ABOUT US
OUR STORY
We prioritize human-centric strategies driven by cultural insights, ensuring that business success is driven by the needs, values, and well-being of people.
Mariko S. Carpenter
Co-Founder and Advisor
Mariko is a seasoned marketing executive with over 25 years of experience leading and transforming iconic brands across B2C and B2B organizations. Her career has been defined by a commitment to staying at the forefront of marketing innovation, working in industry organizations that set the standard for excellence in their areas. Most recently, Mariko served as VP of Marketing at NielsenIQ and VP of Strategic Partnerships at Nielsen, where she worked with, managed, and gained deep expertise in the data that fuels data-driven marketing strategies. Her experience at these world-leading research organizations provided her with a comprehensive understanding of how data shapes audience insights, targeting, and strategic decision-making. Prior to that, she was at Condé Nast, the gold standard in creative excellence for publishing and digital content, where she led innovative campaigns that redefined audience engagement. Mariko’s rare ability to bridge creative storytelling and strategic analytics has been a defining strength throughout her career. Having thrived in both brand-driven and data-centric environments, she possesses a deep understanding of how art and science intersect to excel in marketing. This unique perspective led her to co-found OpalSphere, where she now focuses on uncovering the human truths behind data ensuring that insights don’t just inform strategy but drive authentic engagement to win in today’s people-driven marketplace. As a daughter of a Japanese diplomat, Mariko spent her childhood in Japan, Thailand and Switzerland before settling in New York City. She received her MS at New York University and BA at Vassar College. She lives in New York City with her husband, two daughters, a mini labradoodle and an 11-year-old goldfish.
"Without data, you're just another person with an opinion."
Sharmila Fowler
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Sharmila Fowler is an accomplished DEI leader and cultural marketer with deep expertise spanning HR, marketing, research, strategy, consulting, and leadership. She also serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member at DePaul University's Driehaus College of Business, where she teaches and facilitates workshops on DEI management, cultural competence, and inclusive leadership. Passionate about driving meaningful change, she helps organizations navigate the intersection of culture, brand, and business impact. Previously, Sharmila was Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Echo Global Logistics, where she integrated DEI into core business operations. She collaborated with executive leadership, functional teams, and Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to implement initiatives benefiting employees, suppliers, clients, and community partners. Her work included developing a comprehensive DEI framework and aligning brand positioning with corporate responsibility goals to enhance Echo’s reputation and stakeholder engagement. Prior to Echo, she served as Director of Global Diversity & Inclusion at McDonald's Corporation, leading strategic initiatives that aligned talent and business priorities across global markets. Earlier, as Marketing Director for the Asian Consumer Market, she spearheaded culturally relevant, in-language campaigns that strengthened McDonald’s connection with Asian American consumers while reinforcing its commitment to social impact and multicultural engagement. Beyond her professional work, Sharmila is an active community leader, serving on multiple boards and committees. She holds a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from USF’s Muma College of Business, an M.B.A. in Marketing/Strategic Planning from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania, and a B.A. in Computer Science/Math from The University of Rochester. She is also a Master Certified Professional Coach, a Qualified Administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory, and a certified Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Practitioner. In 2023, she was recognized as one of Diversity MBA’s Top 25 Outstanding Leadership & Diversity Impact Award winners. Born in India, Sharmila immigrated to the U.S. as a child eventually settling in the Chicago area. She enjoys international travel, exploring global cuisines, entertaining, gardening, home decorating, and spending quality time with family and friends.
"When culture leads, inclusion follows—and both fuel brand and business transformation."
Patricia Ratulangi
Consultant
Patricia Ratulangi is communications leader and research strategist with over 25 years of experience turning rigorous data into stories that drive community impact and business growth. Her career has been focused on bridging the worlds of audience research, multicultural strategy, and high-stakes communications - helping organizations understand not just who their audiences are, but what they need and how to reach them authentically. Most recently, Patricia served as Global Corporate & External Communications leader at NielsenIQ. She was also VP of Business Inclusion, Impact & Belonging at Nielsen, serving as the company’s lead on Asian audience insights and managing Nielsen’s brand as the authority on inclusive marketing and advertising insights. Over 14 years at Nielsen, she developed deep fluency in how data is generated, validated, and applied to real-world decisions, and led communications across 90+ markets. As a communicator, she is an expert at developing engagement strategies, connecting audiences with messages and memorable moments that will move them. Patricia is also a passionate advocate for underserved communities. She serves on the board of Amplify AAPI, a collaboration between AARP and NORC at the University of Chicago, and the nation's first and largest AANHPI survey. She has also served on the board of VOICES for AAPI, advocating for the growth and development of AANHPI communications professsionals. Her published research includes work with the Nielsen Diverse Intelligence Series, the Geena Davis Institute for Gender in Media, and the Asian American Advertising Federation, covering topics from Asian American media engagement to diverse-owned media investment. At OpalSphere, Patricia brings specialized expertise in community strategy, multicultural research literacy, and the communications infrastructure that makes inclusion real for companies, employees and external stakeholders. A Northwestern University alum with an M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications and a B.S. in Communications and International Studies, Patricia also completed the Gender Diversity Programme at INSEAD. She was born in Indonesia, grew up in Singapore and has called Chicago home for many years. Food is her language of love.
"Data builds a story that people can relate to; the first step in building trust and belonging."
An opal is a gemstone that has its own one-of-a-kind color pattern, intensity, and play-of-color. No two opals look exactly the same. Own your Opal.
The Story of OpalSphere
OpalSphere celebrates the uniqueness of individuals, cultures, and ideas coming together in a dynamic whole.
Opal: Transformation & Multidimensionality
Like an opal shifting colors with light, culture and brand continuously evolve based on perspective, environment, and interaction. Organizations must remain dynamic, shaping both their internal culture and external brand identity.
Sphere: Holistic Connection
A sphere represents unity and interconnectedness—just as culture and brand are deeply intertwined. In a globally connected world, they shape and reflect each other across employees, customers, and communities.