As the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) gears up in Chicago, two Black women entrepreneurs are playing crucial roles behind the scenes.
Jenn Charles and Juan Teague are breaking barriers and showcasing their companies’ expertise on a national stage.
Black-Owned Businesses Take Center Stage at DNC
The Chicago United Center is buzzing with activity as preparations for the DNC reach their final stages. Among the companies hard at work are GCJ Hospitality and Juan and Only Events. These Black-owned businesses are proving instrumental in organizing this high-profile political event.
Jenn Charles, owner of GCJ Hospitality, is overseeing customer service operations for the convention. Meanwhile, Juan Teague’s company, Juan and Only Events, is contributing its expertise to ensure the event runs smoothly.
GCJ Hospitality: Elevating Customer Experience
Jenn Charles expressed her excitement about working on such a significant event. “I wake up every morning and say to myself, this is unbelievable,” she shared. Her company’s focus on top-notch customer service will be crucial for the thousands of attendees expected at the convention.
Charles is also thrilled to be working alongside her best friend, Glenn Charles Jr. His company, Show Strategy, is handling production aspects of the convention. This collaboration highlights the power of partnerships within the Black business community.
Juan and Only Events: Showcasing Chicago’s Best
Juan Teague, owner of Juan and Only Events, sees this opportunity as a chance to change narratives. “We did this to put Chicago in a great light,” she explained. Teague aims to showcase the city’s strengths and challenge negative perceptions.
At 50 years old, Teague views this project as a milestone in her career. She hopes her success will inspire other women of color in the event planning industry. “Building my legacy and having women that are doing it is really going to take my company beyond what I could have even imagined,” she said.
Breaking Barriers in Political Event Planning
The involvement of these Black-owned businesses in the DNC marks a significant step forward. It highlights the growing diversity in political event planning and production. Glenn Charles Jr.’s company, Show Strategy, is the first Black-owned firm ever contracted for Exposition Services with the DNC.
This progress is not lost on the entrepreneurs. Glenn Charles Jr. expressed his hope to “eliminate two words: ‘first’ and ‘Black.'” He sees his success as an example for others to follow, proving that seemingly impossible goals can be achieved.
Looking Ahead: Impact and Inspiration
As the convention approaches, these Black women entrepreneurs are poised to make a lasting impact. Their work will be seen by millions as the DNC unfolds, featuring speeches from prominent Democrats including Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, and former presidents.
Through their hard work and success, Jenn Charles and Juan Teague are not just organizing an event. They’re paving the way for future generations of Black entrepreneurs in the political sphere.
