Hy-Lo News is gearing up for its first-ever Media Happy Hour, a new community-centered event designed to bridge the gap between local media and the small businesses and nonprofits that keep Miami-Dade thriving. The free mixer, hosted in partnership with Co-Space and the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT), takes place Friday, November 21 at 7 p.m. inside Co-Space Miami Gardens.
This inaugural gathering brings together some of South Florida’s most respected media voices for a panel discussion focused on helping entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders better understand how to amplify their brands through local media. The panel lineup includes Ashley Jae, Hy-Lo News Correspondent and Marketing Manager; Michael Butler, Business Reporter for the Miami Herald; Suzan McDowell, Founder of Circle of One Marketing and host of “In the Circle”; and Jesse J. Coleman Jr., Video Mix TV Founder and President of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA). Each panelist brings extensive experience in storytelling, branding, journalism, and marketing—giving attendees a rare chance to hear directly from the people shaping Miami’s media landscape.
The event is also powered by local business sponsors who are deeply committed to community growth and visibility. Sponsors include Chef Shay of Shay’s Caribbean Cuisine, Leighton Campbell, author of Your Happiness Equation, and Janee’ Sheffield, owner of UpperTEA. Their support helps ensure that the event remains accessible, welcoming, and rooted in community uplift.
For Hy-Lo News Founder Janey Tate, hosting an event like this has been years in the making. “I’ve been wanting to host an event like this for a while but didn’t have a venue,” Tate shared. “I’m so grateful to Joy, the owner of Co-Space, for partnering with me to bring this event to life. So many times I speak to local small businesses and nonprofit founders about how they can get the word out so more people can learn about their brand and mission. I’m always shocked at how little they know about using local media to amplify their work.”
The night will also feature a special edition live podcast recording of the Can We Talk Podcast, networking mixer, drinks, and lite bites—creating a relaxed, collaborative space where entrepreneurs can ask questions, make connections, and leave with real strategies. Tate hopes the event becomes a catalyst for more small businesses to confidently approach media outlets and utilize the storytelling tools available to them. “I hope people leave this event empowered to take advantage of local media to share their stories,” she said. “I also hope at the very least they walk away knowing that Hy-Lo News is true community media and we’re here to help share the work they’re doing with our audience. We don’t gatekeep and we don’t charge for placements.”
Co-Space Founder Joy St. Clair says the event aligns perfectly with her vision of community collaboration and resource sharing. “Media Happy Hour is all about connection,” she said. “So many local business owners are doing amazing work, but they don’t always know how to tap into the media resources right here in their backyard. Bringing everyone together—creators, storytellers, journalists, influencers, entrepreneurs—creates space for real collaboration. We’re excited to partner with Hy-Lo News and MDEAT to make sure our community knows their voices matter and their stories deserve to be amplified.”
Tate also expressed her gratitude for MDEAT’s commitment to supporting local economic development. “I’d like to thank MDEAT for working with us on this event as well,” she added. “Their commitment to local businesses is unmatched, and we’re excited to have them be a part of this.”
As Hy-Lo News launches this new event series, Media Happy Hour sets the tone for what’s possible when media, business owners, and community partners come together with the shared goal of uplifting local stories. With a powerhouse panel, dedicated sponsors, and a clear mission, this first event is shaping up to be a meaningful night for anyone ready to grow their influence and strengthen their brand.
If you can’t attend the event in person, you’ll be able to watch the event during a special broadcast of the Can We Talk Podcast. The air date to be announced.
RSVP to attend on Eventbrite.
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