Members’ Corner: DeJonna Farrar

Name, Title, Organization:

DeJonna Farrar, Digital Marketing Coordinator, TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corp.)

Explain your background in economic development:

Prior to TEDCO, I held various roles as a Marketing Coordinator, including with the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore (EAGB), where I began to truly understand the value that economic development brings to local communities. Shortly after I left, EAGB merged with the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and became the organization we know today.

What are your key priorities within your current position?

I work closely with TEDCO’s Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Tammi Thomas, supporting initiatives to increase TEDCO’s brand and broaden our reach. I handle the digital aspect of communications including updating the website, managing our social media, and working on ad campaigns. Working with the entire Development & Marketing team, I support the development of messaging that speaks to our stakeholders and proactively promotes collaborators’ news, as well as TEDCO funding and business resources.

Does one particular project spark your excitement? If so, describe it below.

I started at TEDCO in the summer of 2023 and have enjoyed working on numerous projects, but have had a significant connection and excitement working on TEDCO’s Black Female Founders Venture Capital Forum. The event’s direct connection to TEDCO’s efforts to foster an inclusive and entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem was inspiring, and I’m excited to continue working with the TEDCO team to move the needle forward towards a more sustainable, diverse Maryland ecosystem.

What professional pressures keep you up at night?

None. TEDCO is fast-paced but I enjoy working at such a mission-driven place. As I continue to learn and grow, I’m finding that TEDCO is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

What attributes are unique to your community?

TEDCO’s community consists of Maryland’s entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem – an ecosystem that is build on respect, collaboration, and diversity. TEDCO is very clear about its mission and core values, like respect and collaboration, and I feel that as an employee. We have very professional leadership who are also supportive of us. It really encourages our team to want to do our best work and offer the same experience to the entrepreneurs we work with.

What are your locality’s top three “selling points” for future growth?

Maryland supports a thriving, inclusive and innovative ecosystem. TEDCO and our many partners plan for even more of that in the years ahead with our new Cultivate Maryland Initiative. We have a new strategy to create opportunities that maximize innovation and inclusion and ensure all Marylanders are thriving.

If you could wave a magic wand, what would you want to work with MEDA on to move Maryland forward?

MEDA has the unique opportunity to bring together different organizations and support the advancement of creating an inclusive statewide economy. As a Black woman with a business communications background, I am committed to advocating and supporting historically underserved communities. I firmly believe that this work will move Maryland forward, allowing for more sustainability and innovation, and I would love to see more opportunities and collaborations throughout MEDA’s members to support these efforts.

Please include any personal background information that you’d like to share (Alma mater, Military Service, hobbies, etc)

I enjoy being a mom, Zumba classes, watching animated movies, and listening to motivational speaker Les Brown. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Communications from Stevenson University. While there, I co-founded the university’s W.O.R.T.H. (Women of Resilience, Tenacity, and Humility) chapter. W.O.R.T.H. is a women’s leadership organization focused on building long lasting relationships, career development, mental, physical, and emotional support for all women across campus. I hope to bring the organization into my community to help women of all ages, as our need for growth and support doesn’t end with college.