Creating Unique Social Spaces in Milwaukee
To create the feeling of community is not easy, but it is possible. Three Milwaukeeans know the ins and outs of what goes into community building and engagement, and they’ve made a business out of it. Collectively, with over 30 years of experience, Geruad Blanks, Maureen Post, and Ranell Washington make up the event and marketing agency Culture By Design (Culture x Design).
Culture x Design hosted its official launch party on January 25, 2024.
For over a year, Culture x Design has created social spaces in Milwaukee through music events, thought-provoking panels, national speakers, and more. Their efforts in the city have not gone unnoticed. On March 13, 2025, Culture x Design was awarded the Community Impact Award at the Greater Milwaukee Urban League Equal Opportunity Day Luncheon.
“We have a small business, but we’re doing major things,” said Culture x Design Managing Partner and Creative Director Blanks.
Culture x Design understands the power of collaboration. Some of their partners include the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, Bank of America, and Goodwill.
“I’ve never felt more, in the last year, than the power and the interest in collaboration,” said Culture x Design Managing Partner and Director of Strategic Partnership Post. “…right now in Milwaukee, the number of entities recognizing the power they have in coming together…it’s something we love to do.”
Blanks said that by the end of the year, what Culture x Design has been known for is going to look different. This means taking on more consulting work with nonprofits and corporations to help them with their marketing and branding.
The question is, “how do we bring something different to the table for Milwaukeeans…so we can help you create something beautiful,” said Culture x Design Lead Cultural Strategist Washington.
Blanks also added that the business is always evolving, and as it continues to grow, they are narrowing their focus. Yet, the mission of involving culture in everything they do will always stay the same.
“It’s more than just a way of life,” said Blanks. “Culture is identity. It very much allows us to exist in the world.”
Continuing the Work
Culture x Design isn’t the first time these three have all worked together. Back in 2023, before being let go, Blanks, Post, and Washington all worked for Milwaukee Film, where they focused on curating events for and by the people of Milwaukee, which involved the Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ community and suppressed voices.
Their work included programs like Black Lens that focus on Black cinema. But after being let go, Blanks knew their work couldn’t stop. Blanks had already envisioned Culture x Design, incorporating the name just days after being let go. From there, he reached out to Post and Washington, where they would have coffee and lunch meetings discussing concepts and frameworks for Culture x Design.
“It felt like a very natural transition,” said Post. “We all really love Milwaukee and want to elevate Milwaukee.”
Blanks wants it to be known that they’ve been doing this work, but now they have full creative control and own it all. He also added that it feels good to be recognized by organizations like the Greater Milwaukee Urban League.
“I’m never giving anyone control of my creative intellectual property again,” said Blanks. “We deserve it. We just do. I welcome all the awards…because we worked hard.”
