A strategic communications plan is essential during ongoing crises. Brand responses offer important public relations lessons. Amid the recent influx of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota, our local leaders are leveraging crisis communication tactics to share critical updates, including school district and small business closures.

This year has flown by and I am grateful for every minute of it. As my team and I reflect on the past 12 months, we have a lot to celebrate. I continue to be energized by the time I spend serving on the nonprofit boards of organizations I care about.

Giving back is my way of giving thanks. I serve on the boards of several organizations I believe in, and honor people—through events like the Momentum Summit—who do extraordinary work.

My parents, Wenda Weekes and Cornell Leverette Moore, initially founded Leverette Weekes in the 1970s to address the lack of hiring opportunities for Black lawyers. Later, they created new pathways and opportunities in real estate.

I’m particularly proud of my team of contractors now – the ones I speak to every day and the specialists who jump in and out of projects as needed. When you hit on a great dynamic like this, retention is the name of the game. Here’s how I maintain great professional relationships that lead to long-term partnerships:

Early August was hectic. I traveled to Martha’s Vineyard for the second annual Momentum Summit, bringing together leaders from the social justice, Black philanthropy and education spaces to connect and collaborate on issues facing the community. This event, which I created with Dr. Tashion Macon, is a labor of love—emphasis on both labor and love!

When it’s hot outside, temperatures inside can spike, as well. This month, I’m thinking about conflict at work, because summertime’s easy-going reputation can be deceptive. Yes it’s typically vacation season, a time filled with more kicking back and enjoying cold ones at the barbecue.

Emotions in the workplace can be a difficult challenge to navigate. That’s why I’m grateful that last week was Juneteenth, the day we collectively remember, honor, and celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people in this country.

At Leverette Weekes, we know that diversity builds strong teams, and we are passionate about inclusion. When my parents started this company in the ‘70s, it was because they realized that people were being left out of economic opportunities. That costs all of us. It costs us opportunities for internally vetted ideas, new perspectives, and to mitigate risks.

Happy belated Easter, Passover, and Ramadan to all who celebrated. May we all feel renewed and have our spirits refreshed!

I’m a member of the National Governing Board of the Jeremiah Program (JP), a nonprofit that has engaged more than 4,000 single moms and their kids. The mission of the JP is to eliminate poverty two generations at a time by providing access to high-quality education, housing, and child care. I recently spent time with my fellow board members and JP families nationwide at our annual JP Summit. (Watch my interview on North Dakota Live)

In an ideal world, businesses would train managers to equip them with the tools needed to effectively lead teams. In reality, many organizations neglect this step, assuming that a rising star will pick up leadership skills as they advance. I don’t advocate this approach, especially in stressful and uncertain times, but my years in corporate America have taught me that it is widespread.

I’m so excited to welcome Jai Winston on board as a Senior Consultant.

As I close out 2024, I am grateful for the team and partners of Leverette Weekes who help us achieve excellence. I’m equally grateful for ou

In this season of Thanksgiving, we at Leverette Weekes celebrate the spirit of gratitude. I’m thankful for our team and for our clients who

During the fourth quarter at Leverette Weekes,  we are wrapping up impact reports for clients while simultaneously positioning ourselves for

It’s almost October already! Where did the year go? With the holidays fast approaching, there’s limited time to finish the year strong. That

I started writing this newsletter during one of my breaks between events on Martha’s Vineyard. I spent the first two weeks of the month conn

At Leverette Weekes, the pace usually slows in July. We use the time to recharge, reflect, and prepare to finish the year strong.

I’ve carried the joy of Black excellence for as long as I can remember. As a child, my parents insisted that I know my history, work...