September 2026 Luncheon: Main Character Energy: Storytelling for Business & Personal Brands (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Lodgic Coworking, 1807 S. Neil Street, Champaign

Sponsored By: U of I Community Credit Union

Main Character Energy: Storytelling for Business & Personal Brands

In a world where everyone is posting, and no one is standing out, the brands that win, last the longest, and have a real legacy aren’t the loudest — they’re the clearest. In this talk, Jayci Trujillo will be sharing a simple storytelling framework you can use to market your organization and your personal brand without sounding stiff, salesy, or like an AI robot. You’ll leave with practical prompts and real examples you can apply immediately — whether you’re representing a business, a team, or your own professional reputation.

Jayci Trujillo is the Founder of Happy Girl Marketing Co, a full-service social media management and marketing company helping service-based businesses show up consistently with strategy, process, and (actual) personality.

With a background in business and marketing, plus an MBA she earned while working full-time, she’s the visionary behind HGM — bringing together strategy that makes sense on paper and actually works in real life.

Somewhere between becoming the marketing director of her sorority, graduating during COVID, working a full-time remote job, and earning that MBA, she found herself drawn to the creative, behind-the-scenes world of social media.

Now, she leads a team helping business owners show up online in a way that feels consistent, strategic, and actually them. Because at the end of the day, this business was built for one reason: to prove that you can grow something successful without losing your personality in the process.

MBA-backed and relationship-driven, Jayci is known for turning big-picture messaging into content that feels like the client — and converts. Based in Illinois, Jayci supports clients nationwide.

Luncheon Agenda:

11:30 am: Doors open and check-in

11:45 am: Lunch is served (catering by Blue Dragonfly)

Noon: Program starts

Luncheon Menu: TBA

***Please note dietary restrictions on your registration and we will try to accommodate by informing our chef.***

Registration Information:

The location is at the Lodgic Coworking, 1807 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820

Registration includes lunch and is $25.00 for in-person members and $30.00 for in-person non-members.

The registration deadline for the luncheon is Monday, September 14, 2026, at Midnight.

No refunds or credits will be given. Registration can be transferred to another person. We often have a waiting list; please email us if you are unable to make it, and we will fill your seat: ExecutiveClubofChampaignCounty@gmail.com.

Non-Members: We love having non-members join our lunch! You are welcome to register on your own, with a current member, or email our Outreach Chair, Caitlyn Floyd to be a guest of the board!

2026 ATHENA Awards Reception (22 Sep 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join Us for the 2026 ATHENA Awards Reception

Celebrate an evening of inspiration, connection, and community at the 2026 ATHENA Awards Reception on Tuesday, September 22, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Events at Refinery in Champaign.

Each year, the ATHENA Awards Reception brings together business professionals, nonprofit leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, and community members to honor extraordinary women whose leadership is making a lasting difference throughout Champaign County.

The ATHENA Leadership Award® recognizes individuals who lead with excellence, give back to their communities, and actively support and mentor others to achieve their full potential. Join us as we celebrate this year's exceptional nominees and recognize leaders who inspire positive change every day.

This years ATHENA recipients are:

2026 ATHENA Leadership Award

Sarah Zehr Gantz, Associate Vice President for Academic Initiatives & Policies at the University of Illinois System

2026 Young ATHENA Award

Tracy Williams, Director of the Hope Center and Community Outreach at The Vineyard Church, Urbana

Your ticket includes an evening of celebration, networking, hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, and the opportunity to be part of one of Champaign County's most inspiring leadership events.

️ Tickets are on sale now! Reserve your seat today and join us in celebrating the leaders who are shaping the future of our community.

Become an Event Sponsor

Show your organization's commitment to advancing women in leadership while gaining meaningful visibility at one of the area's premier leadership celebrations.

View Sponsorship Opportunities

Executive Club of Champaign County upcoming events

September 2026 Luncheon: Main Character Energy: Storytelling for Business & Personal Brands (17 Sep 2026)

2026 ATHENA Awards Reception (22 Sep 2026)

Join Us for the 2026 ATHENA Awards Reception

2026 Young ATHENA Award

Become an Event Sponsor