Q&A with Muffy Mendoza: Let’s Talk Community Engagement
Q: Who are you, Muffy Mendoza?
A: I’m a community engagement strategist, author, and speaker based in Pittsburgh. I’m the founder and CEO of Brown Mamas, where I’ve spent over a decade creating programs and spaces that uplift Black mothers. My passion is helping organizations build meaningful connections with communities through culturally relevant and authentic strategies.
Q: How can you help nonprofits or government agencies with community engagement?
A: I help organizations bridge the gap between their initiatives and the communities they want to serve. My expertise is in creating strategies that are rooted in trust and cultural relevance. Whether you need help recruiting participants, designing programs, or building relationships with underrepresented groups, I’ll work with you to ensure your outreach efforts have a real, lasting impact.
Q: What’s your experience with creating engagement programs?
A: I’ve had the privilege of designing programs and events that have reached thousands of families. For example, I created the Brown Mama Monologues, an annual showcase that uses storytelling to foster connection and community. I also lead the Brown Mamas Marketplace, which supports Black mompreneurs while building economic opportunities. On a larger scale, I’ve consulted on projects like Pittsburgh’s 20-year comprehensive plan, helping to ensure Black mothers have a voice in shaping the city’s future.
Q: What makes your approach unique?
A: I bring a mix of humor, intellect, and urban flair to everything I do. My goal is to meet communities where they are and help organizations do the same. I don’t just provide strategies—I help you understand the “why” behind them so that the work is authentic and impactful. Plus, my lived experience as a Black woman and mother gives me a unique lens to approach this work.
Q: What organizations have you worked with?
A: I’ve worked with nonprofits like Healthy Start, city government initiatives, and even national corporations like Everbridge. I also graduated from the Facebook Community Accelerator Program, which helped me integrate tech-savvy solutions into my approach.
Q: Why should organizations trust you with their community engagement efforts?
A: Because I’m not just passionate—I’m proven. My work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and The Jennifer Hudson Show, and I’ve built a community of over 7,000 moms through Brown Mamas. I know how to build trust, create programs that resonate, and help organizations connect in ways that matter.
Q: How can people work with you?
A: There are a few ways we can partner. I offer consulting services to help design engagement strategies, facilitate workshops, and train your team. I also do speaking engagements where I share insights on storytelling, community building, and more. If you’re ready to make real connections with the communities you serve, let’s talk! You can reach me at muffymen@trustedandtribed.com, or you can book some time to talk below.
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