About

Who We Are

WordPlay is a public relations and marketing agency based in Grapevine, Texas, since 2008. We offer clients both strategic services and tactical solutions. What does this mean? We develop the big picture plan and then implement it. Or, if the plan is already in place, we will “take the ball and run with it.” Clients hire us not only because of our credentials, portfolio and rolodex, but also because we’re honest, ethical and flexible.

We often get asked what our name means. We strongly believe communication should be planned and strategic, but never boring. Hence, WordPlay combines an influential approach and creative wordsmithing to move people to action. After all, that is the ultimate goal of marketing.

From arranging media interviews and writing press releases to creating brochures and managing social media, we are all about words that deliver results.

Meet The Team

Tracy Southers-Parker, APR
President

Tracy’s love of writing began during junior high school in a creative writing class. Realizing she had a gift for putting thoughts on paper and constructing compelling stories, she knew writing would be part of her future. As it turns out, she was right. Earning a degree in journalism/public relations, she is one of those rare individuals who pursued a career in her field of study. Twenty six years later, Tracy is still writing.

Tracy’s professional experience includes corporate marketing positions in telecommunications, real estate, hospitality, and technology; as well as serving as the public information officer for the City of Southlake, Texas. Prior to launching WordPlay in 2008, Tracy was a regional public relations director for Luxury Resorts, overseeing PR activities for two resorts and private golf club in Naples, Florida. Tracy attended The University of Texas, Austin, and received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from The University of Texas, Arlington. She attained the national accreditation in public relations (APR) designation in 2003 and became a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) in 2015.

Tracy is active in several professional and business organizations, previously serving as a board member for the Southlake and Grapevine Chambers of Commerce. Currently, she is a board member for the Grapevine Colleyville Education Foundation and Metroport Meals on Wheels. Believing it is important to give back and make an impact, she also donates her time and expertise to numerous fundraising events.

Tracy was named an inspirational, accomplished and engaging woman by Society Life magazine in 2020. Read more about Tracy in this article by Voyage Dallas: Meet Tracy Southers-Parker of WordPlay PR & Marketing in Grapevine.

Marlea Maschmeyer
Account Executive

After completing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas, Marlea earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas, Arlington. While pursuing her graduate degree, Marlea concurrently worked on campus for the Dean’s Office and separately completed the Certified Tourism Ambassador program in Texas. Marlea’s passions for tourism, event planning, business development and marketing led her to various experiences at the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Southlake, and the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Chamber of Commerce. Marlea joined the WordPlay team in 2014 as a creative copywriter and has produced an astounding number of blogs, articles and press releases. She also assists clients with social media content, email marketing and collateral materials. Her spot-on writing, attention to detail, and “never miss a deadline” attitude is a huge asset to the agency.

Emily Nankivell
Project Manager

Emily’s diverse, professional background encompasses positions in customer service, administration, management, operations and virtual services. As a result, Emily brings to WordPlay tremendous organizational and interpersonal skills, efficiency and the discipline one must possess to provide exceptional service at the highest level. Emily’s work behind-the-scenes includes research, compiling media lists, working with vendors, and administrative tasks. In addition, she is versed in html and many social media management platforms. During her off time, you will find Emily living her life intentionally with her husband and two boys.