After5Chicago - The Art of Personal Branding and Reputation

Join a brand strategist and creative director for The Art of Personal Branding and Reputation. From career growth and entrepreneurship to networking and social media, this discussion will explore how perception, authenticity, and consistency shape both personal and professional opportunities.

We’ll dive into the realities of comparison culture, burnout, online visibility, reinvention, and building credibility in an era where everyone has a platform. Learn how to create a personal brand that feels intentional, authentic, and aligned with who you are without falling into the pressure of perfection.

Whether you’re navigating a career transition, growing a business, building a creative presence, or simply refining how you show up in the world, this session will offer practical insights and honest conversation around confidence, reputation, and long-term personal growth.

This is not a “perfect your LinkedIn profile” conversation. Expect thoughtful dialogue on trust, visibility, self-awareness, and how to build a reputation that lasts.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your After5Society community.

About the Speaker:

Deja Jackson Howard is the Founder and Creative Director of DEJAMAKES Creative Studio, a Chicago-based boutique branding and web design agency that helps founders and service-based businesses build strategy-driven visual identities that move beyond DIY branding. A University of Pennsylvania graduate and former Varsity Women’s Basketball Senior Captain, Deja combines creativity, business strategy, and storytelling to help entrepreneurs grow with intention. Before launching DEJAMAKES full-time, she built her career in media and advertising at companies including Twitter and WarnerMedia, managing campaigns for major brands and sports platforms. Her work and entrepreneurial leadership have earned recognition from programs including the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program and Tarte Cosmetics’ Shape Your Future Small Business Awards. Through her work, Deja is passionate about empowering founders, especially women and underrepresented entrepreneurs, to build brands that are both visually compelling and strategically impactful.

Good to know before you come:

• Exact bar location will be disclosed in your confirmation email
• Arrive early to grab a drink and get settled
• The speaker portion lasts 1 hour, with optional time to stay and socialize afterward
• This is a participatory event
• Seating is limited to keep the experience intimate

Info: Arrive early to grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the atmosphere. Early birds get the best seats and a head start on mingling!

Info: Dive into an engaging, interactive session with our speaker. Participate, observe, or simply soak it all in - it's your experience to enjoy.

Info: Stick around to chat with fellow attendees, swap ideas, or just relax with a drink. Great conversations often happen after the main event!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher After 5 Society