Dana Smith

Dana Smith. Photo courtesy of NEWaukee.

Where do you work and what makes your role awesomesauce?

I work for Susan G. Komen Southeast Wisconsin as a program assistant for Kohl’s Conversations for the Cure. Kohl’s Conversations for the Cure is an educational session where women can talk openly about breast cancer and the impact it can have on their lives. The goal of the program is to encourage women to get regular breast health screenings, thereby increasing survival rates throughout Southeast Wisconsin. It is awesomesauce because I love being able to get people excited about taking care of their health. Every day I get to help people be it by connecting them to services or helping them put their health first

What do you love most about Milwaukee?

I love the music scene in Milwaukee. It is thriving! I am glad to be a part of it; we have some great venues here that support people’s creativity and some very creative people who can make a whole lot out of very little.

Where do you see Milwaukee in five years?

We are currently seeing a lot of support in the arts and I hope to see more institutional support for artist and patrons a like. I would absolutely love to see our city embrace busking, and live art. I also hope that in five years’ time this city can lay to rest funding issues for public transportation and address road maintenance with more permanent solutions.

What local restaurant is at the top of your list?

If you have never been to Coffee Makes You Black I suggest you head over soon! The atmosphere Laurie provides is so calming and soothing. There are always community members in the building planning and building for this city. You may see a familiar face; you may even make a friend. Aside from the welcoming environment I love their food, it is as divine as the people who eat it.

What does your ideal Milwaukee weekend look like?

Summer weekends are the best in Milwaukee. They start on Wednesday and Thursday with me checking the calendars and Facebook events, mapping out all of the awesome events, programs, and shows that I can take part of. Even during the cold of the winter this city has continual hubs of events and festivals going on, it is great to know that there is always something fun going on.

What is your favorite Milwaukee tradition?

Annual Kwanzaa celebrations with the Milwaukee Black Historical Society, WI African American Women’s Center, and other organizations that come together for a week-long celebration of the 7 principles of Kwanzaa which are Umoja- Unity, Kujichagulia- Self-Determination, Ujima-Collective Work, Ujamaa- Cooperative Economics, Nia-Purpose, Kuumba-Creativity, and Imani-Faith. Every year I like to make it to at least one of the gatherings it is always like a family reunion and I love watching all the children sing “I am Black and beautiful!”