This multimedia series about leaders of nonprofit organizations serving the central city was produced by Professor Herbert Lowe’s fall 2016 digital journalism class at Marquette University’s Diederich College of Communication, in partnership with Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.
Running Rebels leader still inspired by his late mother
By Dean Bibens
Running Rebels Executive Director Victor Barnett shares how his youth organization has influenced others for more than 35 years.
Leader works hard to keep Hunger Task Force a ‘yes’ organization
By Cheyenne Fischer
Executive Director Sherrie Tussler discusses how her 20-plus years of experience in nonprofits has helped grow the Hunger Task Force into the anti-hunger leader it is today.
Community Advocates CEO honors legacy of dignity, respect for clients
By Maggie Glynn
CEO Andi Elliott has spent her entire career serving low-income residents at Community Advocates. She focuses on fostering a supportive environment for employees, which enables them to provide the best service to clients.
Clarke Square leader works to move residents from ‘passion into action’
By Rachael Tank
Tyna Rule, board president of the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative, has a vision for improving the quality of life for area residents.
Former dancer brings free arts programming to city children
By Emily Dever
As founding president of Above the Clouds, Linda Wade inspires children from throughout the city to express themselves and follow their dreams through free dance, music and creative arts classes.
Leader with lifelong commitment to youth heads city effort to end violence
By Alexandria Bursiek
Reggie Moore, director of the Office of Violence Prevention, hopes to combat violence in Milwaukee and use his leadership skills to create change.
Difficult personal experience helps fatherhood group director be better leader
By Tim Haggerty
When Dennis Walton went to the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative for assistance more than a decade ago, he never expected to find a home as co-director.
Community First leader strives to help homeowners remain in their houses
By Brendan Ploen
Rafael Garcia is executive director of a nonprofit that provides critical home repairs for homeowners who could not otherwise afford them.
TRUE Skool founder nurtures creativity through graffiti art, hip-hop
By John Neumann
Sarah Dollhausen was inspired by hip-hop and now she uses urban arts as a teaching technique to help Milwaukee youth at TRUE Skool.
Public Allies leader supports young adults working with nonprofits for justice, equity
By Lydia Slattery
Ava Hernandez, executive director of Public Allies Milwaukee, is responsible for matching AmeriCorps members with local nonprofit organizations to “lead, grow and do meaningful work.”
Lead2Change co-founder connects young adults to potential careers
By Tara Schumal
As executive director of Lead2Change, Dionne Grayson and her team foster leadership skills and career readiness for teens and young adults ages 16-24.
Nonprofit leader committed to organizing against social injustice
By Nicholas Molina
Christine Neumann–Ortiz, founder and executive director of Voces De La Frontera, strives to aid immigrants through policy reform, civil aid and legal referrals.
Nonprofit director serves as role model for Milwaukee girls
By Aisling Hegarty
From the time she joined PEARLS for Teen Girls 13 years ago as a peer facilitator, Executive Director Gerry Howze has stayed focused on supporting young women to “disrupt and rewrite generational cycles of poverty.”
Nonprofit leader uses art internships to prepare youth for careers
By George Herrmann
Terry Murphy, executive director of ArtWorks for Milwaukee, offers program that gives teens art-based internships within the city.
Humane Society leader helps move mission toward supporting pet owners
By Camille Paul
Jill Kline, vice president of community impact programs at the Wisconsin Humane Society, helped establish Pets For Life, which makes information and resources available to pet owners in North Side neighborhoods including Amani, Harambee and Metcalfe Park.
CEO of Centro Hispano heads nonprofit in community where she grew up
By Timothy Khoury
Centro Hispano CEO Toni Rivera-Joachin takes pride in leading the oldest Latino-serving organization in Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin.
Near West Side leader passionate about improving neighborhoods
By Daniel Noonan
Keith Stanley, executive director of Near West Side Partners since 2013, is spearheading redevelopment of seven communities with help from anchor institutions.