Mark Lorando

Mark launched his journalism career at just 18, trading college for hands-on newsroom experience that would shape a decades-long path in media. What began as an entry-level role at a local paper evolved into a leadership trajectory — rising from clerk to Editor-in-Chief and VP of Content, where he guided the publication’s digital transformation. Grateful for the mentorship and institutional knowledge passed down by seasoned journalists, Mark views his on-the-job education as more valuable than a degree. After the paper’s sale, he pivoted to public-sector communications and now serves as Corporate Communications Strategist at Melara Enterprises, managing content across trusted regional media brands and advising clients on storytelling strategy. A firm believer in the power of soft skills and self-education, Mark actively champions STARs, opening doors for those who, like him, forged their path outside traditional academic routes.