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The Sherman Phoenix Mission

To revitalize and uplift local communities through celebration, entrepreneurship support and wellness resources.

Our Vision

To have a thriving community with increased economic opportunity and wellness for all residents.

MISSION AND VISION

WE ARE SHERMAN PHOENIX

 

Sherman Phoenix is a marketplace and foundation committed to fueling entrepreneurship and small business success in Milwaukee.

Born from community resolve in 2016, following civil unrest in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee after a fatal police shooting heavily impacted the community. Sherman Phoenix has grown into a thriving ecosystem where locally owned businesses can grow and scale. What began as a response rooted in healing and possibility has evolved into a dynamic marketplace and hub of entrepreneurship. Today, we are home to more than 20 brick-and-mortar businesses and support dozens of entrepreneurs annually through pop-ups, mentorship, and small business development programming.

Through the Sherman Phoenix Foundation and initiatives like Phoenix Rise MKE, we invest in infrastructure, wraparound support, and strategic partnerships that expand access to opportunity, strengthen local visibility, and advance long-term economic wellness.

We are more than a destination, we are an engine for economic opportunity where culture, community and collaboration rise together.

 

We continue to rise.

Together, with our partners, we advance three strategies...

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Success

Entrepreneurship and small businesses are the backbone of our Milwaukee neighborhoods and communities. We ensure growth and sustainability of our businesses by connecting them with resources such as mentorship, skills training, technical support, and wellness. We help them scale their businesses, generate jobs, and support the local economy. 

 

Economic Equity and Empowerment

We know that economic equity and empowerment are critical for individual and family wellness, so we support our surrounding neighborhoods and communities with workforce development and financial literacy. This programming features activities for every member of the family. 

 

Cultural and Economic Vibrancy

By connecting with others, inspiring and magical things can happen. We create opportunities for people from all walks of life to gather, learn and celebrate. Our organization has had a strong line up of community events, and we continue to create these much-needed opportunities for individuals.

The Sherman Phoenix Foundation interior

OUR TEAM

Romero McCants, Interim Executive Director

Romero is an intrapreneurial, entrepreneurial, and strategic operations professional with over 10+ years of diverse experience in operations, administration and project management. He also brings over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience operating several small businesses. With a passionate and proven ability to provide servant leadership throughout organizations large and small, Romero thrives in a collaborative, goal driven environment. As an adept trainer, he provides patient, thorough and effective training in areas of technology, policy implementation and operational systems.

Rashidah Butler-Jackson, Engagement Coordinator

Rashidah Butler-Jackson is the Engagement Coordinator at Sherman Phoenix Foundation, where she focuses on building authentic relationships, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting meaningful engagement with community, tenants, and partners. She has been with the Foundation since 2021. With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, she brings a people-centered, collaborative approach to advancing the Foundation’s mission. Rashidah is a Milwaukee native, proud mompreneur, and founder of RBJ Community Consulting. She is deeply committed to supporting community-driven solutions and believes strong relationships are at the heart of thriving, equitable communities.

OUR TEAM

Our Board Of Directors

Dr. Damira Grady

Board Chair

Committees: Executive (Chair), Advancement
Board Term: 2024-Dec.2026

Dina Abercrombie

Committees: Finance (Chair)
Board Term: 2024-Dec.2026

Janell Jones

Committees: Governance

Board Term: 2025-Dec. 2027

 Korbey White

Board Vice Chair

Committees: Executive (Co-Chair), Advancement (Chair)
Board Term: 2024-Dec.2026

Noleta Franz

Committees: Building
Board Term: 2024-Dec.2026

Sherri Jordan

Board Secretary

Committees: Executive (Secretary), Building
Board Term: 2024-Dec.2026

Deidre Garrett

Board Term:  2025- Dec. 2027

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