Why Brown Farmer Media Group?
Our Mission:
To amplify stories that shape communities, inspire movements, and drive social impact through strategic media, marketing, and public engagement.
Our Vision:
To be the premier communications partner for organizations that value culture, community, and cause-driven storytelling.
Our Core Focus:
Purpose-driven, socially responsible communication solutions that create measurable community impact.
Brown Farmer Media Group is proudly certified as both a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), a reflection of our founder Deborah Olivia Farmer’s vision and leadership. These certifications not only affirm our identity, but underscore our commitment to equity, representation, and excellence.
We Move With G.R.A.C.E.
G
Growth-Minded Leadership
We are always evolving, learning, and leading boldly — not because we have to, but because greatness demands it. Every challenge is an opportunity to rise, stretch, and build something better.
R
Respect & Responsibility
We honor the people, cultures, and communities we serve. We show up fully, own our work, and carry our responsibilities with integrity, heart, and humility.
A
Authentic Storytelling
We tell stories that matter — rooted in truth, history, humanity, and purpose. Real stories move people, spark change, and give voice to the narratives that deserve to be heard.
C
Community-Centered Creativity
Our creativity uplifts, informs, and inspires — with community always at the core. We create with heart and purpose, amplifying voices and ideas that ignite meaningful, lasting impact.
E
Excellence in Execution
Excellence isn’t a goal — it’s our way of being. We deliver with precision, care, and pride, exceeding expectations in every detail, from the smallest task to the largest campaign.
Meet the Team
We raise the profile of dynamic individuals and organizations while strengthening communities. BFMG has a standard of high-level performance with an emphasis on quality, not quantity.
Deborah Olivia Farmer is a nationally respected media strategist and the President and Founder of Brown Farmer Media Group, a strategic communications and impact agency committed to telling powerful stories that build community, elevate culture, and spark systemic change. With a career spanning broadcast journalism, corporate communications, and civic engagement, Deborah leads a multidisciplinary team that provides media relations, strategic counsel, narrative development, and campaign execution for clients across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Under her leadership, Brown Farmer Media Group has become a trusted partner for mayors, CEOs, cultural institutions, and national brands, offering high-touch services that translate vision into influence. She is known for her ability to shape compelling messaging in moments of visibility or vulnerability, especially for leaders navigating crisis, transition, or public scrutiny.
Deborah is also the co-founder of MASSIVE, a dynamic alliance mobilizing Atlanta and Georgia’s storytellers, strategists, innovators, and entrepreneurs to expand the international footprint of the region’s creative ecosystem. She remains deeply engaged in both civic and cultural life, serving on the boards of Hiplet Ballerinas and The Bloc, while actively participating as a member of the Atlanta Black Chambers, Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, Women in Film and Television, Atlanta Association of Black Journalists, and the National Association of Black Journalists.
A two-time author, Deborah is deeply passionate about foster care and adoption, using her platform and voice to advocate for children and families while inspiring others to open their hearts and homes. She is also an active contributor and featured voice in The BOSS Network, where she mentors and uplifts Black women entrepreneurs and leaders.
At her core, Deborah believes in the power of representation and authentic storytelling to reshape systems, drive equity, and cultivate lasting change.
Josh Benson
With a background in digital media, video production, and campaign development, Josh leads the execution of high-impact storytelling across platforms. He brings over a decade of experience crafting content for civic organizations, non-profits, and brands looking to connect with audiences through authenticity and innovation. From grassroots campaigns to citywide initiatives, his work helps shape narratives that inform, inspire, and drive results.
Amer Goosby
Amer Goosby is a passionate leader with a love for fashion, the community, and events. She began her career as the PR Manager for Daniels Entertainment Group, a veteran public relations firm rooted in the entertainment industry.
Liz Anderson
Since picking up her first professional camera in 2013, Liz has built a dynamic portfolio spanning red carpets, major festivals, and high-profile productions. Her work includes Emmy, BET, and Image Awards coverage, as well as collaborations with artists and influencers across music, fashion, and entertainment. With a B.A. in Radio-TV Broadcasting and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, Liz brings both creative vision and strategic insight to every project.
Wendell Burts
Wendell has led impactful initiatives with partners like the Chicago Fire Department and Lawndale Christian Development Center—focusing on public safety, development, and trust-building. His thoughtful, people-centered approach ensures BFMG’s campaigns remain rooted in real community needs and lasting impact.
Antonio Santoro
Antonio Santoro is a seasoned public relations professional and is dedicated to elevating brand awareness, visibility, and engagement through strategic, results-driven PR campaigns. Known for his sharp media instincts and relationship-centered approach, Antonio expertly positions his clients in the strategic spotlight they deserve, crafting narratives that connect with audiences and drive meaningful impact.
His work has led clients to features in major national and local outlets including The Sherri Shepherd Show, Forbes, The Washington Post, Black Enterprise, Associated Press, AfroTech, and more. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Antonio continues to build bridges between brands, media, and communities through intentional storytelling and innovative publicity strategies.
David A. Gethers
David A. Gethers is Founder & CEO of David A. Gethers SPEAKS, LLC and Co-Founder and Vice-President of partnering and community engagement of, The 2Gethers Foundation.
David A. Gethers is a dynamic and energetic speaker on topics such as Leadership, Cultural Relevancy, Decision Making, and more. David delivers transformational messages of empowerment and possibilities to diverse audiences. He is a compassionate and servant leader who reaches the hearts of his audience with his exceptional charge: live with impact, intention, and integrity.
Dr. Carol L Adams, Ph.D
Dr. Carol L. Adams is President of Urban Prescriptives, Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in program and organizational development for educational, social, cultural and philanthropic institutions. This venture merges the diverse experiences that comprise her remarkable career as an applied sociologist, social activist, and change agent.
Adams has astutely moved from theory to action in a number of key positions, implementing evidence-based practice and informing practice-based evidence in every one. Among them: President and CEO of the DuSable Museum of African American History; Secretary of the Department of Human Services for the state of Illinois; Director of Executive Director of the House of Blues Foundation; Director of Resident Services and Programs for the Chicago Housing Authority; Director of Northeastern Illinois University’s Center for Inner City Studies; and Director of African American Studies at Loyola University.
Urban Prescriptives focuses on organizational development in these critical areas: Ideation, Civic Engagement, Social Marketing, Corporate Social Responsibility, Evaluation, and Strategic Planning. Collective Impact and Synergistic Planning models are the primary means through which organizations are advanced to increased innovation and effectiveness. Clients include major universities, museums, governmental agencies, and non-profits.
Jean A. Williams
Jean A. Williams grew up in New Orleans, but relocated to Chicago after finishing college at Dillard University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication. She has largely worked as a writer and editor for newspapers, magazines, corporations and associations, but she also is a filmmaker (with an MFA in cinema directing from Columbia College) and designer of handmade jewelry, wall art, housewares, accessories and other products.
As a print journalist, Ms. Williams has worked as a reporter and editor at the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Jet Magazine, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the ADA News. She wrote the nonfiction business memoir "Sweet Expectations: Michele Hoskins' Recipe for Success," published by Adams Media in 2004.
As a filmmaker, Ms. Williams has written, produced and directed three short films: "Oh Brother, My Sister"; “Ninth Grade Ned”; and “BARACKED.” Her short film "Oh Brother, My Sister" won the Lagniappe Award at the 11th New Orleans Film & Video Festival.
A huge lover of books, she has served as board chair of the Children's Book Fair in Hyde Park and is working on a young adult novel.
Visit her website: JeanWilliamsStudio.com
Follow on social media:
Instagram - @jean_williams_studio and @jean_the_creator
Facebook - Jean Williams Studio
Zvonimir Moric
A seasoned Art Director and UX/UI Designer with over 13 years of experience in many facets of design and the overall creative process. Worked in the Lightbank.com/Groupon.com offices for about 5 years and had the privilege to work closely with many of the startups that were created through the Lightbank VC fund. Have a very strong understanding marketing, sales, design, development, business strategy, raising capital, and team building.
I have a strong talent for building supportive environments that bring out the best in creative professionals. Fully capable of managing multiple projects from concept to completion, according to client specifications in a high pressure, deadline driven environment. Specific areas of expertise include: user interface design, user experience design, branding & identity, marketing, business strategy, product design, investor pitch decks, and project management.
Tamaka Stephens
Tamaka Stephens is an upscale event planner and owner of TM Stephens Events & Designs, where she specializes in event management. For more than a decade, Tamaka has created sophisticated, timeless, and luxurious event experiences under her company's brand.
Aaja Corinne Magee
At BFMG, Aaja is responsible for managing the company’s brand presence as well as developing key communication for the company, clients, and stakeholders. Prior to joining the team, Aaja worked in both the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors in the areas of branding, marketing, event coordination, operations, and visual presentation.
Alexy Irving
Alexy Irving is a social media and marketing specialist, and photographer. Alexy has worked with event venues, magazines, and other creative companies to elevate their presentation, visibility, and online presence.
Ingrid Grimes-Myles
Ingrid Grimes-Myles is a renowned makeup artist based in Chicago, known for her role as Michelle Obama's makeup artist during key events including the 2008 presidential campaign and Obama's early presidency.
A lifelong Chicagoan with a psychology degree from UIC, Grimes-Myles has also worked with numerous celebrities and politicians, enhancing her reputation as a skilled makeup professional, particularly praised for her work with eyebrows. Her deep-rooted connection with Michelle Obama began before Barack Obama's presidential campaign, reflecting a longstanding personal and professional relationship.
Maybe You?
You’re someone who thrives in creative, fast-moving environments and believes in the power of storytelling to shift narratives and inspire communities. You care deeply about culture, equity, and impact—and want your work to reflect that. Contact us below.
