The Decision Maker: Mikal Washington

Today's meal was with the decision maker, Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist at the City of Champaign. Mikal's first decision was choosing Guido's for lunch. I've done a couple of these at Guido's Bar & Grill before, but this was the first time that that was the intention. The others have been because our first choice was closed. Have to say, I really like it. I went back to the traditional bacon cheeseburger and Mikal had a half sandwich and soup. They are so sneaky with their little taste of soup that they give you at the beginning. It is always so good that you just want to have it. Today it was cream of potato and bacon or something like that.

Usual amazing waiter, Hunter, or David, or David Hunter, or just call him a genuinely nice guy and you won't be wrong. We will get back to him later. Today it was good to get to know Mikal a little better. I first met him when he was a Neighborhood Ambassador. They are a group of City employees who go around the Champaign informing the residents about the services that the City offers, but I know them best as the people in the orange vest that show up at all the Friday Night Live events in downtown Champaign during the summer.

Mikal said he liked the job and it was good to get out and see everything at first, but he admitted he is an introvert so having to constantly be on and talking to everyone was draining on his energy. I understand that feeling myself. I like to get out and see people, bands, etc., but too much and I used to get tired. The good thing now it that I'm always tired. Ha. Got to love long COVID.

Mikal moved to a different position at the City and is now in the Equity and Engagement department. There he works with Tracy Parsons doing a lot of work for the Community Coalition. That is a good organization for bringing different community organizations together so they can work together to make a difference in the community. Mikal says he is much more suited for that position. I think it probably pays better too, so that always helps.

I've talked with Mikal before about his plans for the future. He is still pretty young so has a world of options open to him. Early in his time, he talked about eventually wanting to go off on his own and start a business and work for himself, but things have changed since he found his place in a job that he enjoys. Now he sees himself putting in his time and hopefully moving up the ladder to a position where he gets to make impactful decisions. I like that he has the goal and knows what he wants, but also knows there is still a lot to learn, and it won't be a quick process.

We didn't have a whole lot of time to talk because we were both running a little late to get started because important work things were needing our attention as we were getting ready to meet up. But as we were getting ready to leave, our wonderful waiter, told us about an interesting project he and his wife have started. You can find information about it at iheartdowntown.com It is a good resource for things happening in the local downtowns. My favorite part is the events calendar. I had no idea so much stuff was happening every day in the City.

One good thing about a short conversation is that this entry is a short one. Another good thing about a short conversation is that there is still a lot left to talk about so we will have to do it again soon. Thank you, Mikal. It was good talking to you today. PS. One more thing; what is it with the smiles of the people that I have lunch with? Look at his pictures. Another great smile. (I'm just going to take credit and say they are smiling because they are having so much fun hanging out with me. Ha.)