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The Sherman Phoenix Mission
Through our Marketplace and Foundation, we invest in the infrastructure, programming, and strategic partnerships that drive business growth, strengthen local visibility, and promote long-term economic and community wellness across Milwaukee.
Our Vision
Sherman Phoenix fuels small business success by building pathways to growth and long-term sustainability while reclaiming space for culture, community and collaboration.
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.
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.
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
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
Janell Jones
Committees: Governance
Board Term: 2025-Dec.2027