Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI) Announces 2021 Winners for Improving Milwaukee Neighborhoods during Virtual Event

MILWAUKEE (August 20, 2021) — The Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (known as the MANDIs) celebrates the “good news” of successful efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen the community. Many of the 2021 finalists persevered despite the challenges related to the global pandemic.

LISC Milwaukee, the nonprofit host of the MANDIs, continues to seize the opportunity to recognize the innovative and important work happening in Milwaukee neighborhoods. People are working hard to create safe, healthy, vibrant neighborhoods for their community. For 22 years, the MANDIs showcase the efforts of those that make Milwaukee neighborhoods stronger.

“For over two decades, the MANDIs have recognized the great work of the finalists and awarded many winners, but equally important these people, projects and organizations have inspired and renewed the optimism of those who are working each day to improve our communities” said Theodore Lipscomb, Sr., Executive Director of LISC Milwaukee.

From public nominations, a volunteer Selection Committee named 12 finalists in May, and winners were announced Thursday, August 19, during a virtual event.

The event was emceed by Shannon Sims, Anchor for Todays’ TMJ4, and welcoming remarks were made by LISC National President and CEO, Lisa Glover, City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, presenting sponsor Suzanne Zwaska, Vice President, US Bank and LISC-Milwaukee, Executive Director, Theo Lipscomb. Roger Sandell, Vice President, Johnson Bank and Chair of the LISC Milwaukee Advisory Board offered closing remarks and encouraged the public to give donations to assist in the important work of LISC Milwaukee. America’s Black Holocaust Museum served as the venue for the taping and live remote.

Awarded for innovation, the Associated Bank Trailblazer Award was presented by William Kopka, Vice President, Community Accountability Officer of Associated Bank. This award was given to the Metcalfe Park Mutual Aid Project

Awarded for commitment and effectiveness over time, the BMO Harris Bank Cornerstone Award was presented by Paul Fehrenbach, BMO Harris, and Vice President of Community Investments. This award was given to Riverworks Financial Clinic.

Awarded to a public space that builds community, the Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award was presented by Cecelia Gore, Executive Director for the foundation. This award was given to The Ability Center/Ramp Up-Bradford Beach

The Chase Economic Development Award was presented by Jason Engledow, Vice President and Business Banking Area Manager for Chase Bank. This award was given to Milwaukee Recreation’s Arts Internship Program.

Awarded to an individual for leadership, the PNC Bank Navigator Award was presented by Chris Hermann, Regional President, Wisconsin for PNC Bank. This award was given to Bradley Thurman, founder of Coffee Makes You Black.

Awarded for a real estate project that improves the community, The State Farm Building Blocks Award was presented by MANDI Mistress of Ceremonies, WTMJ-4 Anchor, Shannon Sims. This award was given to Innovations and Wellness Commons Phase 2.

Awarded for nonprofits that collaborate and align, The Northwestern Mutual Collaboration Award was presented by LaQuondra Shaw, Program Officer, Strategic Philanthropy & Community Relations. This award was given to “Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center,” a collaboration between the Apartment Association of Southeastern Wisconsin (AASEW), Community Advocates, IMPACT, Hope House, Mediate Wisconsin, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services, Milwaukee County Housing Division and Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin (UEDA).

The Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award, an online social media campaign where the public voted for three winners across all award categories. These awards were presented by Andrew Ruehl, Vice President, Community Relations Senior Consultant. The three winners included: The Ability Center/Ramp Up Bradford Beach, Project Return, Inc. Meeting the Needs of Formerly incarcerated People and Milwaukee Recreation Arts Internship Program.

All winners received a trophy and $1,000 contribution. Finalists and winners are selected by a volunteer selection committee comprised of 33 private, public and government volunteers.

A replay of the event is available online at www.MANDIawards.com

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.