Nicole Behnke

How long have you lived in Milwaukee and what brought you here?
I moved to Milwaukee from Manitowoc, WI in 2008 to attend school at UWM. I toured the campus and fell in love with the East Side. Growing up in such a small town, I was drawn to Milwaukee because of all the city had to offer entertainment-wise. However, through my time with NEWaukee, I’ve come to appreciate Milwaukee on a different level. I call Milwaukee my home regardless of the fact I was not born and raised here.

What makes Milwaukee a good place to live?
Milwaukee has such an endless amount of potential with a solid core that make it their daily mission to make the city a better place. Milwaukee is a beautiful city that constantly strives for more. There’s always something to explore whether it be a festival, a new restaurant, local band, art gallery, etc. I think the people are what make the city, though. I have never been exposed to such an extensive group of young people with such a passion for the city they live in. I’m honored and inspired on a daily basis to be a part of this. Milwaukee also has a sense of hospitality that cannot be topped.

What neighborhood do you live in and what do you like about it?
I lived on the Eastside for four years while I attended school, which was great for accessibility to campus. I recently moved to the Brady Street area about two months ago and could not be happier. It’s a quiet neighborhood while still being in the heart of the city. I mostly enjoy a Sunday afternoon of people watching outside of Nomad or JoCats.

What is your favorite Milwaukee event?
My favorite event would have to be the street festivals such as Summer Soulstice and Brady Street Festival. I love seeing the city out enjoying different neighborhoods and the local businesses with music playing in the streets. It always feels like the epitome of summertime. The Eastside Music Tour was awesome this year, putting bands in venues that one wouldn’t expect like a futon store.

What do you do?
I’m a recent UWM graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Strategic Communications with a minor in French. I’ve been with NEWaukee for over a year now and working with social media & assisting with production and execution of events. I also work at Café Benelux in the Third Ward!