How Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership is strengthening neighbors families, students, and the community.
Join the Emerging Leaders and local educational leaders to learn how shared leadership, equity, and cultural relevance are making a difference in lives of students and families in our community.
Tuesday, March 7, 4:30 – 6:00 P.M.
Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
139 E Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
4:30 – 5:00 P.M. Registration, Network, & Light Refreshments
5:00 – 6:00 P.M. Panel Discussion
Register Now
Questions, please contact Erin Keating at 414.263.8125 or via email.
Panelist Bios
Michael Anderson
Youth Programs Manager, Wisconsin Bike Fed
Michael Anderson oversees The Wisconsin Bike Fed’s youth education programs in Milwaukee with a special focus on serving Milwaukee Public Schools. He has nine years of experience working in pedestrian and bicycle advocacy. Under his leadership Milwaukee was chosen by the National Center for Safe Routes to School for the 2021 Vision Zero for Youth Innovation Award.
In 2022 he helped lead an effort to repeal an ordinance prohibiting bicycles on playgrounds, an important step in building safe, equitable opportunities for biking.
The Wisconsin Bike Fed is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to making Wisconsin the most Bike-Friendly state in the country. Its offices are located in Bay View.
Mr. Gregory Coleman
Principal, Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School
Gregory Coleman spent 19 years teaching within the Milwaukee Public School District as a third-fifth grade teacher at Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School, George Washington Carver Academy, and Stuart Elementary, before accepting his first assistant principal position at Morse Middle School. In 2019, he returned to Clement J. Zablocki School as building principal. This year marks his third year as principal.
He received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from North Dakota State University and earned his master’s degree in Administrative Leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
His educational philosophy is based on his belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family.
Cherise Myers
Director of Community Partnerships, Journey House
Cherise Myers has served Journey House since 1999 in many capacities, all with a focus on strengthening families and communities. She has worked primarily in both development and community engagement, overseeing Journey House Communications and Partnerships.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
She is an experienced public speaker and presenter with proven leadership skills gained from various programs at Cardinal Stritch University.
Her passion for community-driven work has allowed her to create training materials and facilitate development-training sessions within the community. She has a passion for the work of Journey House. Youth interests, choices, leadership, and education are at the center of her every endeavor in working with the community.
Brittney Stevenson
School Social Worker, Hopkins Lloyd Community School, MPS
Brittney Stevenson has been a school social worker for Milwaukee Public Schools for over nine years. She provides services that benefit students, families, community agencies, and staff. Her work supports areas of attendance, connection to community resources, special education, and social emotional learning.
She has been a member of the Community Schools Leadership Team throughout its entirety at Hopkins Lloyd Community School (HLCS). She has assisted in establishing team aims and action plans. She has also collaborated with community partners to achieve identified aims and connect with the school community.
Her main contribution for the last two years has been establishing a Youth Council at HLCS. She looks forward to future successes coming out of the Community Schools model.
Dr. Raymond Unanka
Principal, Browning Elementary School
Dr. Raymond Unanka is a long-standing MPS principal who leads by his actions. He believes every student is a scholar and has the ability to learn.
Originally from Nigeria, he approaches his work through the lens of the African proverb "It Takes a Village." For scholars to be successful, they need a strong support system to have safe and healthy experiences that help them grow. He goes out of his way to engage and uplift families, scholars, staff, and the greater community.
He has obtained three graduate degrees with an emphasis on special education and behavioral disorders.
He believes in the importance of listening and earning the trust of the school community.
James Wilbern
Assistant Executive Director, Silver Spring Neighborhood Center
James Wilbern has been with Silver Spring Neighborhood Center for more than 12 years and has contributed significantly to his various roles within the organizations.
In his most recent role as associate director, he has developed and maintained strong community partnerships, helped secure monetary donations for the organization, and successfully led the afterschool programs and staff through the challenges and uncertainty of the pandemic. He has substantial program and management experience in the nonprofit sector, evidenced by his ability to serve, lead, and produce successful program outcomes consistently.
He believes that collaboration is the most effective tool needed to achieve community success. He is excited about the opportunity to affect positive change in the city of Milwaukee.