As we near the final quarter of 2023, I want to update you on my business progress! This year, Connect Business Consulting LLC built strategic, intentional business growth in Chicago while maintaining full client service in Milwaukee. Chicago is part of my company’s expanded national scope of work that includes STEAM & Dream Summits in Atlanta and Phoenix, working with sponsor American Family Insurance. Since opening our Chicago base of operations in 2022, Connect Business Consulting LLC:
Served the Chicago STEAM & Dream Summit on June 27
Planned with partners a Chicago Youth Summit for Oct. 7
Networked with Chicago-based clients
Joined the Chicago Muddy Waters Mojo Museum in August in a Communications role.
This is just part of what my business does to continue "Connecting people today for a stronger community tomorrow." If you like this newsletter, please forward it to a friend!
CHICAGO FOCUS:
STEAM & Dream Summit!
American Family Insurance and the STEAM & Dream Program team were excited to sponsor and volunteer at the Chicago 7th Annual Born 2 Win Mentoring Conference, presented by CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program. Keynote Speaker and podcaster Wallo addressed positively impacting the community to approximately 400 youth and mentors. The participants also attended workshops on marketing and mental wellness, and enjoyed a raffle that gave out more than 200 pairs of Jordan Brand basketball shoes!
CHICAGO FOCUS: Muddy Waters Mojo Museum!
I’m excited to announce that I’ve joined the Muddy Waters Mojo Museum team in a Communications role! So great to work with the amazing Chandra Cooper, MS, President of the Museum and the great-granddaughter of Muddy Waters! Muddy Waters' South Side home officially earned Chicago landmark designation in 2021. Along with refurbishing the exterior, plans are in progress to install a museum on the first floor and a basement jam session space – where Muddy himself jammed – along with an educational recording studio.
STEAM & Dream Summits!
(Below is the gallery placeholder for photos)
Hands-on tech summer school was on fire August 5 at the STEAM & Dream Milwaukee Summit at the campus of Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Middle and high school students, college students, and adults learned about technology careers, financial planning, entrepreneurship, venture capital investing, mentorship, emotional well-being, and more.
Participants gained:
Hands-on drone, robot, and AI learning
Raffles to win laptops
Two contest prizes of $2,023
Keynote by Wallo.
Thanks to our sponsors, American Family Insurance and Guidewire Software and to our event partner, Young Enterprising Society (Y.E.S.)!
EVENT FOCUS: MKE Black Marketplaces
As Project Manager for MKE Black, I worked to stage Summer Black-Owned Marketplaces located in the Deer District and Bayshore. Shoppers had a chance to shop local, buy direct from Black-Owned businesses, dance to a DJ, and enjoy food trucks on four weekends: June 11, July 22, July 30, and Aug. 27! I also organized Pitch Black sessions for MKE Black, a continuing series that offers Black entrepreneurs, Black professionals and community allies a chance to network and learn. On June 26, July 13, and Aug. 28, we built a community with session topics that included “Access to Capital” and “Business Plans.”
NETWORKING FOCUS:
Kenge Connects
THE LINKS, INCORPORATED I was thrilled to be inducted as a new member (left) into the Milwaukee Chapter of The Links, Incorporated in June! The Links Membership includes over 16,000 professional women of African descent in 292 chapters worldwide, and the Milwaukee Chapter is proud to be in service for 60 years! Founded in 1946, The Links is one of the nation's oldest volunteer service organizations. I am excited to join The Links’ efforts to combat children's and families' educational, social, and financial challenges, through scholarships and other programs.
PROFESSIONAL DIMENSIONS It was so energizing to join the women of Professional Dimensions at this year's Annual Meeting in June! Sharing our successes, challenges, and words of inspiration was impactful. Loved chatting with new President Shaneé Jenkins (right) and my sisters from The Links, Incorporated Milwaukee Chapter! As a Board Member of the Sherman Phoenix Foundation, I’m thrilled about Professional Dimensions’ partnership with the Foundation on the Women and Moms Entrepreneurship Project. Professional Dimensions committed $100,000 to the project, which is a hub to coach and fund women entrepreneurs.
INSPIRATION TAKEAWAY: Speaking Engagement
Thanks to Women in Technology (WIT) for inviting me to speak Sept. 14 at the Breakfast Series! My topic: “The Journey to Finding Your WHY.” What a fun group! Based on my own journey, I shared steps to help identify the attendees’ purpose as their careers and personal aspirations change. “WHY” is all about growth, finding joy, and taking action to make your dreams become reality. I discussed concrete steps in networking, planning, and putting your passions to work for you!