Community post: The Sherman Phoenix Foundation elects its first executive director

dr Stacia Thompson (photo courtesy of the Sherman Phoenix Foundation)

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The Sherman Phoenix Foundation announced today that Dr. Stacia Thompson was named the nonprofit’s first executive director. In this role, she will lead day-to-day operations while building community relationships that support economic justice and empowerment, strategic investment and training, corporate success, and emotional well-being for leaders of color.

Thompson was selected following a nationwide search conducted by Goodwill TalentBridge in partnership with the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources.

“As part of our search, we interviewed numerous qualified candidates from across the country. what about dr What stood out for Thompson was her experience creating programs focused on educational, employment and community engagement opportunities,” said Ron Adams, executive chairman of the Sherman Phoenix Foundation and VP of Field Diversity and Inclusion at Northwestern Mutual. “Dr. Thompson is not only a qualified leader, but also an entrepreneur, and we knew that an entrepreneurial mindset would ensure our mission become a reality.”

dr Thompson is known for being a change agent in developing economic empowerment and workforce strategies. With extensive expertise in community development, program development, entrepreneurial services and economic development, she is also an expert speaker and facilitator for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Her previous positions include tenure at the University of Wisconsin Parkside, Gateway Technical College, City Colleges of Chicago and most recently the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

“I am honored and excited to be selected as the first Executive Director of the Sherman Phoenix Foundation,” said Thompson. The Board has established high standards and a strong vision for Sherman Phoenix to serve its small business tenants and the Sherman Park community. I look forward to building on and developing the amazing foundation and founding principles established by Ms. Sabir, Mr. Adams and the Board of Directors.”

In addition to her professional roles, Thompson has served on many boards such as the Community Women’s Club, Hispanic Business and Professionals Association, National Council of Workforce Education, Career Launch Chicago Advisory Committee, Cook County Coordinated Re Entry Council, Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute operates Workforce Development Board and Racine Creative Center. She is a past recipient of the NAACP Youth Award, the UW Parkside Community Service Award, the YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin Women of Distinction Award, has been inducted into the Black Softball Circuit Hall of Fame and has received the Professional Women’s Network for Service Inspiring Women Leadership Award.

ABOUT THE SHERMAN PHOENIX FOUNDATION

The Sherman Phoenix Foundation focuses on much-needed leadership, education and action for people of color on economic justice and empowerment. The foundation will work to partner with leaders working to build inclusive and just economies for communities of color. It will support strategies focused on:

  • Economic Justice and Empowerment;
  • Entrepreneurship and Small Business Success;
  • Strategic business investment and training; and
  • Emotional Wellbeing for People of Color.

In addition, the non-profit organization will oversee the entire program at the Sherman Phoenix that brings cultural and commercial vibrancy to the center, including technical support for the 25+ small business tenants, wellness programs, educational offerings, and arts and cultural events.

ABOUT SHERMAN PHOENIX

The Sherman Phoenix was born after the police shooting of an unarmed black man in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee in 2016. Our community came together to transform a fire-damaged bank building into a thriving hub for over 25 black-owned businesses.

Upon opening in late 2018, the Sherman Phoenix quickly became a model for healing our city by generating positive economic and social returns in communities of color and a vibrant community space that embraces talent and innovation, employs over 100 people, community prosperity creates and inspires new narratives for our future. The Sherman Phoenix includes much-needed common spaces to curate art exhibitions, film screenings and cultural events. Visit www.shermanphoenix.com for more information.

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