Equal Opportunity Day recognizes champions advocating for equity and social justice
(MILWAUKEE, WI || January 27, 2023) Greater Milwaukee Urban League will honor local leaders and organizations whose efforts to champion equity and social justice make Milwaukee a better community for everyone.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 23, 2023, during the GMUL’s 62nd annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Equal Opportunity Day luncheon at the Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee 53202. Networking and registration begin at 11:30AM. The theme for Equal Opportunity Day is Entrepreneurship: A Road to Creating Jobs and Generational Wealth! The special guest speaker for the event is John Daniels, Jr., retired partner and chair emeritus, Quarles Law Firm.
The premier presenting sponsor for the day is Molson Coors. A presenting sponsor of the luncheon is iHeartMEDIA. WISN12 anchor/investigative reporter Derrick Rose is the event emcee.
Throughout 2023, GMUL will partner Molson Coors to support local entrepreneurs. The GMUL Entrepreneurship Connection will work with other nonprofit agencies to convene monthly sessions with experts to provide entrepreneurs with free access to information, capital, and support. The Connection kicks off with a panel on entrepreneurship immediately following the luncheon at 1:30PM
“Working collaboratively, we can ensure entrepreneurs have extended opportunities to build and expand their businesses,” said Greater Milwaukee Urban League President and CEO Dr. Eve M. Hall. “Building Black wealth empowers communities and changes lives.”
Tickets and sponsorships are still available. For more information and to purchase tickets or secure sponsorships, please visit https://www.tmul.org/eod.
Individuals and organizations to be recognized at the luncheon for their commitment to equity are:
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Legacy Award Dr. William Finlayson Retired Physician
Corporate Advocacy Champion Award Molson Coors
Community Advocacy Champion Award Thelma A. Sias The Sias Group, LLC
Media Advocacy Award
Pete Monfre
Retired Vice President and General Manager
Sinclair Broadcast Group, WVTV-TV (CW18 and My24)
Health Advocacy Award
Dr. Joseph Kerschner
Dean and Executive Vice President at MCW, Professor in the School of Medicine
Excellence in Philanthropy Award Michael J. Barber
Retired Chief Diversity Officer for GE
Jackie Herd-Barber
Community Volunteer
Excellence in Economic Development Award
Kevin Newell
President & CEO of Royal Capital Group
JoAnne Sabir Entrepreneur, CEO Freedom Endeavors; American
Family Insurance Community and Social Impact Investment Manager
Juli Kaufmann
Entrepreneur, President of Fix Development
Dr. Wesley L. Scott Education Award
Danae Davis
Formerly, Executive Director of Milwaukee Succeeds
Young Professionals Making a Difference
Tiffany Henry
Milwaukee Office Director, Office U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
Sean Lowe
Product Sales Support Consultant for Northwestern Mutual
Michelle Brown Emergency Response Operations Manager Veolia
Jordan Roman Director of Fundraising & Community Engagement, CommonBond Communities
Panel experts participating in the launch of the GMUL Entrepreneurship Connection, which begins at 1:30PM, are listed below. Registration is required as space is limited and at no cost. Please register at https://www.tmul.org/symposium-registration
Marjorie Rucker
Executive Director, The Business Council
Nikki Purvis
President & CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
JoAnne Sabir Entrepreneur, CEO Freedom Endeavors;
American Family Insurance Community and Social Impact Investment Manager
Kevin Newell
President & CEO of Royal Capital Group
Willie Smith
Executive Director Northwest Side Community Development Corporation
About Greater Milwaukee Urban League
Greater Milwaukee Urban League is an affiliate of The National Urban League. We lead through education and outreach, employment and empowerment, and advocacy to achieve economic vibrancy and equal access to all industries and disciplines that positions African Americans to create wealth and live a better quality of life. Greater Milwaukee Urban League’s vision is to ensure that Wisconsin becomes a top 10 place for African Americans to live and thrive and where the greater Milwaukee area becomes a leader in education and socioeconomic inclusion. For more information, visit www.tmul.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @urbanleaguemke.