Vicki Pulliman

Vicki Pulliman. Photo courtesy of NEWaukee.

Where do you work and what makes your job awesome?

I have the most awesome job ever! I work as a senior AmeriCorps member (along with 99 other young idealists) at City Year Milwaukee. As corps members, we serve in teams at 11 Milwaukee Public Schools as tutors, mentors and role models to help students in low-performing schools reach their full potential. My job is awesome because I get to do amazing work every day to help close the opportunity gap for our students. Each day I get to work in a high-energy, idealistic, diverse, and open-minded environment that challenges me to grow personally and professionally.

What do you love most about the Milwaukee community?

Moving to Milwaukee was a bit scary because I am from a southern upbringing. I had never been out of the southeast and was very nervous that I would not be able to maneuver in what seemed like a much larger city than I was accustomed to. I was pleasantly surprised to find that although Milwaukee is much bigger than my hometown it has a smaller city feel and was not as overwhelming as I had imagined. What I love most about Milwaukee is the emphasis on community and the many opportunities that are available for people to come together to build community, whether it be through the many festivals Milwaukee hosts or the many service opportunities that are happening daily.  I am happy to be staying in Milwaukee for another year! #BrainGain

What is one word you would use to describe Milwaukee?

Vibrant – Milwaukee is such a rich, upbeat and colorful community. Before coming to Milwaukee I had a very ill-informed view of what the midwest would be like and never imagined all of the beautiful things I would discover in Milwaukee. This city is really a diamond that I feel has yet to be unearthed… more people need to know about this awesome place!

What is your favorite Milwaukee tradition?

I’ve only lived in Milwaukee for a year but thus far one of my favorite Milwaukee traditions includes all the cultural festivals that happen here. There is literally a festival for everything and I love it! I appreciate this unique component of the city because it gives me an opportunity to learn things about different communities in Milwaukee.

What local restaurant is at the top of your list?

Coffee Makes You Black on Teutonia is gold. It’s a well-run, extremely hospitable black owned coffee shop that offers great coffee and the chicken and waffles plate is amazing!

What do you think is going to be a game changer for the city in the year of 2016?

In 2016, I think collaboration and inclusivity among the many different organizations and corporations that are housed in Milwaukee are going to be the big game changers to continue to move the city forward.