Lisa Ragnacci
Published: March 11, 2010
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Artist thrives on drive, attention to detail
For more than 10 years, Lisa Ragnacci has overseen the “outstanding” graphic design team at Happenings magazine, one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier lifestyles publications.
“I never get bored because there is always a new way for me to express my artistic vision through page or ad design, photography, or discussing design with our clients,” she said. She is also happy to serve as a teacher and role model for graphic design and photography interns at the magazine and as art director at the magazine’s sister advertising agency, Happenings Communications Group.
She’s had a life-long interest in art. A cum laude graduate from Marywood University with a degree in advertising art, she received the St. Luke Medal of Excellence in Art.
Ragnacci began her career as a graphic designer, and then art director, at Gann-Dawson Advertising Inc., and then worked at several prominent advertising agencies until she joined Happenings in 1999.
“Everything I am today I owe to my wonderful parents, Mary Ann Kalaha and the late Charles J. Kalaha, and the values with which they raised us,” she said, “My parents taught us by example to approach everything in life with respect and integrity. They inspired the drive, work ethic and the attention to detail, which I believe has structured my professional life and any success I have enjoyed. My mother’s twin brother, Robert Dubill, was like a second father to us after we lost my dad,” she said.
“My motto has always been to do the right thing. Try to do your best and don’t do anything halfway, go the extra mile and give it your all. Work hard, and stay true to yourself,” she said.
She resides with her husband of 10 years, Ray, and their “pride and joy,” Christian, 8, and step-son, Ray III. With motherhood as a priority, she is glad to have flexibility with her work hours and can honor her commitment to Happenings without sacrificing quality time with family.
She spends most of her free time with her son — spoiling him and her nieces and nephews. She also enjoys sketching, calligraphy, singing, dancing, photography and long walks. She also participates in community events, including the Race for the Cure and the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign.
