zone Media, Gavin has propelled the company forward through his dedication to fostering a creative and collaborative workplace. His belief in the transformative power of teamwork over individual achievement has been a guiding principle in his role. Gavin's ability to connect with his team and his passion for bringing cool ideas to life are central to Funk Zone Media's growing influence in the industry. Gavin's eclectic ambitions as a child—from astronaut to chef, and even a vampire—reflect his diverse interests and relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, his leadership at Funk Zone Media is a testament to his varied experiences and unwavering commitment to innovation, making him a pivotal figure in shaping the company's future.

Meet Siena Dixon! With a rich background in anthropology and psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, Siena has expertly leveraged her understanding of human behavior and meticulous attention to detail into her professional endeavors. Since joining Funk Zone Media in August 2023, Siena has been instrumental in overseeing the company’s financial and programmatic strategies, ensuring accuracy in financial statements, and optimizing cash flow management tools. Her prior experience at Fielding Graduate University involved managing administrative, financial, and human resource operations for multiple academic programs, which equipped her with the skills necessary to handle the complexities of a dynamic media company. Siena’s life outside work is equally vibrant! She recently relocated from Santa Barbara, CA, to Santa Fe, NM, with her partner and their beloved dog, Topa. This move, inspired by the desire for a better quality of life and more space for Topa, highlights her belief in work-life balance and the importance of a supportive and flexible workplace. At Funk Zone Media, Siena continues to thrive, bringing her proactive approach and strategic thinking to every aspect of her role, making her an invaluable asset to the team and a leader in fostering a growth-centric financial structure.

Meet Amy Nightingale! Amy believes that a positive outlook is key to overcoming challenges and that everything is "figureoutable." This philosophy has earned her the trust and support of her team, making her an effective leader in high-pressure settings. Amy's career spans several influential roles, where she developed a deep expertise in customer experience, process improvement, and CRM tools. Before her current role at Funk Zone Media, she served as a Call Center Manager at Internet Brands, honing her skills in project and performance management. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Costume Design from Rutgers University, Amy brings a creative approach to problem-solving, enabling her to find unique solutions to complex challenges. Her artistic background is complemented by her technical proficiency, demonstrated through numerous certifications in Google Ads and AI-powered performance ads. Outside of work, Amy finds relaxation and perspective in the diverse landscapes of New Jersey—from ocean shores to dense woods—emphasizing the importance of disconnecting and recharging in nature. At home, she enjoys winding down with her partner and two cats, maintaining a healthy work-life balance that fuels her professional and personal fulfillment. Amy's leadership not only drives operational success but also fosters a supportive and collaborative team culture at Funk Zone Media.