This morning, the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (the MANDIs) – an awards celebration created to recognize individuals, organizations and corporations that are working to improve conditions in Milwaukee's central city neighborhoods – announced its 15 awards finalists.
The finalists are organized into five categories, including:
The "Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award," which recognizes a community-building public space:
- Holton Bridge Swing Park
- The ARTery
- HOME GR/OWN's Ezekiel Gillespie Park
The "BMO Harris Cornerstone Award," which recognizes an organization for their commitment and effectiveness over time:
- Rotary Club of Milwaukee
- Express Yourself Milwaukee
- Pan-African Community Association
The "Northern Trust Navigator Award," which recognizes an individual for leadership and collaboration:
- La'Ketta Caldwell, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee
- Venice Williams, Alice's Garden
- Todd Hutchison, Impact Seven
The "PNC Bank Trail Blazer Award," which recognizes an innovative approach to a community problem:
- Cream City Gardens and Rain Harvesting Project, Guest House of Milwaukee
- Sisters Diversion Project, Benedict Center
- Mobile Bike Hub, Layton Boulevard West Neighbors
The "State Farm Building Blocks Award," which recognizes a community-advancing real estate project:
- ICAN2 LABS
- Zilber School of Public Health
- Veterans Administration Community Resource and Referral Center, MLK Drive
The finalists were selected from public nominations by a 40-member, independent and cross-sector volunteer committee. Meanwhile, a sixth category – the "Wells Fargo Peoples Choice Award" – will go to the three finalists who receive the most public votes throughout the month of April.
The actual winners, featured through video vignettes, will be announced at a gala held at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino on Wednesday, April 15.
