VÍAS is owned and operated by Jonathan A. Barrera Mikulich, an award-winning creative professional with experience in design communications, brand development and multicultural marketing.
Jonathan’s work was recently curated to be featured in the Smithsonian Institution‘s American Enterprise exhibition for the National Museum of American History. He is the winner of the 2013 Hispanic Business of the Year Award from the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the 2016 Pacesetter Distinguished Alumni award from Ferris State University. In addition, he has been invited as a guest presenter both regionally and nationally, including appearances for the Grand Rapids Area Professionals for Excellence (GRAPE), Davenport University Secrets of Success Series, and the Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) National Conference in Houston and New York City.
Jonathan holds a Master of Business Administration from Ferris State University as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Visual Communication. He has an Advanced Studies Certification in Design and Innovation Management from Kendall College of Art and Design as well as a certification in Hispanic Marketing Communications from Florida State University.
Jonathan has served as a board member for AIGA West Michigan and as a volunteer with the chapter’s Diversity Council. He has also served as a board member for the Cherry Health Foundation and as president and board member for the Mexican Heritage Association, both in the West Michigan area.
Jonathan and his wife Evelyn divide their time between Michigan (USA) and Puerto Rico.
Accolades
Exhibitions
Curated design for the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History, American Enterprise exhibition, Washington, D.C., 2015
Awards
Pacesetter Distinguished Alumni Award, Ferris State University, 2016
Hispanic Business of the Year (for Latino Branding Power), West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2013
Graphic Design USA’s Hispanic Graphic Design Awards, 2013
Graphic Design USA‘s American Graphic Design Awards, 2012
Citations of Excellence, American Advertising Federation ADDY Awards, 1995, 1997, 1998
Presentations & Appearances
Presentation: Grand Circus, Grand Rapids, Michigan – Bootstrapping your Marketing Strategy for a Diverse Audience, 2017
Guest panelist: Grand Rapids Area Professionals for Excellence Speaker Series, Amway Headquarters, Ada, Michigan – Latino Branding: A Critical Marketing Trend, 2014
Guest panelist and presenter: Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) National Conference, Waldorf Astoria, New York, New York – R.E.A.C.H.: How Latino Small Business Owners Can Create Opportunities Within the General Market, 2013
Member presentation: West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Member Meeting, Grand Rapids, Michigan – Transcreation, Branding, and Media, 2013
Guest panelist: Davenport University Secrets of Success Speaker Series, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2012
Guest panelist: Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) National Conference, Houston, Texas – Understanding the New Hispanic Consumer, 2012
Guest radio appearance: Radio in Black and White, 2012
Features
Member profile feature: Membership Directory for West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2013-14
Innovation news feature: Rapids Growth Media, 2012
Q&A interview: Bicultural Mom, 2011
Q&A interview: Nao Media, 2011
Trainings
Social Media Marketing and Branding: Fundación Latino Americana Contra el SIDA (FLAS Inc.), a SAMHSA grantee managed by the MayaTech Corporation, Houston, Texas, 2013