Students from Professor Herbert Lowe’s spring 2016 digital journalism class at Marquette University’s Diederich College of Communication produced a series of multimedia stories for the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service about people in their 20s who live, work or serve in the central city.

 

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

Former prisoner advocates for justice system reform

By Patrick Thomas

Since Jafar Banda, 28, was released from prison in 2008 he has been dedicated to reforming the state’s justice system as head of Community Uprise UWM, which advocates for non-violent felons.

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Young entrepreneur guiding Scanalytics to success

By Julia Pagliarulo

Matt McCoy, 27, is co-founder and chief operating officer of Menomonee Valley-based Scanalytics. Inspired by his father, he uses people skills and business know-how to grow the company.

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Environmental educator helps kids ‘enjoy the beauty of nature’

By Andrew Goldstein

Elise Myers, 25, is an environmental educator at the Urban Ecology Center in Riverside Park. She runs classes for students that are designed to connect them with nature.

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Garden coordinator works to advance fresh food movement in Milwaukee

By Max Templin

The Victory Garden Initiative has provided an opportunity for Milwaukee native Alexander Hagler, 25, to help increase the availability of quality fresh food through urban farming.

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‘Selfless’ activist’s personal experiences drive him to serve others

By David Goldman

Ceasar Crayton, 20, is a live-in volunteer at the Casa Maria Community, which operates three houses in Milwaukee for indigent people in need of housing.

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Sherman Park minister bonds with community through faith, selflessness

By Sean Blashe

Minister Sam Coleman, 28, aims to spread messages of faith and hope throughout the Sherman Park neighborhood and the Milwaukee community.

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‘Natural’ coach teaches students life lessons through play

By Amelia Jones

Peter Drews, 23, a Playworks coach at Hopkins Lloyd Community School, uses “game time” classes to teach leadership skills, conflict resolution and collaboration.

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Former police officer advocates for domestic violence victims

By Gary Leverton

Rhondi Love, 25, uses her police background and skills as an advocate to help domestic violence victims at Sojourner Family Peace Center.

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Founder of Humans of Milwaukee finds everyone has a story to share

By Emmy Spring

Mario Sinclair, 24, launched Humans of Milwaukee as a personal project with limited resources, but soon realized it had the potential to spotlight the humanity in a city that often draws negative headlines.

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Milwaukee artist connects with hip-hop community through her drawings

By Clara Hatcher

Yessica Jimenez, 23, an independent visual artist, works with the music community to create projects such as a hip-hop alphabet.

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Former foster child uses her experiences to help others

By McKenna Oxenden

Amanda Salas, 21, who grew up living in group homes and with foster families, volunteers at Kids Matter, a nonprofit organization that advocates for foster children.

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Childcare entrepreneur works to empower women through local nonprofit

By Megan Halbur

Amanda James, 28, runs a childcare business and co-founded a women’s empowerment group, believing that women in Milwaukee deserve acknowledgment and support.

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Holton Center mentor plays ‘big brother’ role for neighborhood teens

By Kaitlin Majeski

Cameron Henderson, 23, who works in the afterschool program at Holton Center, aims to inspire youth to reach their potential.

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Girl Scout leader aims to teach young girls self-confidence, leadership

By Reem Imseitef

Lila Saavedra, 26, found her passion for service working with the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast. She hopes to empower young girls to become leaders in their communities.

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Youth worker provides safe space, inspiration for Hmong kids

By James Ragen

Mychoua Vang, 29, of the Hmong American Friendship Association, works to give the youth of Washington Park a safe, fun place to go after school.

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