As the country ended the month of August in celebration of National Black Business Month, MPI-CAC would like to keep the momentum moving in the community by featuring an MPI-CAC Member in Business. In this feature we hope to introduce you to all the chapter’s minority and small business owners who have forged forward with keeping their business open or launched a new business, while keeping their spirits strong during and after the pandemic. With a 24.3% increase in new business applications in 2020, the number of members who have already been in business or decided to start a new business have shown their dedication and resilience for success to the industry. To show our appreciation and dedication to our minority and small business owners, we would like to introduce you to one of the chapter’s most dedicated members and minority/women-owned business owner, Mekeda Johnson-Brooks. Mekeda is the President and Chief Client Experience Architect of MJ Design and Company; an MBE, WBE and WOSB certified consulting agency that helps mission-driven organizations solve problems, tell stories and build connections through strategy, design and program development. Incorporated in 2005, MJ Design and Company helps organizations solve complex problems, tell compelling narratives, and build strong relationships.
While interviewing Mekeda she stated, “We work with mission-driven organizations to assess, design, develop and execute customer and staff engagement experiences and new projects. With deep experience in live events, program development, project management, communications strategy and graphic design, we understand the importance of consistent touchpoints and the need to create engaging interactions that reinforce your brand. Our goal? To help you find the best, most memorable and effective way to get things done!”
An avid organizer with a strong background in negotiation, project management and instructional design, Mekeda regularly pioneers new client experiences for corporate and nonprofit organizations. Mekeda is a 20+ member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), a member of MPI’s Independent and Small Business Owners (ISBO) community and an active member of the Chicago Area Chapter. She is also an alumna of the Chicago Foundation for Women’s Willies Warriors program.
Mekeda is one of many of the chapter’s minority/woman, small business owners that has committed her time, energy and expertise to helping her clients excel their events to the next level. To find out more about MJ Design and Company and how they can help you with your events, please visit. www.mjdesign.biz.
Have a chapter member that is a minority or small business owner that is that you would like to see featured? Let the IDEA committee know. Email your “Member in Business” idea to info@mpicac.org.