Rooted in Community, Rising Together: Rooted & Rising Co-Hosts State of the District

On December 1, the Washington Park community gathered for a powerful evening of reflection, dialogue, and forward momentum at the Rooted & Rising State of the District. Hosted in partnership with Alderman Russell Stamper II and Athena Communications, the event served as both a celebration of the transformation already underway and an affirmation of the collective vision shaping the neighborhood’s future.

From the outset, the energy in the room reflected what makes Washington Park so special: resident leaders, residents, partners, and city representatives coming together with a shared commitment to building a stronger, more connected community.

Alderman Stamper delivered an inspiring address that grounded the evening in both transparency and hope. He highlighted accomplishments that have strengthened the neighborhood over the years, shed light on current initiatives driving meaningful change, and outlined priorities that will continue guiding Washington Park forward. His remarks reinforced the city’s dedication to investing in residents and uplifting their aspirations.

The heart of the event came to life as participants engaged in facilitated table discussions centered on the five key focus areas of the Quality of Life Plan. These conversations invited thoughtful dialogue about opportunities, challenges, and recommendations rooted in lived experience. Community voices weren’t simply heard; they were elevated, respected, and centered as the driving force behind future strategies.

The evening exemplified the spirit of the Rooted & Rising initiative: collaboration that honors history, elevates resident leadership, and creates pathways for lasting, equitable change.

Athena Communications is proud to support this work and stand alongside partners who are deeply invested in the people and possibilities of Washington Park. The State of the District reaffirmed what we already know: when community leads, transformation follows.

Milwaukee Moves Homeownership Forward: Common Council Fully Funds Down Payment Assistance Program

Milwaukee took a major step forward in expanding homeownership opportunities for residents last week.

On Friday, the Milwaukee Common Council approved the 2026 City Budget, which includes $800,000 in new funding for Down Payment Assistance (DPA), bringing the program to a fully funded total of $1.4 million.

This investment is more than a budget line, it’s a commitment to building generational wealth, stability, and opportunity for families across our city. By supporting residents in overcoming one of the greatest barriers to homeownership, Milwaukee is investing directly in stronger neighborhoods and a more equitable future.

This milestone is the result of years of advocacy, collaboration, and data-driven leadership led by the Community Development Alliance (CDA) and its partners. Through its coordinated efforts with city leaders, housing advocates, and community organizations, CDA has helped advance a shared vision for making homeownership more accessible and equitable across Milwaukee.

We believe progress happens when public leadership, advocacy, and community voices align. This milestone reflects exactly that, a shared vision for a Milwaukee where every resident has the opportunity to own a home and thrive.

Paradise Memorial and Leon L. Williamson Funeral Homes Earn National Recognition for Excellence

Excellence in service is not just a standard, it’s a calling. That’s why Athena Communications is proud to celebrate Paradise Memorial and Leon L. Williamson Funeral Homes for receiving the Pursuit of Excellence Award from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).

This prestigious national honor recognizes funeral homes that exemplify the highest levels of professionalism, ethics, and dedication to the families they serve. Paradise Memorial and Leon Funeral Homes are among only 270 firms worldwide to receive this distinction.

This achievement reflects a deep commitment to compassionate care and the strength of a Best In Class team whose purpose and professionalism make an enduring impact in the community.

Congratulations to the entire Paradise Memorial and Leon L. Williamson Funeral Homes family on this remarkable accomplishment.

Paradise Memorial and Leon L. Williamson Funeral Homes Earn National Recognition for Excellence

Excellence in service is not just a standard, it’s a calling. That’s why Athena Communications is proud to celebrate Paradise Memorial and Leon L. Williamson Funeral Homes for receiving the Pursuit of Excellence Award from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).

This prestigious national honor recognizes funeral homes that exemplify the highest levels of professionalism, ethics, and dedication to the families they serve. Paradise Memorial and Leon Funeral Homes are among only 270 firms worldwide to receive this distinction.

This achievement reflects a deep commitment to compassionate care and the strength of a Best In Class team whose purpose and professionalism make an enduring impact in the community.

Congratulations to the entire Paradise Memorial and Leon L. Williamson Funeral Homes family on this remarkable accomplishment.

Reclaiming Power, Purpose, and Possibility: Reflections from the 2025 HPGM Midwest Leadership Summit & Gala

Last week, the HPGM Midwest Leadership Summit reminds us of what’s possible when purpose-driven professionals come together with courage and conviction. This year’s gathering was no exception. Over two days, leaders from across the Midwest and beyond convened to engage in bold dialogue, build authentic connections, and reaffirm their collective commitment to advancing equity, leadership, and community.

Hosted by Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM), the Summit served as both a catalyst and celebration, a space where ideas met action, and where leaders across business, education, government, and philanthropy aligned around a shared vision for inclusive progress.

A Space for Courageous Conversations

From the opening keynote conversation between Jean Guerrero and Jazmín Chávez, to the powerful closing message from Joelle Martinez, the Summit created space for voices that challenge convention and inspire transformation. Conversations explored the intersections of workplace equity, mental well-being, access to education, and collective advocacy, providing tangible tools for leaders navigating complex systems with authenticity and care.

Interactive breakout sessions deepened critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while centering cultural fluency, radical joy, and sustainable leadership. Each session reminded participants that leadership is not a title—it’s a practice rooted in empathy, accountability, and connection.

Building Bridges Across the Midwest

The Summit’s impact extended far beyond the ballroom. It strengthened regional networks for collaboration, connecting emerging and established leaders alike to form partnerships that will continue to shape the region’s economic and civic landscape. Participants left with action-oriented plans, new relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose to lead boldly in their respective fields.

We were honored to witness this spirit of community in motion. Our work is rooted in the same values that define HPGM’s mission, empowering leaders to use their voices, influence, and vision to build a more just and joyful world.

Celebrating Excellence at the Gala

The two-day experience culminated in the HPGM Gala, a night of celebration and recognition that honored the individuals and organizations shaping the future of leadership in Milwaukee and beyond. The evening captured the vibrancy and resilience of our region’s community, showcasing not just success, but the stories, mentorship, and collective energy that continue to inspire it.

Moving Forward, Together

As we reflect on this year’s Summit, one message resounds: leadership grounded in comunidad is unstoppable. The momentum built in those rooms will continue to ripple across the Midwest, driving collaboration, inspiring advocacy, and creating pathways for generations to come.

To HPGM and all who made this year’s Summit and Gala possible, thank you for reminding us what it means to lead with courage, connection, and care.

Client Spotlight: Rooted & Rising Dine & Dialogue: The Power of Arts and Culture in Shaping Our Quality of Life

On October 6, Rooted & Rising hosted an inspiring Arts & Culture Dine & Dialogue, uniting residents, community leaders, and creative visionaries to explore how arts and culture drive community transformation through the Quality of Life (QOL) Plan key focus areas.

This conversation brought together voices from across Milwaukee’s creative ecosystem to discuss how art, through storytelling, performance, design, and cultural expression, serves as a bridge for healing, connection, and economic growth. Together, participants reflected on how embracing creativity and cultural identity strengthens neighborhoods, builds pride, and fosters belonging.

As part of Rooted & Rising’s QOL Plan, the Arts & Culture Dine & Dialogue continues the collaborative work of residents and partners in shaping a vibrant, inclusive future for Washington Park,one where creativity fuels opportunity and cultural spaces are accessible to all.

Athena Communications remains honored to help tell these stories of impact, illuminating the power of collective voices transforming Milwaukee, one dialogue at a time.

Client Spotlight: CDA Annual Conference Advances Housing Justice for Milwaukee’s Aging Neighbors

The most impactful work happens when community, policy, and advocacy come together. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight our partners at the Community Development Alliance (CDA), who recently hosted their Annual Conference, bringing together over 130 residents, leaders, advocates, and partners united around one urgent priority: protecting Milwaukee’s aging neighbors from displacement.

This year’s gathering built on last year’s momentum around developing a Homeowner and Future Homeowner Bill of Rights. The 2025 conference sharpened the focus on how aging residents are at risk of losing their homes due to rising property taxes, and what solutions can safeguard stability for generations to come.

Highlights from the Day

• Grounded in Storytelling: The day opened with moving stories of displacement from Ex Fabula storytellers and community members, reminding attendees that behind every policy discussion are real lives and families.

• Expanding Homeownership: CDA staff and members of the Resident Advisory Council on Housing (RACH) shared progress on expanding Black and Latino homeownership—critical for addressing Milwaukee’s racial wealth gap.

• Policy Deep Dive: Participants examined Wisconsin’s property tax system and learned from bipartisan solutions in other states, including Philadelphia’s efforts to protect aging residents.

• Collective Dialogue: Through a gallery walk and table discussions, attendees contributed ideas, concerns, and strategies to strengthen draft policy proposals and ensure any reforms reflect community priorities.

• Alliance in Action: A closing panel of residents, neighborhood organizations, philanthropy, and funders emphasized that protecting aging neighbors will take all of us working together.

Key Takeaways

• Shared Understanding: Clarity on property tax assessments and their impact on vulnerable communities.

• Lessons from Elsewhere: Learning from cities like Philadelphia that have successfully advanced protections.

• Policy Direction: Concrete feedback on potential reforms to reduce displacement risks.

• Momentum for Change: Renewed citywide commitment to advancing housing equity.

The CDA Annual Conference underscored a critical truth: housing is about more than property—it’s about belonging, stability, and community. By centering the voices of residents and prioritizing cultural fluency in policymaking, CDA is shaping a future where Milwaukee’s neighborhoods are stronger, more equitable, and more resilient.

We’re honored to spotlight this important work and the role CDA continues to play as a convener and catalyst for housing justice in our city.

Spotlight: Celebrating Leadership During Hispanic Heritage Month

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the voices, leadership, and cultural impact of our client partners and friends who continue to shape Milwaukee’s Hispanic community.

We are proud to support Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM) and support their mission to advance leadership, representation, and opportunity. Through flagship initiatives like the HPGM Midwest Leadership Summit and the HPGM Gala, the organization creates spaces where leaders, advocates, and artists come together to honor culture, foster connection, and build a more inclusive Milwaukee.

These gatherings are more than events, they are platforms for storytelling, collaboration, and cultural pride. They remind us that investing in leadership is essential to driving equity and impact across our communities.

Join the Conversation

The upcoming HPGM Midwest Leadership Summit is a powerful opportunity to connect with change-makers and elevate conversations that matter. We encourage you to be part of this dynamic experience.

Learn more below:

Register for the HPGM Midwest Leadership Summit

TBEY Arts Center Honored with the Danae Davis Award

We believe in the power of storytelling to illuminate the organizations and leaders who shape our community. On August 14, that power was on full display as TBEY Arts Center was honored with the Danae Davis Award at the HYFIN Anti-Gala.

This recognition is a testament to TBEY’s 25-year legacy of nurturing creativity, developing young leaders, and fostering spaces where youth can explore, express, and thrive through the arts. From dance and visual arts to theater and music, TBEY has consistently used its platform to open doors of opportunity and empower the next generation.

The Danae Davis Award, named after a trailblazing leader whose vision and impact continue to inspire Milwaukee, is given to organizations that embody commitment to youth development and transformational leadership, highlighting HYFIN’s commitment to support creative excellence in Milwaukee. TBEY stands as a shining example of this spirit, centering young people at the heart of its mission and ensuring that the arts remain a vehicle for growth, belonging, and community strength.

Athena Communications, is honored to partner with TBEY Arts Center and celebrate this milestone achievement. This award not only acknowledges the incredible work happening today but also affirms the vital role TBEY will continue to play in building a more vibrant and equitable future for Milwaukee and their continued dedication to providing a space for youth to explore their artistic talents.

Congratulations, TBEY Arts Center, on this well-deserved honor. Your artistry and commitment inspire us all.

Celebrating Community Collaboration: CDA Wins Nonprofit Collaboration of the Year

We are honored to celebrate our client partner, the Community Development Alliance (CDA), for being named the 2024 Nonprofit Collaboration of the Year by BizTimes Media.

This recognition honors CDA’s leadership of the Harambee Homeownership Initiative, a bold, place-based strategy focused on closing Milwaukee’s racial homeownership gap. This award is not just a celebration of a program, it’s a celebration of shared purpose, courageous vision, and the power of collective action.

The Harambee Homeownership Initiative represents a model for community-rooted collaboration. From the beginning, CDA has understood that transforming housing outcomes requires more than a single organization or intervention. It requires aligned partners, trusted relationships, and an unwavering commitment to equity.

That’s why this honor is shared with an extraordinary group of allies who have come together to make this work possible:

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Herb Kohl Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Envision Growth, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, Bader Philanthropies, Rania & Patrick Dempsey, Wells Fargo, Acts Housing, American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact, Data You Can Use, Harambee NID, Housing Resources, Inc., LISC Milwaukee, Malaika Early Learning Center, Milwaukee Christian Center, Milwaukee Department of City Development, Molson Coors, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Quorum Architects, Riverworks Development Corp., United Community Center, UEDA/Take Root Milwaukee, WestCare, and Zilber Family Foundation.

Together, this coalition has demonstrated what it looks like to move beyond intention and into aligned, measurable action, improving outcomes for Black homeowners, families, and neighborhoods.

We are proud to amplify this work and champion the leadership that’s making a lasting impact in Milwaukee. Congratulations to CDA and its partners on this well-earned recognition, and thank you for reminding us that progress is possible when we lead together.

Standing with CDA: Advancing Policy and Protection for Milwaukee’s Aging Neighbors

At Athena Communications, we are proud to uplift the Community Development Alliance (CDA) as they prepare to host their 2025 Annual Conference, an event that centers both the urgency and possibility of protecting Milwaukee’s aging residents from displacement.

Tuesday, September 16, 2025
GATHER at Deer District | Milwaukee, WI
Theme: Protecting Aging Neighbors from Displacement

This year’s convening builds on the momentum from last year’s summit, where CDA and its network of allies launched the development of a Homeowner and Future Homeowner Bill of Rights. Now, the focus deepens, moving from conversation to concrete policy direction to ensure Milwaukee’s aging residents are not priced out of the communities they helped build.

Why this work matters:
Milwaukee families have made it clear, displacement threatens not only the wellbeing of individual households, but the future of entire neighborhoods. As property values rise and housing markets shift, older residents face increasing challenges to stay in their homes. CDA is tackling this head-on by engaging residents, neighborhood partners, and policy advocates in a process that’s bold, inclusive, and data-informed.

Attendees will walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of Wisconsin’s property tax system
• National case studies of successful protections for older homeowners
• A working draft of policy proposals, shaped by the community
• Opportunities to connect across sectors and build momentum for change

We believe public policy should be grounded in people—and this conference is a model of what that looks like in practice. We are proud to support CDA in amplifying the voices of residents, aligning stakeholders, and advancing housing solutions that reflect community wisdom and vision.

Registration is now open, and we encourage all those who care about housing, equity, and systemic change to attend.

Together, we can help write the next chapter in Milwaukee’s housing future, one that protects, preserves, and prioritizes our aging neighbors.

Learn more and register: https://www.housingplan.org/protecting-aging-neighbors-from-displacement

Questions? Contact Trenice Ferguson at trenice@housingplan.org

You Matter Milwaukee

Social determinants of health: case study

With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, and given its disproportionate negative impact on communities of color, Athena Communications and a few dozen Black and Brown leaders united to address the health pandemic for our communities. Funded by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF) and supported by the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD), we created a health and social equity campaign for the advancement of Black and Brown communities. In April 2020, “You Matter MKE” was launched to address the fact that people of color have value and deserve to be informed and safe. Our tagline: “The future is brighter with you in it.”

ThriveOn Collaboration

An equitable, healthy, thriving Milwaukee: case study

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF), the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Royal Capital Group (RCG) made a historic move by establishing a community-based collaboration, founded on a joint vision for a Milwaukee that is equitable, healthy and thriving for all. This commitment is embodied in the restoration of an iconic building, the former Gimbels-Schuster’s Department Store on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The site is being redeveloped by RCG, will become the GMF’s new home and will house MCW’s community engagement programs.

Votes Count In The 414

Increasing voter confidence and knowledge: case study

In October 2020, Athena Communications was engaged by Creative Marketing Resources (CMR) on a project for the City of Milwaukee Election Commission (MEC) to create and implement a comprehensive voter education campaign for the Nov. 2, 2020, presidential election. The goal of the campaign was to improve voter confidence in the election process and increase voter knowledge of how to successfully vote in the election.