Motor Mouth Pittsburgh


From:
Pittsburgh Born & Raised
Foundation:
Michigan State University, B.A. Journalism, Maryland Department of Education, Standard Professional Teaching Certificate English 7-12, Leadership Pittsburgh, LDI XXIV
Fave:
Allegheny County parks
Fact:
Invited to White House Founded in-person and online platform Single Mom Defined
Bringing 20+ years of experience at communications and marketing firms, nonprofits, school districts and television stations across the country and overseas, Heather Hopson uses traditional and modern media to develop and implement large-scale, proven strategies. To give back to the community, Heather serves on several advisory committees and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn


From:
Pittsburgh Born & Raised
Foundation:
University of Pittsburgh, B.A. Communication
Fave:
Family! Grandparents celebrated 65 years of marriage and welcomed 15 children and more than 30 grandchildren into their home.
Fact:
Founded The Cupcake Crew, a mother and sons baking business and home of the original Strawberry Moscato cupcake
Bringing 20+ years of exceeding sales goals at Fortune 500 companies, including Coca Cola, Verizon and Yellow Pages, Farah Middleton launches and leverages successful marketing campaigns. Connect with Farah on LinkedIn. Connect with Farah on LinkedIn


From:
Belle Vernon, PA, Resides in Pittsburgh, PA
Foundation:
BS of Administration, Pennsylvania State University
Fave:
I love Pittsburgh's bridges, the Steelers and most of all my family.
Fact:
Bringing 30+ years of executive administration and project management experience at private and public sector organizations, Sonya possesses extraordinary operational precision, business acumen, problem-solving, project management, and analytical skills. She is the ultimate integrator, translating the company and client's vision and laying a strong foundation for execution. Most recently, Sonya serves as a contract specialist with the federal government.


From:
Pittsburgh, PA
Foundation:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania


From:
Pittsburgh Born & Raised
Foundation:
Western School of Health and Business Careers
Fave:
Garfield Gallery Crawls
Fact:
Free Store Penn Hills Co-Founder
Bringing 20+ years of accounts payable and client and office management experience at Thermal Industries and Kerotest Manufacturing, Fawn Washington ensures operations run smoothly. Connect with Fawn on LinkedIn.


From:
DC Metro Area Native, Pittsburgh Transplant
Foundation:
Duquesne University, M.A. Social & Public Policy, University of the District of Columbia, B.A. Mass Communications, CORO Women in Leadership XVII
Fave:
Diverse Circle of Friends
Fact:
Pittsburgh Summit Against Racism Coordinator
Bringing 20+ years of experience, including stints as projects director at an award-winning creative agency in Pittsburgh and co-founder and social justice facilitator at Walk the Talk PGH, Yvette Shipman keeps the peace and advance client's DEI goals. Connect with Yvette on LinkedIn.


From:
Pittsburgh Born & Raised
Foundation:
CCAC, Studied Computer Science
Fave:
Potato Patch Fries at Kennywood
Fact:
Serve as Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church videographer and web developer
Bringing a modern, millennial perspective to the team, Jac Wynn serves as a website and app developer for Motormouth Multimedia. Jac also developed and designed websites for an award-winning creative agency in Pittsburgh. In addition to development, Jac strategically devises an effective user experience for clients and configures servers for best performance and security. Connect with Jac on LinkedIn.


From:
Pittsburgh, PA
Foundation:
Duquesne University, M.A. Social and Public Policy, B.A. Political Science and Rhetoric
Fave:
Yoga classes, including those taught by her!
Fact:
Bringing nearly 10 years of communications and marketing experience, Naomi specializes in advertising, branding, market research and social media management. Currently, Naomi splits her time between her Pittsburgh-based marketing firm, The Finesse Institute, and the New York State Assembly’s 43rd District, where she serves as the director of community affairs. In her spare time, Naomi enjoys volunteering with her organization Delta Theta Sigma Sorority, Inc. Connect with Naomi on LinkedIn.


Foundation:
Duquesne University, M.A. Leadership, Professional Administration, University of Mount Union, B.A. History and Education with a Minor in Communication Studies
Fave:
Anywhere to get in self-care! In July of 2019, Tori founded Self-Care Senorita, a community dedicated to helping people strike a balance between work and life
Fact:
After more than a decade in diversity, equity, and inclusion work in higher education and the film industry combined, Tori channeled her creative juices and business acumen into a thriving consulting business. Tori brings years of experience in branding and marketing to collaborate with others and creatively manage communications campaigns. Connect with Tori on LinkedIn.


From:
Pittsburgh, PA
Foundation:
Duquesne University, B.A. Journalism
Fave:
Picnic at Highland Park
Fact:
Received Pittsburgh Magazine 40 Under 40 Award
Bringing 15+ years of experience in communications and marketing, Merecedes Williams develops highly effective messaging and communication strategies that strengthen relationships between our clients and the community. Currently, Merecedes serves are the director of communications and key stakeholder engagement at Pittsburgh Public Schools and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.


From:
Pittsburgh Born & Raised
Foundation:
Point Park University, B.A. Journalism
Fave:
City skyline and biking trails
Fact:
Founded Pittsburgh Brown Mamas, a 6,000+ member online and in-person organization
Bringing 20+ years of journalism experience, including local media companies Sheridan Broadcasting Network and the New Pittsburgh Courier, Cindy Mendoza shares diverse stories and mobilizes communities to engage in client campaigns. Her first book, The Brown Mama Mindset: A Blueprint for Black Moms on Life, Love & Home is currently sold in various cities across the U.S. and has led to speaking engagements, including TEDx stage. Connect with Cindy on LinkedIn.


From:
Pittsburgh Born & Raised
Foundation:
Geneva College, B.A. Theater Communications
Fave:
The Carnegie Science Center, The Cultural Theater District, and The Strip District on Saturday Mornings
Fact:
Wrote and produced Hellway To Heaven; a sold-out, live theatrical tour traveling through life, death and heaven.
Bringing 20+ years of experience in stage theater, writing, public speaking, photography and film, Corey Lankford uses traditional and modern media to connect to audiences. He serves as the CEO of Cwlcreatives LLC, offering film, photography, editing and music services. Connect with Corey on Facebook.


From:
San Antonio, TX, Pittsburgh Transplant
Foundation:
University of Pittsburgh
Fave:
The best thing about Pittsburgh is the skyline. I have lived in several cities and Pittsburgh (by far) has the best view!
Fact:
Bringing 30+ years of radio, television and video production experience, TeeJay Johnson combines a unique approach with practical strategies to each project.


From:
Born & Raised
Foundation:
University of Pittsburgh, B.A. Communications, New York Film Academy, Line Producing Certification
Fave:
Potato Patch Fries at Kennywood
Fact:
The best part about Pittsburgh is the people.
Bringing more than 15+ years of film and video production experience to the set, Brett Allen has worked his way up from a production assistant to a director and executive producer. He has produced countless projects, including "The Kill Point," "Mysteries of Pittsburgh," "Con,” and "Shepard" through production companies, including his very own UwebTV. Connect with Brett on LinkedIn.


From:
Born & Raised
Foundation:
ITT Tech, Associates Computers & Electronics
Fave:
My favorite thing about Pittsburgh is the food and the people.
Fact:
Selected to participate in the national BMe Genius program
Bringing 15+ years of experience to the film, video production and entertainment industry, Jay White looks through a multicultural marketing lens and affirms that the camera saved his life. He believes that the best way to serve the community is to capture its beauty through film. He has produced seven documentaries, five short films and one feature film entitled Everyday Hustle. Connect with Jay on LinkedIn.


From:
Columbia, SC Native, Pittsburgh Transplant
Foundation:
Central Pennsylvania College, B.A. Business Administration
Fave:
My favorite thing about Pittsburgh is telling authentic stories through my lens.
Fact:
Received the Excellence in Community Engagement, Rising Star photography award and contributed to Stand Up, the Black Women Art Gallery Display highlighting the George Floyd protest in Pittsburgh.
Bringing several years of photography experience, including real estate and documentary photography, Lindsay B. Garvin is committed to increasing the visibility of important issues and promoting positive images of people of color. Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn.


From:
Pittsburgh Born & Raised
Foundation:
Robert Morris University, Business Admin
Fave:
Love the “big little” town feel of Pittsburgh, the rich food and the art culture.
Fact:
Serves on the Bike PGH Board of Directors and founded the national non-profit Black Girls Do Bike Inc., which was recently featured in a Ford Bronco Sport campaign and secured sponsorships from Ford, Trek Bikes and Weight Watchers.
Bringing more than 20+ years of photography experience to the firm, Monica Godfrey captures everything from professional headshots and glamorous fashion events to live performances and documentary images, resulting in stunning product images. Connect with Monica on LinkedIn.


From:
Pittsburgh, PA
Foundation:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Fact:
Received WPIAL basketball championship ring




Motor Mouth Detroit

From:
Detroit, MI
Foundation:
Michigan State University, B.A. in Advertising, Minor in Graphic Design
Fave:
My favorite thing about Detroit is our grass-roots approach to success.
Fact:
Received countless awards, including the Gold Paragon Award for Brochure Design, a National Council for Marketing & Public Relations Award, a Silver Addy for brochure design as well as poster design, and Midwestern American Advertising Awards.
Bringing 15 years of creatively crafting and managing digital, multimedia, print, publication, fine art, and utilities for major brands, Kyle Barnes blends innovation with practicality, on-time and on budget. Currently, Kyle is the owner of Urban Ad Shop | Advertising and Design, which builds supportive environments that bring out the best in creative professionals. Kyle also serves as the president of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.’s Lansing Alumni Chapter. Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn.

From:
Detroit, MI
Foundation:
Michigan State University, B.A. Studio Art
Fave:
Detroit Institute of Arts
Fact:
Bringing 25+ years of experience to design jobs, Robert looks through a fine arts lens to conceptualize marketing branding material from concept through production-ready files. His work has increased sales and traffic to corporate and nonprofit organizations. In his spare time, Robert serve the community as the co-founder of Greater Purpose 4 Detroit (GP4D). Connect with Robert on LinkedIn.

From:
Detroit, MI
Foundation:
Michigan State University, B.A. Creative Advertising
Fave:
My favorite thing about Detroit is its rich culture.
Fact:
A recent graduate of Michigan State University, Armani McKalpain brings a fresh, vibrant view to graphic design products. Formerly the director of advertising for the
Michigan State University Residence Halls Association and student designer for Michigan State University’s Athletic Department, Armani continues to refine and develop core design skills of composition, typography, balance, and color theory. To give back to the community, Armani spearheads various campaigns with his fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi. Connect with Armani on LinkedIn.

From:
Detroit, MI
Foundation:
B.A.Family Community Services, Michigan State University, M.A. Educational Psychology, Eastern Michigan University
Master of Library and Information Science, Wayne State University
Fave:
Detroit Public Library
Fact:
Bringing more than 10 years of experience connecting and advocating for community needs and partnerships, Ashley Jackson works to amplify the voices of minority and marginalized people. A strong researcher with great attention to detail, Ashley is a skilled writer and owner of Soul Write. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys volunteering with her organization Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn.

From:
Lansing, Michigan
Foundation:
B.A. in Film & Video
Fave:
My favorite thing about Michigan is Superman ice cream — Yum!
Fact:
Founded and successfully ran a marketing consulting business for 6 years working with award-winning entrepreneurs and nonprofits.
Bringing 15 years of marketing and communications experience at nonprofits, financial institutions, and corporations, Gia Maxwell uses creative storytelling to help clients craft a clear marketing message and hold meaningful conversations. Recently, Gia served as the director of communications at One Detroit Credit Union. Connect with Gia on LinkedIn.

From:
Detroit, MI
Foundation:
B.A. Journalism, Michigan State University
Fave:
My favorite thing about Detroit is the hustler mindset and mentality everyone carries.
Fact:
Bringing more than five years of professional communications experience to the job, Christina specializes in copywriting and strategic communications. Through a multicultural marketing lens, Christina helps clients see all audiences, elevate diverse voices and promote positive images, specifically of Black people and marginalized communities. Connect with Christina on LinkedIn.


From:
Lansing, MI
Foundation:
Michigan State University, B.A. Communication
Fave:
My favorite thing about Michigan is Quality Dairy donuts and ice cream.
Fact:
Started first business at age 9 selling bookmarks to kids at school. Years later, Amina remains an entrepreneur and owns Pure Vision Events.
Bringing 6+ years of administrative, event coordination, social media management and project management experience, Amina assembles the right-sized team for efficiency, effectiveness and innovation. Connect with Amina on LinkedIn.


From:
Detroit, Michigan
Foundation:
Michigan State University, B.S. Human Ecology, M.S. Human Resources and Labor Relations
Fave:
Strolling the Detroit Riverwalk
Fact:
Received Society for Human Resource Management Certification
Bringing 20+ years of experience in human resources and labor relations at companies such as Asurion, General Electric and Pepsi, Bernadette Hudgins provides coaching and direction to create productive teams. She has honed her goal-setting and human resources skills to support older adults through her company Golden Connections. In her spare time, she volunteers with her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she receives an International Recommendation for Health Programming. Connect with Bernadette on LinkedIn.


From:
Detroit, MI
Foundation:
Licensed professional counselor (LPC), nationally certified counselor (NCC), Liberty University, M.A Human Services Marriage and Family, M.A Professional Counseling Michigan State University, B.A. Communications
Fave:
Detroit Lions
Fact:
Participates in a Michigan statewide play therapy coalition
With 20+ years of experience as a marketing and logistics coordinator in the sports and entertainment industry, Rebekka Hughes has transferred her skills into the mental heath world working with women, children and adolescents whom have experienced various forms of trauma or abuse. Rebekka is the founder of CGL Wellness Group, LLC, director at large for the Michigan Play Therapy Association, and graduate of The Association for Play Therapy Leadership Academy. Connect with Rebekka on LinkedIn.