Chicago Boutique Agency Marks a Decade Of Growth, Launching New Services and Helping Clients Navigate Today's Evolving Media Landscape
CHICAGO – September 15, 2026 – As the communications industry undergoes one of its biggest transformations in decades, Mekky Media Relations is celebrating 10 years in business by continuing to evolve alongside it.
Founded in 2016 by former award-winning broadcast journalist Michelle Mekky, the Chicago-based boutique agency has grown from a one-person startup into a nationally recognized strategic communications firm serving businesses, nonprofits and executives across the country. Today, the agency helps organizations strengthen their visibility through earned media, executive thought leadership, media training, crisis communications and AI-informed communications strategies, reflecting how dramatically public relations has changed over the past decade.
One of the agency's most significant milestones came this year with the launch of Elevated by Mekky Media, a sister company specializing in media training, executive presence and public speaking. The expansion reflects growing demand from organizations seeking not only greater visibility but also confident, credible leaders who can communicate effectively across interviews, keynote stages, boardrooms and digital platforms.
Over the past decade, we've seen the role of PR evolve from simply generating media coverage to helping leaders become trusted voices in their industries," said Michelle Mekky, founder and president of Mekky Media. "That's one of the reasons we launched Elevated by Mekky Media. Organizations don't just need publicity anymore – they need leaders who can communicate with confidence, build trust and represent their organizations across every platform. AI is transforming how we work, but it can't replace human judgment, authentic relationships or the ability to tell stories that truly connect with people.
What began at Michelle’s dining room table has grown into an award-winning firm known for pairing strategic storytelling with measurable business outcomes. Over the past decade, Mekky Media has represented organizations across all industries, from nationally recognized brands and financial institutions to healthcare organizations, retailers, nonprofits and professional associations, helping clients build credibility, navigate complex communications challenges and reach new audiences.
The agency's momentum has continued over the past year. In 2025, Mekky Media maintained full client retention, reflecting both continued demand for its services and the long-term relationships it has built with clients.
Equally important to the agency's growth has been its investment in people and culture. Guided by its core values of passion, curiosity, entrepreneurship and trust, Mekky Media has built a collaborative workplace focused on professional development, flexibility and employee wellbeing. In an industry often challenged by burnout and turnover, the agency achieved zero employee turnover in 2025 while continuing to invest in coaching, leadership development and workplace culture.
Over the past decade, Mekky Media has earned national recognition for its client work, growth and innovation, while Michelle Mekky has been recognized as one of the communications industry's leading practitioners. Michelle also serves as North American Regional Chair and Executive Board member of the International Public Relations Network (IPRN), helping extend the agency's global capabilities through a network of leading independent communications firms.
Looking ahead, Michelle says the agency's focus remains on helping clients adapt to an increasingly fragmented communications landscape while staying rooted in authentic storytelling.
"The channels may continue to change, but trust is still earned through strong relationships, thoughtful strategy and stories that genuinely connect with people," Mekky said. "That's what we've built our agency around for the past 10 years, and it's exactly what will guide us into the next decade."
For more information on Mekky Media and its services, visit: www.mekkymedia.com
About Mekky Media
Mekky Media is a boutique public relations agency dedicated to delivering powerful publicity for a diverse roster of business and nonprofit clients in Chicago and beyond. Michelle Mekky, a veteran, award-winning broadcast journalist and PR executive, launched the agency in 2016, to provide clients with PR strategy, media relations, media training, event promotion, social media strategy and influencer outreach. As a proud member of IPRN for more than six years, Mekky Media provides clients with global reach through a trusted network of independent communications agencies while bringing international expertise and best practices to every engagement. Based in Chicago, the agency has a team of nearly 20 PR professionals who come from top firms and leading media outlets. To learn more, visit www.mekkymedia.com.
