Mission
To provide our clients with creative and innovative market research solutions using best research practices. Especially, conducting high quality, high reliability multicultural and multilingual market research.
Vision
Expand awareness and integration of multicultural and multilingual perspectives into market research for all clients.
Values
Multiculturalism – Diversity – Integrity
Who We Are
ABOUT OUR CEO
Kai K. Fuentes is Founder and President of Ebony Marketing Systems, Inc. (EMS). She is a second-generation market researcher who conducted her first in-depth interview at age 12 and refers to herself as a ‘market research brat.’ Kai saw the need and opportunity to develop a multicultural, multi-lingual niche in the market research industry and founded EMS in 2011. She has over 20-years’ experience in qualitative and quantitative research that facilitate the identification of ethnic-bound perceptions and attitudes.
She began receiving professional recognition in 2013 with a Madame Noire award as a Black business owner under 30; followed in 2016 with the NY/NJ Purchasing Council small business of the year; 2022 Power Women of the Bronx; and the same year named an IA Laureate by the Insights Association with a distinguished career marked by ‘meaningful contributions to advance the profession.’
Her insight and guidance are evidenced through leadership. Kai serves on multiple boards: Insights Association; Camp Keith, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Brown and Black families; and AAPOR (American Association for Public Opinion Research) Inclusive Voices and Subcommittee Online Education. Most recently she joined the Steering Committee of BAAPOR (Black American Association for Public Opinion Research), continuing to expand her multicultural advocacy.
Kai is a seasoned, sought-after presenter at national conferences: AAPOR, Insights Association, Qualitative Researchers Consultants Association (QRCA) and other research industry events. She has been the headline guest on podcasts discussing “The Art and Science of Joy;” “Diversity Discourse: Money, Business and Enterprise;” and most recently on how diverse teams can transform market research on “The New Mainstream.”
- Birthplace
- Queens, New York
- Languages
- English, Spanish (but can’t write in Spanish)
- Interests
- Yoga, reading NY Times, bike riding, shopping with my kids, music, and watching stand up.
- Favorite Foods
- Thai Food, spicy green curry tofu please and thank you.
Our team is a diverse group of people with a distinct group of thought. Our values align with integrity and utilizing best research practices. Our strengths are our expertise, creativity, teamwork, and our ability to problem solve. I am proud of this amazing group of individuals.
With Love,
Kai K. Fuentes
Ebony's Leadership Team
Diane Torrez
Senior Operations Manager
“Detailed Diane”
A master of detailed responsibility of overseeing and optimizing all operational aspects within the organization. Diane plays a crucial role in driving efficiency and productivity for Ebony.
- Birthplace
- Puerto Rico
- Languages
- Spanish
- Interests
- Novels, puzzles, and researching/browsing, Netflix and chill
- Favorite Foods
- Seafood pasta every time I go out to eat
Rose Isaguirre
Project Manager
“Task master Mom”
Rose credits her success in managing translations, transcriptions, and projects to her ‘mom’ memory, recalling important dates, details, and preferences. Rose is an intricate part of the day-to-day operations for projects.
- Birthplace
- Philippines
- Languages
- Tagalog
- Interests
- Cooking, Playing Chess, and researching/browsing, playing with my 3 kids!
- Favorite Foods
- ALL Asian and Italian foods
Reggie Alston “Reg”
VP Qualitative Research
Rapport Reggie
Senior leadership responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of qualitative research services within the organization. Reggie plays a critical role in shaping the company’s qualitative research strategy and client success.
- Birthplace
- Prince George’s County, MD
- Languages
- English
- Interests
- Commander’s football, archery, all things music
- Favorite Foods
- Vegan food and cookies with LOTS of dairy.
Shirley Worthington
Development Specialist
Behind the scenes wordsmith who “retired” 10 years ago
Shirley spends her days craft compelling narratives that highlight the company’s strengths, expertise, and competitive advantages.
- Birthplace
- Buffalo, NY
- Languages
- English
- Interests
- Spending time caring and raising rescue dogs, water aerobics.
- Favorite Foods
- Hummus
Nicole Victor
Senior Researcher and Strategist Consultant
“Research Unicorn”
Nicole is EMS’ “research unicorn” — highly skilled in both quantitative and qualitative research to help clients glean meaningful, actionable, and impactful insights. She is consistently curious and travels to observe, learn and grow as a human.
- Birthplace
- Queens, New York
- Languages
- English, Spanish (Conversational)
- Favorite Foods
- Carbs. Sadly, all carbs.
Kendra Hadlock
Digital Communications Manager
As EMS’ social networker, she brings her experience and expertise to maintain its social engagement.
- Birthplace
- Seattle, Washington
- Languages
- English
- Interests
- Traveling, hiking
- Favorite Foods
- Love trying new food!
Betsy Sanchez-Patten
Project Manager
Betsy finds purpose in untangling operational knots, leading high-functioning teams with a human-centric approach, and the relentless pursuit of bettering workflows, one project at a time.
- Birthplace
- Philippines
- Languages
- Tagalog
- Interests
- Women’s Fútbol, Third Wave Coffee, Camping, Hiking, Cycling
- Favorite Foods
- Filipino by default; the rest she entrusts with trekking to restaurant recommendations of immigrant communities where they taste the nostalgia of grandma’s kitchen
AAPI Interviewing Team:
The Asian diaspora is diverse in language, social context, familial connection and personal identity. EMS embraces these challenges with AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) communities, especially in its honing of telephone interview skills.
