2025 Year in Review: A Year of Strength, Service, and Staying the Course

2025 asked more of me than I expected—and gave more than I imagined.

This year was not about speed or perfection. It was about showing up, adjusting when life demanded it, and continuing to lead, serve, and build even in the midst of uncertainty.

As I reflect on 2025, I see a year defined by resilience, community, and meaningful progress—both personally and professionally.

Business Growth & Clarity with MJK Events

In 2025, I focused on strengthening the foundation of MJK Events—refining messaging, clarifying services, and reinforcing my role as an advocate for couples, families, and communities.

• Continued serving wedding and event clients with a focus on cultural traditions, collaboration, and thoughtful planning

• Created blogs, newsletters, lead magnets, and email campaigns to educate and support clients

• Simplified marketing systems to make consistency more sustainable

This year wasn’t about doing more—it was about doing what matters, well.

Getaway to Get Stuff Done: Momentum with Intention

The Getaway to Get Stuff Done continued to grow into a signature experience.

• Hosted themed promotions throughout the year (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, holidays)

• Developed sponsorship opportunities and refined retreat messaging

• Positioned the retreat as both a gift and a self-care productivity reset

Even in a challenging year, this offering remained a reminder that rest, focus, and clarity are not luxuries—they are necessities.

Community Building & Professional Connection

Community has always been at the heart of my work.

• Continued leading and growing the Event Pro Venue Show, creating intentional space for event professionals and venue owners to connect

• Reinforced a culture of collaboration over competition

• Supported peers through networking, shared resources, and relationship-building

Leadership, Legacy & Volunteer Service

Black Family Genealogy & History Society (BFGHS)

My leadership with BFGHS remained a meaningful pillar of 2025:

• Communicating budgets and governance with transparency

• Supporting digital growth and member engagement

• Continuing legacy-focused work rooted in preservation and education

Girl Scouts Leadership & History Work

This year, my volunteer work with Girl Scouts expanded in powerful ways:

• Led and volunteered with the Girl Scout History Committee

• Helped add marketing and storytelling opportunities across multiple events, including:

  • Badge Bash

  • VolCon

  •  Mahogany In Motion

  • Annual Meeting

  • Volunteer Recognition events

  • Board meetings

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• Participated in:

  • Central Arizona Museum Association (CAMA)

  • Girl Scout Cultural Assets Thought Partners

  • 3rd Annual Trailblazing Thought Time

These efforts ensured that Girl Scout history, culture, and impact were not only preserved—but actively shared.

A Trip of a Lifetime

One of the most unforgettable moments of 2025 was chaperoning a Girl Scout trip across Europe—a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Together, we traveled through:
Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Austria

It was a powerful reminder of the importance of global perspective, leadership development, and creating opportunities that shape young people’s lives forever.

Personal Challenges & Quiet Strength

2025 also brought significant personal challenges—ones that required grace, flexibility, and strength.

• Supporting one daughter through a mental health crisis

• Advocating for another daughter navigating traumatic brain injury-related challenges

• Mourning the loss of my father-in-law

• Supporting my mother through back surgery and recovery

These moments reshaped my priorities and reinforced what truly matters: family, health, and presence. They also deepened my compassion—for myself and for others walking unseen journeys.

Looking Back—and Ahead

2025 was not a year I would have scripted—but it is one I am proud of.

I continued to build.
I continued to serve.
I continued to lead.
And when life demanded more care and less capacity, I honored that too.

As I look toward 2026, I carry forward the lessons of this year:
clarity, compassion, community, and intentional progress.

If this reflection resonates with you—and you’re looking for a thoughtful partner and advocate to help bring your vision to life—I invite you to schedule a consultation so we can explore the possibilities together.

Thank you for being part of my journey.

— Jeryse Kelly