A photo of Carmen Mays smiling and wearing a yellow dress. She is standing in front of a black stone wall and greenery.

Urbanist
+ Creative
entrepreneur

All Residents have a right to their cities.

Coupled with a powerful instinct to discern systemic gaps that too often hinder communities, Carmen has vision. Carmen actively seeks out opportunities to expand equity within underinvested legacy neighborhoods and forges ahead with solutions.

Urban Philosophy

I believe that cities should be livable, equitable, and enjoyable for everybody in every body at every stage of life. I believe in the power of design and human interaction to create places where people can thrive. And because we know that space is not neutral, I believe that it is our duty to couple expertise with humility as we work alongside the communities we serve.

What others are saying

  • "Carmen Mays is not a speaker, she is an experience. Carmen's ‘Black Girl Magic City’ presentation effortlessly captured and invigorated our audience. She spoke with authenticity, confidence, and is the epitome of Black Girl Magic. Book Carmen today if you are seeking someone who will captivate a room and keep it 100% real!”

    Niesha White
    Founder, Birmingham Black Techies

  • "Carmen is a warm and super involved person, a great storyteller and a genuine placemaker. The best quote from Carmen for me: "in placemaking, you need to bring yourself as a person". Carmen for me is also an important connector with new networks, bringing inspiration from one to the other, and bridging between cultures."

    Hans Karssenberg
    Founding Partner, STIPO and Placemaking Europe

  • "Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working with Carmen on several critical community initiatives. I’m amazed at her passion for her community, her critical thinking skills and to me she epitomizes 'Ebony Excellence.'"

    Darryl Washington
    Director of Economic and Community Development,
    City of Montgomery, AL

  • "Carmen's company, Elevators, helped us make a successful pivot to digital for our inaugural summit. Her professional acumen and instincts were critical to the planning an execution of a multidisciplinary convening of urbanists, developers, griots and historians focused on Black neighborhoods and main streets nationwide. The impact reporting from her company has provided a foundation for us to continue momentum in network outreach and investment."

    Elijah Davis
    Co-Founder, Historic African American Neighborhood District Summit (HAANDS)

Community Activations

love letters

My practice is thoughtful and deliberate.
Each activation is a love letter to the community in which I am working.

Elevators

Elevators

Creative Entrepreneurship

Community engagement is a business intelligence tool. We get clients the insights they need while leaving constituents fulfilled. With our commitment to sourcing from local creative economies, clients expand their spend in local ecosystems.