Today we’d like to introduce you to Ekaterini (Katie Kay) Koufalis.
Hi Ekaterini, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hailing proudly from the heart of Queens, New York, Ekaterini “Katie Kay” Koufalis always had a vision—one rooted in storytelling, media, and the power of visuals. What started as a simple love for photography soon became a life mission to amplify voices, preserve legacies, and give creatives the space to shine on their own terms.
Katie’s journey began behind a digital camera and solidified during her time at Iona College, where a single photography course opened her eyes to a deeper calling. Even as others cast doubt on her potential, she chose to listen to her passion. On the eve of her 21st birthday, her sister gifted her the means to buy her first DSLR—a moment that changed everything. She went on to photograph in some of New York’s most iconic nightclubs, including Copa Cabana, Silhouette, and Cliff NY, capturing unforgettable performances and moments. Her lens has since documented legends and rising stars alike: Gilberto Santa Rosa, DJ Self, Bachata Heightz, Anthony Santos, Erika Mena, Mickey Factz, and more.
Her work has been featured in BossCode Magazine, The Weeknd Magazine, Inner Vibrations, and Bossed Up Magazine, proving that talent paired with perseverance defies all odds.
While earning her BA in History and Communications, Katie crossed paths with public relations and marketing expert Anllelic Lozada, a meeting that sparked a new direction in her professional life. Immersed in the business side of nightlife promotion and media, Katie pursued her Master’s in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations at Southern New Hampshire University. This marked a new chapter—one where her creativity would merge with strategy and purpose.
In 2016, Katie took her first media role as a social media specialist at a local Astoria radio station. Though the station closed in 2018, it planted the seeds for what would become a full-fledged career in multimedia. That same year, she suffered two devastating losses: her beloved uncle, who had been like a father, and her close friend Shawn, whose death from Sarcoma would go on to shape her advocacy work.
Determined to turn grief into action, Katie founded Giveback for Shawn, an annual concert series that reaches its 8th year in 2025. The event not only raises funds for the Sarcoma Foundation of America, but also uplifts local artists with interviews, resources, and a platform to perform. This commitment led to Kataie becoming an official photographer for the Race to Cure Sarcoma (RTCS) events in New Jersey and Philadelphia.
Amid all this, Ivy Productions was born.
Founded in 2019 during the final stretch of her master’s program, Ivy Productions is more than a media company—it’s a vision. Katie created Ivy to be a one-stop hub for creatives, nonprofits, and small businesses in need of authentic branding, management, PR, photography, and media production services. At its heart, Ivy is about empowerment: making sure that those with a dream have the tools, voice, and strategy to make it real. Katie named the company after the idea of growth—ivy climbs walls, breaks barriers, and finds the light even in the darkest spaces. That spirit defines the dream behind Ivy Productions
With Ivy as her foundation, Katie revitalized and restructured Welcome to the Rawrrzone, her flagship podcast and media platform, which has since grown into a powerhouse syndicated in over 150 countries. In 2020, Katie was named Head of PR at DTF Radio in Brooklyn, where she pioneered remote broadcasting during the COVID-19 pandemic—ensuring continuity and safety at a time when most studios shut down. Her leadership helped keep DTF alive through crisis. In 2023 she opened her own podcasting photo studio in Astoria Queens.
Even in the face of personal tragedy—including the loss of her brother in 2021—Katie continued to rise. That same year, she shot a billboard campaign for the son of global hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes, adding yet another high-profile moment to her growing resume.
Her creative universe continues to expand. Not only was Rawrrzone nominated for Podcast of the Year at the All Star Music Awards (2022), but Katie Kay Photography received a Photographer of the Year nomination at the Southern Entertainment Awards (2023). Her recent photo credits include Redman, Jadakiss, Styles P, DJ Epps, Big Boss Vette, Cortez, and more. Her interviews have featured bold names like DJ Epps, Redman, Supermodel Brittany Kay, Chris Rivers, and The Spellman Twins.
Katie’s passion for wrestling inspired a new media arm—What Smack Down on Smackdown, in partnership with the RambleMania Show, and she’s also joined forces with artist Ray Pearson to co-host The Gorilla Talk Podcast.
In 2024, Katie was named Program Director of Da Evening Rush Network Radio, using her skills to shape a new era of independent media and cultural content.
Through every triumph and heartbreak, Katie Kay remains anchored by the mission that fuels Ivy Productions—to help others grow, to build something that outlives the moment, and to make dreams tangible.
For Katie, this journey isn’t just about media—it’s about legacy, community, and resilience. The world is a limitless oyster for this media maven… and she’s just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not everything is smooth i went through alot of loss including the loss of my brother and two of my best friends, i had my brothers son always with me for a while and last year there was a fire at my mothers house that destroyed everything i had built
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am known for Welcome to the Rawrrzone and Rawrrzone Media highlighting independent artists and creatives
www.rawrrzonenyc.com @rawrrzonenyc
I am also a 15 year photographer
www.katiekayphotography.com
@katiekay_photographyxo
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My family and my community without them I was unable to push forward and do what I love
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rawrrzonenyc.com
- Instagram: @rawrrzonenyc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterinikoufalis/
