GRAB TICKETS TO THE 2025 UNITY AWARD WINNERS
In our time of increasing division, unity is more important than ever. Pointing out our differences is easy; the real work is identifying what we all have in common: our shared values and hopes, our vision for a brighter future in Milwaukee and beyond.
Our fifth annual Unity Awards honor the tireless efforts of five people and organizations who have dedicated their lives to bridging divides. These winners work in different fields and among different populations, but they each share a drive to create a better Cream City for all, regardless of age, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity and ability.
For the following profiles, we asked each winner what motivates their work, what other local organization they admire, and how Milwaukeeans can work toward unity. We hope you’re as inspired by their stories as we are.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Venice Williams
Pathfinders’ Power of Paths Youth Action Board
Mary Joy Hickey
Jim Gaillard
Damian Buchman
We asked 2024 honoree Dan Terrio, director of diversity, equity & inclusion for Milwaukee County, to reflect on last year’s Unity Awards Event. His response, in part:
The Unity Awards brought more than just an honor; it gifted me an unexpected moment of connection. At the event, I was introduced by someone from my reservation in northern Wisconsin – someone I had mentored through their youth. I had witnessed their journey through life’s highs and lows, and to hear their words about the impact I’d had on their life brought tears to my eyes. Recognition often highlights the work we do, but it rarely shows us the personal impact we’ve made on others. In one unforgettable evening, I experienced both. It’s a moment I will carry in my heart forever.
