CALL/TEXT: 443-304-8222
kendesi Mohammed's RESUME
Nightclub Promoter | Assistant Manager | Event Photographer
Multiple Venues – Washington, DC
Dates: 2006–2024
- Coordinated and promoted events across premier nightlife venues, increasing guest attendance and revenue through strategic marketing and brand engagement.
- Managed nightly operations, ensuring smooth execution of events, safety compliance, and top-tier guest experience.
- Hired, trained, and supervised venue staff and talent, fostering a high-performance team culture.
- Oversaw vendor relations, DJ bookings, and artist coordination to deliver successful, high-energy events.
- Led on-site photography, capturing marketing content used for social media, promotions, and website engagement.
- Maintained profitability and operational efficiency through strong leadership, planning, and service excellence.
- Cultivated relationships with VIP guests and regulars, ensuring client retention and positive brand reputation.
Below are a few nightclubs I have worked at:
Jojo Restaurant and Bar // 1518 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Secret Lounge // 1928 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Bohemian Caverns // 2001 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Red Lounge Bar & Grill // 2013 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fur Nightclub // 33 Patterson St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Ibiza Nightclub // 1222 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Zanzibar Restaurant and Lounge // 700 Water St. SW Washington DC
Fur nightclub // 33 Patterson St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Lux Lounge // 649 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
The Society Restaurant & Lounge // 8229 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Amsterdam Lounge // 1208 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Cloud Lounge DC // 1919 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Peace Lounge // 2632 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
876 Cafe // 4221-B Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Everything Starts at the Door
EVERYTHING STARTS AT THE DOOR
Security is serious business, and I understand that better than most. I’ve provided security services for PChange Protective Services, Red Lounge Bar & Grill, and Jojo Restaurant and Bar. Whether someone’s out for a night away from the kids, escaping the stress of work, or just looking to party after a long week of studying, our guests are trusting us with their safety. That’s a responsibility I never take lightly.
At Red Lounge, Jojo, and PChange, my focus has always been the same: keep people safe and give them a reason to come back. That means handling the door with respect, loyalty, and good energy. I’ve learned how powerful it is to make someone laugh or feel welcomed. It sticks with them and it builds trust. Most of my time was spent collecting cover charges, de-escalating problems before they got big, and connecting with customers so they felt seen and respected.
Through PChange Protective Services, I expanded my skill set beyond nightlife venues. I was responsible for surveillance across multiple sites in Washington, D.C., including buildings, parking lots, and basements, often in high-risk neighborhoods. I learned how to write detailed reports, stay alert, and handle unexpected challenges professionally.
My work with Uber, Lyft, and event planning gave me a strong sense of how to read people and respond to tense situations. These experiences taught me how to navigate challenges with calm and confidence. These are skills that translate directly into security work.
- Red Lounge Bar & Grill // 2013 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Jojo Restaurant and Bar // 1518 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- PChange Protective Services \\ 10001 Derekwood Ln, Lanham, MD 20706
My Experience in South Beach
My Experience in South Beach
Living and working in South Beach was an unforgettable chapter of my life. I had the unique opportunity to start my days watching the sun rise over the ocean and end them with vibrant sunsets and the sound of waves. From dolphins playing in the surf to luxury yachts pulling into the harbor, every day offered something special.
While in Miami, I immersed myself in the world of hospitality, tourism, and event planning. I gained hands-on experience in banquet services, large-scale event coordination, and the entertainment industry. I worked within the community by day and in some of the city’s most prestigious hotels by night. My days often started at 4:00 AM and didn’t end until midnight—long hours that taught me the true meaning of dedication and passion.
I had the privilege of helping organize events for major companies like Wells Fargo and BET, as well as for high-profile clients from across the country. Miami is the Queen of Hospitality, and people travel from around the world to experience its beaches, especially during the winter season. I was proud to be part of the team that helped make those experiences unforgettable.
Worked at hotels in Miami doing banquet:
WorkSquare LLC - Employment agency
444 Brickell Ave Suite # 301, Miami, FL 33131
InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel
100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131
Trump International Beach Resort
18001 Collins Ave,
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
Mondrian South Beach Miami
1100 West Ave,
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Inside the Hustle of D.C.’s Nightlife Architects
More Than the Party: Inside the Hustle of D.C.’s Nightlife Architects
On any given weekend in Washington, D.C., the streets pulse with energy. Bass lines reverberate off historic rowhomes, velvet ropes stretch across sidewalks, and crowds gather in anticipation of another unforgettable night. For many, the city’s nightlife is a fleeting thrill. For me, it has been a career and a calling.
I didn’t start out in the business. I began as someone who simply loved to party, who found joy in curating good times for friends. Over time, that passion evolved into a profession. I have worked nearly every role this industry offers, from street team promoter to assistant manager, photographer to creative director. And I have done it all right here in the city I call home.
Washington, D.C. may be known as the nation’s political heart, but its nightlife scene rivals and in some ways surpasses cities more often associated with after-hours glamour. With more entertainment districts than Miami, Atlanta, or Baltimore, D.C. offers not only a robust party scene, but a complex and competitive ecosystem built on relationships, strategy, and relentless hustle.
Behind every packed venue is a machine, and I have seen how it runs. I have been in the rooms with names that carry real weight in the industry: Bobby Patterson, Dominique Moxy, Mark Spain. These are the leaders who understand the value of presence, precision, and people.
I have learned the most from individuals like Ronn Gee, Derek Owens, and Wally Kings. Their behind-the-scenes influence has helped shape D.C.'s nightlife from the ground up.
“Ronn taught me everything,” I often say. “From contract negotiations and venue politics to reading a room and pivoting in real time. His mantra was, ‘There are always options if you’re willing to look.’ That stuck with me.”
The glamour might be what draws people in, but the reality is far from effortless. Success in this industry requires long nights, early mornings, and a constant willingness to innovate. It is about showing up when others burn out and understanding that every detail matters.
In my years working across D.C.'s nightlife, I have worn countless hats. As a promoter, I helped fill clubs week after week, crafting energy before the doors even opened. As a manager, I oversaw operations, built teams, and kept the night running smoothly. As a photographer, I captured the essence of the evening and the fleeting moments most barely remember by morning.
But my true role, regardless of the title, has always been the same: to create experiences.
“The goal was always the same,” I say. “Make people feel something. Make them want to come back. Make the night unforgettable.”
D.C.’s nightlife is constantly evolving. It is shaped by music, economics, cultural trends, and a strong sense of community. For those with the vision to look past the flashing lights and bottle service, there is a real industry here. One with room for entrepreneurship, artistry, and legacy.
There is a whole world behind the curtain. This city rarely sleeps, and neither do the people who keep it alive.
A Lesson in Leadership: Turning Adversity into Opportunity
A Lesson in Leadership: Turning Adversity into Opportunity
While working at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center through a partnership with Melwood, I learned invaluable lessons about purpose, trust, and the power of resilience. Melwood was one of the most fulfilling jobs I’ve ever had, primarily because I worked alongside individuals with developmental disabilities. The experience was not only meaningful; it was transformative.
At Melwood, I came to understand that leadership requires boldness. If you don’t take chances, create opportunities, and step into the spotlight, no one will notice you. The organization itself was founded on bold ideas and continues to grow because of that same spirit.
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered people who believed they were better leaders than me. I welcomed that mindset. Ambition is natural and often necessary. Their drive pushed me to rise, and in turn, I tried to pull them up. That, to me, is the essence of leadership: collaboration, even amid competition.
Adversity brings pain, but it also brings opportunity. The key is to recognize the potential within every challenge.
Years ago, while working at Melwood, a young man joined our team and immediately seemed intent on making things difficult for me. Rather than responding with hostility, I smiled, stayed calm, and let my work speak for itself. Growing up in tough environments had taught me resilience. I wasn’t going to be rattled or undermined. I knew I was right for the role, and I remained focused on doing it well.
Eventually, this same young man became a source of frustration for our general manager. She approached me, ready to fire him. But I encouraged her to reconsider. He was making me look good in comparison, yes. More importantly, he worked hard. I pointed this out as she watched him operate heavy machinery with diligence. Despite his attitude, he was committed. I believed there was potential in that.
Months later, I took my first vacation in seven years. When the general manager asked who should lead the team in my absence, I recommended the same young man. I wanted him to understand leadership firsthand and to feel the weight of responsibility. When I returned, she again expressed frustration with him and again suggested termination. I laughed, not out of disrespect, but because I understood what she had just experienced. Leadership, especially under pressure, is not easy.
Everything happens for a reason. The best leaders learn to turn moments of tension into growth. When I came back from that trip, my team showed appreciation for the stability and support I had offered. A year later, I received a raise. Ironically, it was the young man’s complaints, once seen as a threat, that helped me negotiate not only my own salary but better conditions for the team. His resistance became a tool for progress.
I have never feared criticism or dissent. In fact, I welcome it. It means people are engaged, and that gives me an opportunity to listen, respond, and lead more effectively.
I believe in promoting people who work hard, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Many of those who initially challenged me eventually became some of my strongest allies. Leadership is not about dominance. It is about growth, accountability, and lifting others as you climb.
If you know you are right for the job, you have to be willing to go the distance. Leadership is not about avoiding conflict. It is about embracing it, transforming adversity into opportunity, and helping others rise with you.
That is what it means to lead with purpose.
THE JOURNEY OF KENDESI MOHAMMED
promoter with a camera
Kendesi Mohammed, born on June 14, 1981, in Buxton, Guyana, ventured to the United States in 1991 in search of a better life and cultural experiences. Influenced by iconic figures like Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and musicians such as Michael Jackson and 2Pac, Kendesi has carved his path as a poet, television producer, promoter, and entertainment consultant.
He is the founder of Party TV Guyana, a channel dedicated to promoting events and entertainment venues. With a reputation spanning Washington DC, Baltimore, New York City, and Guyana, Kendesi has organized and promoted events at notable venues like 876 Cafe, Red Lounge, Fur Nightclub, Ibiza Nightclub, Cloud Lounge, Peace Lounge, Zanzibar Restaurant and Lounge, Bohemian Caverns, Amsterdam Lounge, Station 9, Alma's Restaurant, Society Lounge, etc.
Beyond events, Kendesi is recognized for providing guidance, discovering talent, and fostering the development of artists across various creative fields. His passion lies in building the largest talent and creative community globally, aiming to create collaborative spaces and opportunities for artists.
Originating from a village plagued by blackouts, water shortages, and extreme poverty, Kendesi's journey reflects resilience and determination. Overcoming personal challenges, including disabilities, he emphasizes the significance of ambition over formal education.
Kendesi's mission extends to activism, advocating for the homeless, children in foster care, and those with developmental disabilities. His transformative mindset and commitment to change resonate in his efforts to empower individuals and communities.
To collaborate with Kendesi, you can reach out via call, text, or WhatsApp at 301-433-9441.