Mekeda Johnson-Brooks is the President of MJ Design and Company, an event production agency focused on strategic planning, design, development, and execution of large-scale events for corporate and nonprofit organizations.

As an avid on-the-job organizer with a strong background in negotiation, project management, and instructional design, Mekeda realized that her skills would be useful to organizations without full-time event or project management staff or with extra and special projects. MJ Design and Company has grown by leaps and bounds, supporting organizations throughout the Chicagoland area.

During her career in financial services, Mekeda pioneered new processes, worked as a corporate trainer and ultimately an event manager responsible for 25+ events throughout the United States. An advocate for education and equal access, she also led the corporate-wide UNCF fundraising effort for several years.

Mekeda joined Meeting Professionals International (MPI) in 2002. She co-chaired the Annual Award Recognition Celebration, which honors fellow members for their chapter contributions for two years and was honored with a Tomorrow’s Leaders Award. She continues to be an active member of one of the largest chapters in the world. Mekeda is also active in the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Alumni Association.

A life-long Chicagoan, Mekeda resides on the South Side with her husband and daughter.