I’m incredibly honored and humbled to have been named one of the 2025 100 Women to KNOW in America by KNOW Women, a global media company and network committed to celebrating and elevating ambitious female leaders.
This recognition comes at a particularly special time for Mekky Media, as we near our ninth anniversary. When I founded the agency in 2016, I had a vision. I wanted to offer smart, strategic public relations with heart and create an agency that delivers meaningful stories and lasting impact. I also wanted my agency to foster a positive and empowering work culture where our team can excel. That vision has since grown into a firm known for its innovative approach, working every day to lift our clients’ voices and make them heard. The agency has also grown to a firm that invests in the future of the industry by mentoring aspiring leaders in public relations and communications. Beyond the agency, I am proud to have reached a point where I can give back, donating time and resources to cancer-related organizations, a commitment close to my heart as a cancer survivor. I have been able to serve on the board of the national nonprofit Triage Cancer, act as a spokesperson for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and raise awareness on early detection and prevention for ovarian cancer with Tina’s Wish.
To be acknowledged now, in this moment, feels especially validating. It’s a reminder that grit, resilience, and staying true to your values does pay off.
As part of the award, I had the opportunity to attend the KNOW Women Summit in Scottsdale this past weekend to accept the honor with the rest of the winners. Being listed among such a powerful and inspiring group of women—individuals making an incredible impact through charity, science, leadership and innovative companies—left me awestruck. I couldn’t believe I was in the same room as people doing such remarkable work. It was a wonderful night filled with meaningful connections and empowering energy. I felt as if everyone was lifting each other up and celebrating their accomplishments and wanting to learn more about each award recipient’s backgrounds. This event is truly what I’m all about: when women support each other, we can only do amazing things. I’ve made some connections that will last for years to come with people that have amazing energy for collaboration and celebration. I am beyond proud to be included in this sisterhood.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my dear friend and mentor, Brook Jay, the founder of Chicago’s leading experiential marketing agency, All Terrain Collective, who felt that I was a worthy enough candidate to put forward, and to the KNOW Women judging committee for including me in this impressive class. I came home feeling more empowered and motivated than ever before.
To every aspiring woman entrepreneur or leader reading this: your voice matters. Your story is powerful. Keep pushing forward. Keep building. And know that when we celebrate each other, we all rise higher.