Our Mission

Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant and resilient neighborhood by fostering connections, nurturing local talent, and empowering every member to contribute to the growth and well-being of our community.

Our Vision

At Rooted & Rising, we envision a neighborhood where every resident is deeply connected to the community, where our shared roots run deep, and where together we meet the community at the level of their needs. Only then can we rise to meet the challenges and opportunities of our ever-changing neighborhood and world.

Meet Our Team

Board of Directors

Rev. Kris Androsky, Senior Pastor, Community United Methodist Church of Elm Grove (Board Secretary)

Susan Campbell, Chief Ambulatory Operations & Service Lines Officer, Froedtert Health

Darryl Davidson, Community Engagement Director, City of Milwaukee

Lamont Davis, Executive Director, Milwaukee Community Land Trust

Bess Earl, Senior Grant Analyst, Milwaukee County, (Board President)

Rev. Tina Itson, Development Director, ACLU of Wisconsin; Wauwatosa Ave. UMC, Deacon

Gwen Johnson, Program Manager, Supplier Diversity and Sustainability, MSC Industrial Supply Co. (Board Vice President)

Cordella Jones; Collaboration Director, Community Development Alliance (CDA)

Anthony Kazee, Principal, KG Development Group

Rev. Heidi Loomis, Oak Creek Community UMC

Chelsie Mason, Patient Service Representative, Advocate Aurora Health

Victoria Pryor, Student Services Program Manager, Black Student Cultural Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, (Board Treasurer)

Carrie Sanders, CEO/Founder, Hope Community Capital LLC

Monique Graham, Diversity Practitioner, Community Engagement Expert and Human Resource Professional 

Rev. Gerry Harrison, Retired UMC Clergy

Rev. Ellen Rasmussen, Pastor, Algoma Blvd UMC, Oshkosh; past Board President

Jacquelyn Rice, Treatment Foster Care Manager, St. Charles Youth & Family Services; past Board President

Patricia Shirley, Retired Community Leader and Public Servant, M.S.W.

Emeritus Board Members