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< Back Earl Ingram Board Member Earl Ingram is a Life Long Resident of Milwaukee, WI and a proud graduate of Washington High School- Class of ’72. The majority of Ingram’s professional career was spent working 33 years at A.O. Smith/Tower Automotive. He recently resigned from the City of Milwaukee Housing Authority (HACM) as an Assistant Education Specialist in the Parklawn Development.

Empowering Milwaukee's Youth Through Urban Agriculture, Leadership, and Environmental Sustainability Growing Youth Leadership (GYL) is Walnut Way Conservation Corp's signature summer internship program that engages local teens in intensive urban agriculture education, leadership development, and job training. Through hands-on experience, youth transform vacant lots into productive gardens and orchards while developing valuable skills and contributing to community wellness. Program Overview Growing Youth Leadership offers Milwaukee youth the opportunity to: Gain intensive training in sustainable urban agriculture practices Develop leadership skills through hands-on community projects Earn income while learning valuable job skills Contribute to neighborhood food security and environmental stewardship Engage in civic activities that strengthen our community Through this transformative program, teens grow and harvest a wide range of chemical-free vegetables and fruits, from tending beans on reclaimed mini vegetable farms to picking peaches in urban orchards and creating value-added products like jams for local farmers markets. Impact & Outcomes "It's about taking care of what you have, taking pride, having ownership and helping each other out." - Kimora Eubanks, 18-year-old GYL intern Each growing season, GYL employs local teens to work in Walnut Way gardens and at partner sites like Alice's Garden. Throughout the program, participants engage in civic engagement and environmental stewardship activities-key components of the Walnut Way mission. GYL creates multiple community benefits: Grows young environmental leaders Transforms once-vacant lots into productive gardens and orchards Produces an abundance of fresh food that increases neighborhood access to healthy options Supports Lindsay Heights' economic and environmental development Program Details Who: Milwaukee youth ages 14-19 When: Summer season (June-August) Where: Walnut Way gardens and partner sites throughout Lindsay Heights Activities include: Planting and harvesting organic produce Learning sustainable growing practices Creating value-added products Selling at local markets Participating in leadership development workshops Engaging with community members The GYL Experience ![Youth harvesting vegetables in community garden] (Image placeholder) Participants in the Growing Youth Leadership program don't just learn about agriculture-they become agents of positive change in their community. From weeding rows of vegetables on thriving mini-farms that once stood as abandoned lots to picking fresh fruit from urban orchards planted by their peers, GYL interns experience firsthand how their work contributes to community transformation. Under the guidance of our Urban Agriculture Coordinator, interns develop practical skills while contributing to Walnut Way's mission of creating an economically diverse community through environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic development Why GYL Matters Growing Youth Leadership is a powerful way to engage and employ youth in our community to steward the land and revitalize the neighborhood. The program continues to support our mission to sustain transformation by advancing economically diverse and abundant communities through civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and creating venues for prosperity. In Lindsay Heights, where 96% of residents are African American and many families face economic challenges, GYL offers meaningful opportunities for youth development while addressing community needs for fresh, healthy food and environmental justice Join Our Community of Young Leaders ![Youth selling produce at farmers market] (Image placeholder) Applications for Summer 2025 will open in March Interested in becoming a GYL intern? Want to support the program? There are many ways to get involved: Apply: Youth ages 14-19 can apply for paid summer internships Volunteer: Community members can support our gardens and youth programs Donate: Contributions help fund internship positions and program supplies Partner: Organizations can collaborate on educational or community projects Youth Leadership is made possible through the generous support of our community partners and donors, including the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation, Zilber Family Foundation, and others who believe in the power of youth to transform communities.Related Programs at Walnut Way Blue Skies Landscaping: Professional landscaping services employing neighborhood residents Wellness Programs: Activities promoting community health and well-being Environmental Justice Initiative: Addressing environmental justice concerns in our community The Healing Garden: Youth programming focused on community and creativity6Walnut Way Conservation Corp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit neighborhood organization founded in 2000 by Lindsay Heights residents to reclaim and redevelop the economic health and vitality of their community.

< Back Michael Malone Blue Skies Landscaping Crew Michael Malone brings seven years of landscaping experience to the Blue Skies Landscaping team at Walnut Way, having learned the trade from his father. As a dedicated crew member, Michael supports all aspects of landscape maintenance, urban agriculture, and campus upkeep. He is skilled in landscape installation, horticulture, equipment operation, and works confidently outdoors in all weather conditions. Friendly, dependable, and detail-oriented, Michael is committed to helping create a healthier, greener community in line with Walnut Way’s mission.

< Back Chandra Ellis Grants Manager Chandra Ellis is Walnut Way’s Grant Manager with five years of leadership experience at the organization. She specializes in strategic planning, operational management, and team alignment, driving growth and equity in Milwaukee communities. Chandra’s responsibilities include grant management, reporting, and building strong funder relationships to ensure compliance and maximize impact. She has overseen impactful programs, managed budgets, and developed business plans for social enterprises such as Taste of Lindsay Heights. Chandra holds a BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and an Associate in Commercial Real Estate from Marquette University, blending insights into human behavior with practical real estate expertise. Her strengths in partnership building, collaboration, and financial stewardship support both community engagement and sustainable development. Chandra is dedicated to empowering teams, cultivating a positive culture, and advancing opportunities for long-term community well-being. cellis@walnutway.org (414) 375-4224

Walnut Way Conservation Corp Project, Program or Iniaitive Sponsorship Request We are committed to backing projects, programs, and initiatives that bolster the capabilities of organizations. These individuals and organizations play a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being, quality of life, and economic prospects for individuals, families, especially for Black, Indigenous and people of color. Company name* First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Sponsorship Request Amount $250 $500 $800 $1,000 What is the name of your project, program or initiative?* Start date and time of your project* Month Month Day Year Time : Hours Minutes AM Single choice* Youth 6 - 9 years old Youth 10 - 17years old Adults 18 and up Seniors 55 and up Please describe your project, how it will benefit target group and activities and outcomes expected?* Is this your first project? Describe your background and experience with implementing project, programs and/or initiatives?* Signature* Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload. Submit

Thank you, Donor Name We are so grateful for your generous donation of $0. Your donation number is #1000. You’ll receive a confirmation email soon.

< Back Zion Hotman Blue Skies Landscaping Crew Zion Hortman is a smooth, laidback guy with a strong work ethic and five years of landscaping experience. As a member of the Blue Skies Landscaping crew at Walnut Way, Zion supports landscape maintenance, urban agriculture, and campus upkeep, working confidently outdoors in all conditions. He is skilled with commercial equipment, attentive to detail, and valued for his reliability and commitment to Walnut Way’s mission of building a healthier, greener community.

< Back Annie Robinson Vice President An Robinson, Board Vice President, has been a resident of Lidsy Heights for over 20 years and a member of the Walnut Way Board for almost two decades. As an educator dedicated to youth and families, Ms. Robinson is a compassionate leader and community advocate.

< Back Marilyn Mitchell Accountant Marilyn Mitchell is a management accounting professional and small business consultant with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors. She has served as Controller, Financial Analyst, and Accounting Manager, specializing in sales and expense forecasting, variance analysis, business development, tax, and full-charge accounting. Marilyn holds degrees in Business Administration and Accounting from Mount Mary University. She is also a current and former owner of businesses in accounting and tax, trucking, retail, mortgage lending, and staffing. Marilyn brings a wealth of expertise and entrepreneurial insight to her role as Walnut Way’s accountant. mmitchell@walnutway.org (262) 259-5917

< Back Tomiah Jackson Community Wealth Building Program Manager Tomiah holds an MBA in Business Administration and has several years of experience in business management, social media strategy, and financial literacy education. As Walnut Way’s Community Wealth Building Manager, she manages community partnerships and digital literacy projects, coordinating community wealth building initiatives with a focus on work, wealth and wellness. Her background combines strong analytical skills with a passion for empowering individuals and organizations through effective business practices and digital engagement. jacksontomiah@walnutway.org 414-264-2326

Join Us for Harvest Day 2025 Walnut Way Conservation Corp is excited to host Harvest Day 2025, a community celebration that brings together residents of Lindsay Heights and the greater Milwaukee area. This annual festival showcases community spirit, sustainability, and local abundance. Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Clarence and Cleopatra Johnson Park 1919 W Fond du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53205 Harvest Day 2025 - Sponsor Packet Cultivating Wellness, Work, and Wealth—Together. Become a Sponsor Why Attend? Harvest Day is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and unity that define Lindsay Heights. As Executive Director Antonio Butts shares, “Harvest Day is a celebration of the Lindsay Heights neighborhood and lifts up the remarkable talents, gifts and culture of our community”. What to Expect Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances from local artists, including music, dance, and a Youth Talent Show. Children’s Activities: Dedicated children’s station with games, crafts, and fun for all ages. Local Vendors: Shop for fresh produce, artisan goods, and delicious food from neighborhood businesses. Health & Wellness Resources: Access wellness activities and community resources for all ages. Community Engagement: Connect with neighbors, learn about Walnut Way’s initiatives, and discover ways to get involved. Get Involved Reserve Your Spot: RSVP or register now as a guest, vendor, or sponsor. Volunteer: Help make Harvest Day possible—volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and groups. Support: Your donations and sponsorships help keep this event free and accessible to all. Come celebrate the harvest, support local talent, and be part of the movement for wellness, work, and wealth in Lindsay Heights! Chandra Ellis Grants Manager 📞 (414) 375-4224 ✉️ cellis@walnutway.org Gwendolyn Hodges Program Assistant 📞 (414) 264-2326 ✉️ ghodges@walnutway.org Tomiah Jackson Program Assistant 📞 (414) 264-2326 ✉️ tjackson@walnutway.org Document HARVEST DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Tag

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