Our Story
From LIKES to LIAISONS and from FOLLOWERS to FRIENDSHIPS, Kiss The Monkeys has created a new and exciting Evolution.
Kiss The Monkeys is a diverse group of people originated from a Facebook page that “interactively” exchanged thoughts and ideas on a constant contact basis.
Organically – Our conversations went from our laptops to event gatherings at major city venues and private estates. We gather in the interests of making positive changes in the world and ourselves.
Kiss The Monkeys is not just a network of professionals, entertainers, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs – we are also a MOVEMENT in the way we organize events such as charity fundraisers, workshops, concerts, seminars, and fashion shows that connect our community professionally and socially.
We are a referral based community of brand ambassadors for one another, inspired by the simple ideal that, “I will endorse your public image and buy or recommend your product/service becauseI know and LIKE you”.
Mission
Kiss the Monkeys Mission Statement
Three Key Values:
Be Connected – Be a part of a wonderful, diverse network of peers working to create an energetic and dynamic environment of learning, networking, and spreading positive energy into the world .
Be Influential – Make your mark. Make a difference in our community and have a positive impact on the future of Kiss the Monkeys as we continue to grow .
- Interact with other members of Kiss the Monkeys community.
- Be Inspired – Embrace your own self image and personal growth.
- Polish your networking skills and develop professionally.
Mission Statement
To attract and retain talented special people into our Kiss the Monkeys community by offering opportunities to create a valuable network of peers, develop and grow professionally and build relationships with local members .
Purpose:
To enrich our community by uniting and engaging the energy, enthusiasm, and talent of our Kiss the Monkeys Members.
What Is In It For Me?
- Build a valuable network of peers
- Grow and develop personally and professionally
- Learn from others in the network who are already established in their own field.
- Contribute to and enrich the community
- Create and cultivate future members to continue spreading Kiss the Monkeys positive message.
RaQuel Sanchez is a social media influencer, motivational speaker, movie producer, and a co-owner of the International Award Winning Events Companies and Online Network Communities known as Kiss The Monkeys and Kiss The Mermaids also known as KTM Events. She partners and consults with CEOs, international corporations, non-profit organizations, entertainers, models, fashion designers, company executives, VCs, and solopreneurs to grow their personal images and/or professional brands.
Her knowledge comes from her diverse experience as a social media specialist, scientific research lab assistant, personal assistant to a high-profile music producer, service industry professional, real estate broker, medical spa marketing manager, owner of a dance production company, and as a core organizer of Help For Haiyan (named as the biggest grassroots charity drive in history, by various media outlets).
RaQuel found her hidden talents in social media in 2009 as a dance professional with no capital to market her dance company. RaQuel learned to use social media to gain international exposure for her dancers. When her friends took notice of her social media influence and marketing skills, she became highly sought-out to market for their start-ups and soon started working for several different companies as an outsourced marketer and influencer. This was when she found her everlasting desire to be an entrepreneur and to teach others how to become one themselves.
In 2013, when watching a CNN report of a devastating typhoon that hit her homeland in the Philippines, she and 4 friends decided to take action. They made The Rizal Filipino Community their headquarters to collect donations. RaQuel used her mastery of social media to launch a Facebook group she named, Help For Haiyan. As a core organizer of Help For Haiyan, she was able to solicit generous donations from major corporations and attracted television media for over 2 weeks with thousands of volunteers helping daily in the city of Chicago, despite the record-breaking below-freezing weather. A total of 18 containers were shipped to aid the victims of the typhoon.
RaQuel and her significant-other, Alex Harris, own Kiss The Monkeys and have become one of the fastest growing event companies in California. Beyond the mansion parties, festivals, summits and galas, KTM Events sponsors a variety of different charities and rallies their members to donate and volunteer for causes such as homelessness, domestic violence, environmental awareness, natural disaster relief, human trafficking, and women empowerment. RaQuel and Alex have been recognized and awarded for their humanitarian contributions by The Women’s Economic Forum and the United Nations and have also received the Presidential Award (2019). Together they connect people and brands that share a common interest in making positive global changes.
RaQuel Sanchez has been featured in many magazines and has shared the stage with world renowned speakers.
Alex Harris is a Seventh Generation Antiques Dealer from the UK. He moved to the USA in 2004 and spent 11 years in NYC developing his business. He particularly specializes in vintage high-end jewelry with a client list of celebrities and royal clients.
While in NYC he started doing philanthropic work by founding a large social media network. In NYC his charity events quickly gained widespread attention for featuring internationally famous entertainers and working with foundations such as American Cancer Society, The National Wildlife Foundation, Wounded Warriors and The Salvation Army.
In 2015 Alex moved to Los Angeles to begin a new chapter with his girlfriend Raquel Sanchez. Together they combined their networks and rebranded them to create their luxury events and social media community, Kiss The Monkeys. They have won multiple awards for their humanitarian efforts and philanthropic contributions to national and global causes from organizations such as Arts For Peace and The World Networks that recognize entrepreneurs and dignitaries from all over the world.
Kiss The Monkeys is one of the most energetic communities on Facebook featuring its diverse members and creating the events where their members cross from VR to IRL all in the name of giving back.
He inspires a World Wide Network to realize their own legacy through business and servitude.
Alex’s most important role in life is being the proud father of his two children, Angus, Alana and working with his life partner RaQuel, who are the drive behind all things he does
Awards
- THE UNITED NATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE 2019
- THE OFFICIAL PRESIDENTIAL AWARD BY THE WHITE HOUSE FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE 2019
- INTERNATIONALLY AWARDED BY WORLD NETWORKS ORGANIZATION FOR “LUXURY EVENTS COMPANY” AND “SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNITY” 2017
- WOMEN’S ECONOMIC FORUM ICONIC PEOPLE MAKING CHANGES FOR A BETTER WORLD TO FOUNDERS RAQUEL SANCHEZ & ALEXANDER HARRIS 2018