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LaShawndra Vernon is a social impact creative entrepreneur dedicated to promoting the public good and developing synergistic communities. Her expertise lies in creative and community placemaking, translating global sustainability goals into local policies and leveraging the arts for powerful transformation. With over a decade of experience, LaShawndra provides disciplined oversight, drives measurable growth, and specializes in fiscal management and philanthropic advising to support community development. She utilizes her proficiency in public health research and cultural policy to effect systems and environmental change, which are critical for sustainable placemaking initiatives. As a seasoned administrator and catalyst for impact, she is recognized for her strategic communication and conflict transformation skills, which facilitate effective collaboration with boards, stakeholders, and government agencies. Her significant leadership roles include serving as Chair of the Bronzeville Advisory Committee for the City of Milwaukee and as a member of the Cultural Artistic & Musical Programming Advisory Council (CAMPAC) for Milwaukee County. Additionally, Governor Tony Evers appointed her to the Wisconsin Arts Board.
Beyond her professional achievements, LaShawndra, also known as Firey Phoenix, is a vibrant multidisciplinary artist, writer, and archivist who infuses creativity into all aspects of her work. She is also a published author and a Crisis Analysis & Mitigation (CAM) coach, providing support for disaster preparedness within arts and culture institutions.
LaShawndra holds an M.A. in Public Service with a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from Marquette University and a B.S. in Human Services and Criminal Justice from Springfield College.
Raynetta "Ray" Hill is a catalytic leader with an unwavering passion for advancing economic growth and the empowerment of individuals. Her distinguished career is characterized by a collaborative leadership style and a commitment to advocating for both economic and social impact. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Historic King Drive Business Improvement District No. 8 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ray brings a wealth of experience and expertise that spans almost 2 decades real estate development, management and most recently economic development. Ray has held numerous leadership roles in the private, public and nonprofit real estate sector. Prior to joining the BID, Ray led Wisconsin’s fundraising, property portfolio and wraparound services for CommonBond Communities. Including overseeing a 14.1 million redevelopment project on Milwaukee’s north side and increasing Wisconsin’s institutional philanthropic giving in less than a year. Ray also served as operations manager for a private real estate firm, overseeing a substantial residential portfolio throughout the state of Wisconsin for close to a decade.
In 2019 Governor Evers recognized Ray's leadership and appointed her to the Wisconsin Housing Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). Actively participating in the community, Ray serves on numerous boards and committees related to real estate and economic impact. Her remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her recognition as one of the Milwaukee Business Journal's 40 under 40 2021 awardees, 2021 Young Pioneer award by the African American Chamber of Commerce, 2023 UNCF Mastermind by Mayor Johnson, Hyfin Community Impact award and one of the 51 black leaders for the State of Wisconsin from Madison365, one of the black leaders you should know by the Milwaukee Business Journal and most recently received the Innovator award from the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation.
In her leisure she enjoys spending time with her family, partaking in anything food, art and music
related.
Terrence Moore, Sr. is an innovative and strategic faith-based leader with over two decades of experience serving communities locally and globally. He currently serves as the Neighborhood Business Development Specialist for the City of Milwaukee’s Department of City Development, where he works with the Commercial Corridor Team to support urban revitalization and small business growth.
Previously, Terrence worked as a Business Development Specialist for the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, strengthening commercial networks and expanding access to capital for minority-owned businesses. As a member of the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations, he earned the Transnational Referral Certification through the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI-USA), connecting Milwaukee’s business landscape to global real estate and investment opportunities.
Together with his wife, Dr. Cheryl Moore, Terrence co-founded and led a faith-based ministry for over 14 years before expanding their leadership reach through the Mondays with the Moores podcast. He also serves as Chief Operating Officer and his wife serves as CEO and Founding Strategic Advisor with Career Activist LLP. Career Activist LLP helps organizations navigate change - adopting AI tools, restructuring teams, and launching new strategies through a people-centered approach guided by the Prosci® ADKAR change management framework.
Terrence’s expertise spans leadership development, financial structuring, program design and implementation, project management, and education in both high school and adult learning contexts. He holds an Associate of Science in Applied Psychology from Trident Technical College, a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a certificate in Chinese Business Culture from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he is also pursuing his MBA. His international experience includes teaching entrepreneurship and import/export business throughout Africa and the Caribbean.
Anthony D. Smith, director of Community Partnerships for the Marcus Performing Arts Center. He is responsible for stewardship of the Marcus Center’s Community engagement activities, including strategic planning, audience development, community event management, the development of new donor partnerships and stewardship of existing relationships. He works collaboratively with the Programming and Marketing departments to expand MPAC’s reach, impact and engage new audiences that more fully represent the diversity of the community while helping MPAC deliver on its mission of being a gathering place for all.
Rayhainio Boynes was born and raised in St. Thomas U.S Virgin Islands. He moved to Milwaukee in 1998 and quickly made a name for himself in the music industry. He is very involved with Milwaukee's youth and the local community and has been a member of the Bronzeville committee since 2017.
Baboonie Tatum, M.Ed., B.S. is an entrepreneur, community advocate, and former educator committed to advancing equitable development and strengthening communities in Milwaukee.
With more than 16 years of experience in Milwaukee Public Schools, she dedicated her career to supporting children with special needs, building a strong foundation rooted in compassion, innovation, and service.
Baboonie is the Co-Owner of Rise & Grind Café, a neighborhood café and cultural hub in Bronzeville, and Co-Owner of Butterflyz, LLC, a social service organization that provides supportive services to adults and young adults with disabilities. She also serves as CEO of Sapphire Enterprises, a property management and development company focused on expanding access to quality housing and community-centered development.
She is a graduate of the Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) Program, Class of 2025, and an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program (2020). In addition to her service on the Bronzeville Community Advisory Committee, she serves on the Movin Out Board, supporting initiatives that promote housing access and economic opportunity.
In addition to her professional and community leadership roles, Baboonie is a proud mother and “GiGi,” grounding her work in a deep commitment to family, legacy, and future generations.
Through her work across education, business, and community leadership, Baboonie remains dedicated to fostering inclusive growth, creating opportunities, and contributing to the continued revitalization of Milwaukee’s historic Bronzeville district.
Cassandra L. Brooks Cassandra Brooks is a native of Milwaukee, WI. She attended Milwaukee Public Schools and graduated from North Division High School.
Cassandra is a resident of the Halyard Park Subdivision. She has lived in Halyard Park for 49 years and is an active member of the Halyard Park Association. Cassandra is also the President of the Halyard Park Association Foundation which is spearheading the Beechie O. Brooks Statue Project.
She retired from Milwaukee Area Technical College where she served for over 25 years. Cassandra enjoys researching her family history, being active in her church, St. Mark A.M.E. Church and in the community.
Theresa Garrison has been a resident in the Bronzeville area for over 60 years.
Chris Lee
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414-286-3456 (fax)
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