Women's History Milwaukee
The Women’s History Milwaukee initiative will highlight seven iconic local figures in history—one each day over the course of a week. During this informational campaign, photos and facts about the women of Milwaukee’s history will be featured on this page, and these same informational vignettes will also run regularly during City Channel programming.
Jamila Benson
Jamila Benson’s work centers on preserving history and serving as an advocate for its continued relevance. She is the Program Director at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum, where she leads programs, partnerships, and initiatives that highlight and educate the public about African American history in Wisconsin. Her efforts emphasize creating meaningful, community-centered experiences that connect past and present. In addition to her role there, she serves on the Wisconsin Council for Local History and has contributed to several boards focused on historic preservation and youth development. She is a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Archival Innovation, recognizing her leadership and impact in the field.
Arlisia McHenry
Arlisia McHenry began her career with Lockheed Martin as a deputy project director. When the company moved her position out of state, she went to work for her hometown as a legislative assistant for the Milwaukee Common Council. She supported four alderpersons, including two Council Presidents, helping advance constituent services and policy priorities citywide. Her work has consistently focused on strengthening community engagement and connecting residents with local government. More recently she has worked as a liaison officer for Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
Amanda Avalos
Amanda Avalos is the Deputy Executive Director of Political Strategy and Programs at Youth Civic Accelerator, an organization that seeds and launches youth-power chapters in Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Minnesota. Previously, as Co-Executive Director at Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT), she managed Wisconsin's largest youth voter engagement program from 2020-2025. As former Vice Chair of the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission, Amanda led the passing of several policy victories for the community including enacting a complete ban on no-knock search warrants, a complete ban on chokeholds, and the creation of a body cam video footage release policy. Amanda is a two-time alumna of Public Allies Wisconsin, a graduate of Emerge, Harvard Business School Young American Leaders Program, Marquette University, and an EMT.
Annette Jackson
Annette Jackson has more than 35 years of experience in public service, executive administration, and community engagement. As a member of the Licenses Division, she works closely with residents to coordinate licensing procedures, assist in navigating city processes, and ensure compliance with municipal ordinances and state statutes. Annette has also held positions with Tomorrow’s Leaders Learning Center, the YWCA, and Breaking Barriers, among others, in service of the community.
Natalia Renteria
Natalia Renteria is the Founder and CEO of the Missing Peace Community Collective, and a lifelong resident of Milwaukee’s near west side. Raised in the Cold Spring neighborhood at 32nd and Juneau, she was shaped by a family legacy of more than 70 years of consistent community service, where helping others was a daily expectation. Less than a mile from her childhood home is 3248 West Brown Street, now the home of the Missing Peace Community Collective, where she has transformed that lived example into structured initiatives focused on leadership development, violence prevention, peace building, and generational opportunity.
Cameryne Roberts and Sarah Jonas
Cameryne Roberts and Sarah Jonas founded Cafe LuLu in the Spring of 2001. Cameryne is a graduate of UWM (English) and MATC (Culinary Arts) and is thrilled by the growth and diversity of the Milwaukee dining scene as they celebrate Café Lulu’s 25th anniversary.
Sarah Jonas is a lifelong Bay View resident who recently accepted a teaching position in the Culinary Arts at MATC and is looking forward to helping train a new generation of cooks.