About Us | College Prime

The College Prime Difference

College Prime draws on deep experience and an interdisciplinary approach to deliver the best possible digital media coaching. We provide:

A 360-degree personal branding and social media / online reputation training platform
An unmatched collection of talent, including two MBAs, two JDs, one Core Values Certified Coach, a nationally-recognized high school teacher and a student ambassador
Concierge services and customized packages for both students and schools
Guided social media profile creation to gain a leading edge

Meet The Team

Stacey Ross Cohen

As the Chief Branding Officer at College Prime, Stacey helps college-bound students cultivate, perfect and activate their personal brands to become tomorrow’s leaders. An award-winning marketing professional who earned her stripes on Madison Avenue and at major television networks, Stacey is a sought-after speaker, author and panelist in the realm of personal branding.

A staple at industry conferences, Stacey is also a blogger at the Huffington Post and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, Crain’s, Sales & Marketing and a suite of other national media. In 1997, Stacey founded Co-Communications, a full-service public relations and marketing agency serving clients in education, healthcare, real estate, professional service and the non-profit realm. Stacey has garnered the Forbes Enterprise and PRSA Practitioner of the Year awards for her work in the field. She holds a B.S. from Syracuse University, an MBA from Fordham University and recently completed a certificate program in Media, Entertainment, & Technology at NYU Leonard Stern School of Business. Stacey has delivered talks at Fordham University, NYU Leonard Stern School of Business, Cornell University, the NY Business Expo/Jacob Javits Center, Wilson Prep, UJA/Connect to Care and Public Relations Society of America.

Stacey’s Prime Tip:

“Building a strong personal brand starts early. Middle and high schools nationwide need to provide curriculum for personal branding and digital leadership to prepare their students for life. Students with a positive online presence set the stage for academic and career success.”

Alan Katzman

Alan serves as Chief Social Officer at College Prime, specializing in social media’s ability to unlock academic and career success. Alan is a sought-after speaker at student conferences and events, and a frequent participant in national media events. His expertise has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, Business Insider and Social Media Today.

Alan launched Social Assurity in 2013 and has since licensed its social media courseware to thousands of students nationwide. Prior to forming Social Assurity, Alan served as executive legal counsel for several start-up and Fortune 500 technology companies, where he oversaw law, compliance and administrative functions. Alan received his B.A. from University at Albany and his J.D. from Albany Law School.

Alan’s Prime Tip:

“Past social media posts don’t disappear. Every photo, video, tweet, like and comment is out there in the public eye. It’s critical to learn how to use social media proactively and productively.”

Jamie Finch

Jamie serves as Managing Director, Learning and Development at College Prime and is passionate about teaching students, parents and schools about the nuances — and power — of social media. Beginning in 2013, Jamie held the position of Sr. Vice President, Business Development with Social Assurity.

Prior, Jamie co-founded an educational resource website for parents and served as Assistant Controller at Marriott Hotels. She serves on the National Advisory Board for DECA and Parent Advisory Council and was a former PTA President. A published author, Jamie has appeared on national media programs like Fox News’ Hannity show. Jamie received an accounting degree from Arizona University.

Jamie’s Prime Tip:

“We pride ourselves on providing students, parents and schools with the personal branding and social media tools to succeed online. Our strategic approach to social media helps students navigate the college admission process, the job hunt and much more.”

Naomi Ben-Shahar

Naomi serves as Creative Director at College Prime. She oversees marketing, design and content development, and helps steer the company’s vision. Naomi co-launched Social Assurity in 2013. Prior, she was an art editor at major cultural institutions, media organizations and publishing houses in New York City.

Naomi curated contemporary art exhibits for the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center, headed the photo department at Abbeville Press and led photography at National Geographic and New Yorker magazines. Naomi also served as photo editor and art advisor for advertising campaigns by Prada, Nike, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Vitra. Education is in Naomi’s DNA — she has a teaching pedigree at the International Center of Photography and at Fordham University.

Naomi’s Prime Tip:

“Teens should understand the fundamentals of building a positive digital presence — it allows them to enhance their prospects. Providing students with guidance and a positive model of online behavior empowers them to create an impressive digital footprint early on.”

Kathy D’Agostino

Kathy D’Agostino serves as Director, Student Leadership and Success at College Prime. Kathy is a Core Values Certified Coach and Trainer who helps students amplify their strengths for college success. Kathy provides individual coaching and group workshops to identify students’ passions and strong suits.

In 2013, she founded Win at Business Coaching, LLC, and has since helped hundreds of leaders and organizations accentuate their core values to achieve their goals and build a strong culture. Kathy previously served as a high school coach and mentor at Yonkers Partners In Education, an organization that empowers high school students to realize their goals of graduation and attending college. She is a sought-after speaker, writer and panelist on the topic of Core Values. Kathy has a B.S. in Organizational Management from Nyack College.

Kathy’s Prime Tip:

“College-bound students need to lead from the inside out. By understanding core values, students are empowered and develop emotional intelligence to assist with the college admissions process. Without insight into our core values, it is difficult to stand out.”

Harvard accepted 5% of 39,051 college applicants (Class of 2020)

35% admissions officers have visited applicants’ social media profiles

Cornell accepted 14% of 44,966 college applicants (Class of 2020)