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Board Members LaVonda Graham Board Chair Member Since 2015 Read More Monique Graham Secretary of the Board Member Since 2017 Read More Dea Wright Board Member Member Since 2023 Read More Annie Robinson Vice President Member Since 2012 Read More Heidi Moore HR Committee Chair Member Since 2018 Read More Earl Ingram Board Member Member Since 2023 Read More X'Zayvion McCoy Treasurer of the Baord Member Since 2018 Read More Emonia Barnett Board Member Member Since 2022 Read More

Job Listings Blue Skies Landscaping - GI and General Services Crew Member Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Café Team Member Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Urban Agriculture Coordinator Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Community Wealth Building Manager Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Communications Assistant Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job

Projects Top of Page Projects 1 (List)

Team Members Antonio Butts Executive Director (414) 260-2243 antonio@walnutway.org Since 2017 Read More Bryan Rogers Enviornmental Justice Director (414) 240-6931 bryanrogers21@gmail.com Since 2022 Read More Marilyn Mitchell Accountant (262) 259-5917 mmitchell@walnutway.org Since 2020 Read More Tomiah Jackson Community Wealth Building Program Manager 414-264-2326 jacksontomiah@walnutway.org Since 2025 Read More Jasmin Hoover Urban Ag Coordinator 414-264-2326 jhoover@walnutway.org Since 2024 Read More Eric R. Trunnell Environmental Program Assistant 414-264-2326 etrunell@walnutway.org Sine 2024 Read More Michael Malone Blue Skies Landscaping Crew Since 2022 Read More Samuel Thurman Construction Development thurman@walnutway.org Since 2020 Read More Yolanda Odufuwa EJII Program Assistant - Consultant 414) 240-6931 yolanda@walnutay.org Since 2025 Read More Dextra Hadnot Assistant Executive Director dextrahadnot@walnutway.org Since 2024 Read More Chandra Ellis Grants Manager (414) 375-4224 cellis@walnutway.org Since 2017 Read More Dawnice Anglin AR/AP Bookkeeper (414) 253-8069 danglin@walnutway.org Since 2021 Read More Tiwanda Ward Taste of Lindsay Heights Manager 414-260-0862 tward@walnutway.org Since 2023 Read More Olamilekan Awoniyi IT Coordinator (414) 269-3027 oawoniyi@walnutway.org Since 2022 Read More Clyde Martin Urban Agriculture Assistant Since 2025 Read More Terrance Rayford Blue Skies Landscaping Crew Since 2023 Read More Vince Ashford Safety Director (414) 310-1274 vincent.ashford1@gmail.com Since 2016 Read More Ramona Curry Resident Ambassador –Community Engagement 414) 240-6931 ramona_curry1127@yahoo.com Since 2022 Read More Jerrilynn Freelon Associate Director (414) 253-0779 jfreelon@walnutway.org Since 2019 Read More Alysha Holmes HR Manager 414.264.2326 Ext 872 alyshadholmes@walnutway.org Since 2024 Read More Jovon Siner Blues Skies Landscaping &Maintenace Supervisor 414-264-2326 jovan@walnutway.org Since 2024 Read More Jevon Prowell Blue Skies Supervisor (414) 296-1130 jprowell@walnutway.org Since 2016 Read More Gwendolyn Hodges Program Assistant 414-264-2326 ghodges@walnutway.org Since 2025 Read More Vonadrian Scott Maintenance Read More Zion Hotman Blue Skies Landscaping Crew Since 2020 Read More Pastor Teresa Thomas -Boyd Faith Partnership Consultant (414)507-1115 fourjttb@yahoo.com Since 2021 Read More

Terms of Use We at Walnut Way Conservation Corp value transparency in our interactions with the community. This section outlines the terms of use of our website. The content on our website is for informational purposes only. We are not liable for any errors or omissions in the content. The information on our website is subject to change without notice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information on the website. Visitors are encouraged to verify the information before acting on it. The website may contain links to third-party websites that are not owned or controlled by us. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites. By using our website, visitors agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this section. Support Our Community Development Efforts Donate Now

< 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

< Back Jovon Siner Blues Skies Landscaping &Maintenace Supervisor Jovan Siner is the Blue Skies Landscaping Supervisor at Walnut Way, with more than a year in this leadership role. He brings over 20 years of carpentry experience—including formal training—and more than a decade in landscaping, home improvement, and repairs. As supervisor, Jovan oversees employees in landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, and related services, while also assisting with carpentry and auto repair tasks. His diverse skills and hands-on leadership make him an asset to the Walnut Way team jovan@walnutway.org 414-264-2326

< Back Antonio Butts Executive Director Serving as the Executive Director of Walnut Way Conservation Corp., Antonio Butts is a transformative leader with a profound passion for Milwaukee. In his career, Antonio has been able to effectively engage diverse stakeholders. At Walnut Way, Antonio partners with residents to become agents of change in their community. He is involved in a wide array of activities, from advocating for issues like energy burden, broadband access, and water rights, to transforming residential foreclosures into affordable homeownership opportunities. His focus on individual talent development for economic mobility and support for small businesses is indicative of his commitment to fostering an economically diverse and vibrant community. Antonio's work embodies his faith in community-led change and his dedication to creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all. These efforts contribute to reducing disparities among African Americans, increasing community wealth, enhancing resident wellbeing, and fostering resilient, self-sustaining neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee. antonio@walnutway.org (414) 260-2243

We are in the process of creating a comprehensive strategy to scale the systemic change already being fostered throughout Milwaukee, further improving the community's quality of life across multiple dimensions. We are aiming to leverage a $20 million grant in a collaborative effort involving multiple partners, each focusing on their expertise to maximize the impact of the investment. EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program The collaborative process aims to secure the EPA Community Change Grant with cross-sector partners. Milwaukee Walnut Way Conservation Corp. leads, with the City of Milwaukee, grassroots orgs, and the Environmental Justice & Infrastructure Initiative. Walnut Way, EJII and City of Milwaukee are working with Slipstream and Elevate (technical assistance providers) to advance the development of a unified, collaboratively created grant proposal submission, ensuring the inclusion of all partner stakeholders involved in this collective endeavor. Initial phase: info gathering and proposal drafting; subsequent phases focus on stakeholder review. The project aligns with stakeholder priorities in targeted neighborhoods. To extend beyond 36 months, explore additional sources like municipal strategies, matching resources, philanthropic entities, donors, and other funding. Current timeline for submission by April 15, 2024 Update In green 5/2/2024 - Slide Deck DRAFT Overview Update In green 3/8/2024 Updates: in Green EPA Kick-off meeting registration: https://www.walnutway.org/events-1/epa-grant-kick-off-meetin EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program Walnut Way Letter of Support Draft Template - EPA Grant Conceptual Starting Point - Update 3 /8/ 2024 - How can we positively impact the lives of 5300 in targeted neighbohrood individuals through a variety of approaches focusing on voting capabilities, marketable skills, healthy housing (affordable rental and home owernship) , stable transportation, and healthcare access? The project is a multi-faceted initiative aimed at foste ring environmental justice, infrastructure development, and community engagement. Positioned as a comprehensive response to pressing environmental concerns, the project leverages the collective strength of Walnut Way and its partner organizations, deploying a budget of approximately 20 million to be distributed over 36 months. Update 3/8/2024 - How can we attract matching funds to seize the opportunity for long-term sustainability? The project involves education, capacity building, governance participation, and environmental stewarding, with a specific focus on energy efficiency, weatherization, storm water management, healthy home resources, and data collection. An important aspect of the initiative includes the implementation of a micro-grid for subscription-based renewable energy access, as well as weatherizing 300 homes and significant green infrastructure projects. A critical part of this effort is the Resilient Resident Civic Engagement Compensation Program. This innovative program provides a method for community members to gain recognition and compensation for their contribution to the project, providing a way to earn additional income and engage in civic activities. Overall, the project aims for a holistic transformation of urban infrastructure and the creation of a sustainable, equitable community. Update 3/8/2024 - We must clearly outline how resident led initiatives can access direct recourses for self-directed projects programs and initiatives - toward a more cohesive community. Writing Team: Led by Antonio Butts from Walnut Way (antonio@walnutway.org ), who acts as the lead agency and convener. Core members include Oliver Schmitz from the Grainger Institute for Engineering (oschmitz@wisc.edu ) and Dr. Nilanjan Lodh from Marquette University College of Health Sciences (nilanjan.lodh@marquette.edu ). Other key contributors are Chelsea Chandler from Clean Wisconsin (cchandler@cleanwisconsin.org ) and Jodi Jean Amble from Renew Wisconsin (jodi@renewwisconsin.org ). Update 3 /8/ 2024 - Slip Stream is currently leading the initial phases of the proposal writing process (slipstream contact: Sarah Dooling sdooling@slipstreaminc.org ). Next phases will include collaborative review and feedback. Submission date goals April 15, 2024. Responsible for writing proposals, reports, and ensuring clear communication among all teams. Their key tasks include project documentation, proposal development, and interteam communication. Green Infrastructure Team: Breanne Plier from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (bplier@mmsd.com ) now holds a core leadership role in this team. Randy Krous of Milwaukee's Forestry Apprenticeship program (rkrous@milwaukee.gov ), Jiquinna Cohen from Milwaukee Public Schools (505@milwaukee.k12.wi.us ), Chuck Schumacher from the Milwaukee Department of Public Works (cschum@milwaukee.gov ), Lafayette L. Crump from the Department of City Development (lafayette.crump@milwaukee.gov ), and Langston Verdin from MKE Fresh Air Collective (langston@mkefreshair.com ). Update 3 /8/ 2024 - Strategy is emerging between Urban Ecology, Ground Works and Walnut Way for aligned training and implementation approach. Habitat restoration, forestry-related tasks, and sustainable urban planning. Key tasks involve implementing green infrastructure projects, coordinating with city departments and schools, and monitoring air quality. Health Research Team: This team maintains its focus on health-related aspects of environmental issues, with Dr. Nilanjan Lodh from Marquette University College of Health Sciences (nilanjan.lodh@marquette.edu ) serving as a member in addition to his role in the Writing Team. Other team members include Michael Mannan from the City of Milwaukee Health Department (mamanna@milwaukee.gov ) and Nicole Mubanga from Outreach Health Systems (nicolem@orchc-milw.org ).Update 3/8/ 2024 - To repurpose the former Children's Hospital Pediatric Care Center at the previous Next Door Foundation site in 53210 Metcalf Park, the goal is to establish a community clinic for family practice. Children's previously served over 1,500 families from this site. Currently, there is no other clinic or primary care facility within a 4-square-mile radius of the community. Potential partnerships with federally qualified health centers are being considered in this initiative as we plan for the next steps. focuses on the health impacts of environmental issues. Their main objective is to optimize health systems and conduct medical research related to the environment. This includes studying the effects of pollution on public health, researching new methods to mitigate these impacts, and working closely with health departments to implement findings. Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Team including workforce training: This team includes Calleb Zyduck from WE Energies - Business Services (calleb.zyduck@wecenergygroup.com ) and Nic Schueller from Focus on Energy (nic.schueller@focusonenergy.com ). They work closely with Dan Streit from Slipstream (dstreit@slipstreaminc.org ) and Abigail Corso from Elevate (Abigail.Corso@elevatenp.org ) to implement and evaluate energy-efficient technologies and infrastructures, promote energy conservation, and provide technical expertise. Update 3 /8/ 2024 , the acquisition of eight to 12 navigators strategically positioned partner locations to facilitate and implement inflation reduction measures, focusing on owner occupants, particularly seniors and low to middle-income families. A cohort of up to 16 organizations is engaged in an ecosystem of support to enhance stability access. promote energy conservation and renewable energy use in Milwaukee. They work on implementing energy-efficient technologies and infrastructures, managing stormwater, a nd providing technical expertise. Their key tasks include conducting energy audits, implementing energy-saving measures, and educating the public about energy efficiency. Project Goals The Walnut Way Conservation Corps, in partnership with a cross-sector collaborative of community-based organizations, municipalities, social sector anchors, and the local community, is requesting a $20 million grant. The allocation of funds includes: $5 million to the Milwaukee Community Land Trust for new construction development project subsidies in partnership with the Community Development Alliance. $10 million for environmental justice and infrastructure initiative, with 16 partners receiving grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, totaling $4 million. 1.275M Family Care: Community Clinic $1.5 million specifically for navigators and ambassadors stationed at Environmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative partner sites. $3 million for neighborhood-level services such as pre-weatherization, weatherization, rehab, green infrastructure, energy efficiency, and renewable. $2 million African-American Leadership Alliance for training, development and education, with million going directly towards civic compensation for paid training and learning pathways in civic education, green jobs, or health and wellness advocacy. 1M toward 1MW utility scale solar development 350K Milwaukee Area WISP - extension implementation Subscriber start-up 500K toward Green Jobs Training Center (1414 W Fon Du Lac Ave) References MMSD Proposal Draft 2023 Govenor Housing Proposal McKnight Policy Initiative Proposal Walnut Way - Contractor / Vendor Supplier Enviornmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative member list Resident Civic Compensation Program Resilient Resident Program Elevate / Walnut Way - Electrification Project Concepts Letter of Support Draft Template - EPA Grant Clean Economy Coalition Wisconsin Plan - EJII Founding Member Data You Can Use African American Wellbeing Index Walnut Way Model Home - Weatherization, Heat Pumps, Solar + Battery Storage Lindsay Heights Green Infrastructure Tour MKE Fresh Air Collective 12 Month Planhttps://www.perplexity.ai/search/from-a-20-n.NEawdlQBysZFuuvBgdGA EPA Project Partners Title Contact Role African American Leadership Alliance Walter Lanier, Executive Director Individual Education and Development Milwaukee Community Land Trust Lamont Davis, executive Director Housing Partner City of Milwaukee office of Sustainability Erick Shambarger, Director Housing Partner Urban Ecology Center Jen Hense, Executive Director Conservation Training and Development Harambe Neighborhood Improvement District Cordela Jones, Board Chair Grass-rrots EJII Partner RON Coalition / UMCS William Schmidt, Executive Director Grass-rrots EJII Partner Lindsay Heights Neighborhood Improvement District James Green, Board President Grassroots EJII Partner Century City Neighborhood Yvonne Mcascill, Resident Leader Grassroots EJII Partner Amani United Mricha Harris, Executive Director Grass-rrots EJII Partner Metclf park Community Bridges Melody Curtis, Deputy Director Grass-rrots EJII Partner Walnut Way Conservation Corp Antonio Butts antonio@walnutway.or g Convener JCP Construction - Construction Management James Phelps / james@jcp-construction.com Development design and constrction BUILD Genral Contracting Sam Thurman / sthurman31@gmail.com Development design and constrction EJII Montre Moore /montre.moore@gmail.com / Cassandra M Flagg / cassandra.flagg@sbcglobal.net This organization could ensure that the grant's initiatives address environmental justice and equity issues, such as ensuring equal access to environmental benefits and reducing exposure to environmental hazards. Clean Wisconsin Chelsea Chandler cchandler@cleanwisconsin.org environmental conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration or pollution prevention. Renew wisconsin Jodi Jean Amble jodi@renewwisconsin.org promoting and implementing renewable energy solutions within the community. Milwaukee - City’s Forestry Apprenticeship program Randy Krous rkrous@milwaukee.gov will assist in forestry-related tasks such as tree planting, maintenance, and monitoring. Milwaukee Public Schools Jiquinna Cohen / 505@milwaukee.k12.wi.us integrate environmental education into their curriculum and engage students in hands-on projects related to the grant's objectives. Milwaukee - Dept of Public Works Chuck Schumacher / cschum@milwaukee.gov align with broader city development plans, like sustainable urban planning. Miwlaukee - Dept of City Development Lafayette L. Crump, Commissioner lafayette.crump@milwaukee.gov focus on ensuring that the grant's initiatives align with broader city development plans, like sustainable urban planning. Social Development commission Ella Dunbar, M.Ed. e: edunbar@cr-sdc.org integrating the grant's goals with social development initiatives, such as community engagement or job creation. MKE Fresh Air Collective Langston Verdin, MPH e. langston@mkefreshair.com contribute by monitoring air quality, educating the public about air pollution, and implementing initiatives to improve air quality. Public Service Commission of wisconsin Joe Fontaine │ Administrator Email: Joe.Fontaine@wisconsin.gov align with the grant's objectives, such as increasing energy efficiency or improving water quality. City of Miwlaukee Health Department Michael Mannan|BS, RS, CBO, HCO, FM mamanna@milwaukee.gov addressing public health aspects of the grant, such as reducing exposure to pollutants or promoting healthy lifestyles. Outrech Health Systems Nicole Mubanga, MD nicolem@orchc-milw.org optimizing health systems to better address environmental health issues related to the grant's objectives with patients. WE Energies - Business Services Calleb Zyduck, CEM, LEED AP calleb.zyduck@wecenergygroup.com implementing energy-efficient practices and technologies within local businesses. Foucs on Energy Nic Schueller | Energy Specialist nic.schueller@focusonenergy.com exsiting data, promoting energy conservation and renewable energy use within the community. Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Breanne (Bre) Plier, AICP E: bplier@mmsd.com supporitng managing stormwater to protect local water resources. Frodert Medical College CTSI Doriel D. Ward, PhD, MPH dward@mcw.edu conducting medical research related to environmental health issues Marquette University College of Health Sciences Dr. Nilanjan (Nil) Lodh, Ph.D., M.Sc. nilanjan.lodh@marquette.edu research on the health impacts of environmental issues and develop interventions to address them. Grainger Institute for Engineering Oliver Schmitz, PhD Email: oschmitz@wisc.edu technical expertise and research in engineering solutions to environmental challenges. Slipstream Dan Streit dstreit@slipstreaminc.org Energy Analysis : They could provide comprehensive energy analysis, identifying areas where energy efficiency can be improved and suggesting actionable solutions. Implementation of Energy Efficiency Technologies : They might also be responsible for implementing new energy-efficient technologies, replacing outdated systems with more sustainable options. Elevate Abigail Corso, P.E. Abigail.Corso@elevatenp.org   Investing in technology and infrastructure : The grant could be used to invest in new, energy-efficient technologies and infrastructures that can help property owners reduce their carbon footprint. Monitoring and Evaluation : Lastly, part of the grant could be used to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their programs, allowing them to continuously improve and maximize their impact.

Walnut Way Conservation Corp Nonprofit 501 (c)3 Established Year 2000 info@walnutway.org 2240 N 17th Street Milwaukee, WI 53205 Annual Audit 2018 990 Tax Filing Annual Audit 2021 990 Tax Filing Annual Audit 2019 990 Tax Filing Annual Audit 2022 990 Tax Filing Annual Audit 2020 990 Tax Filing Annual Audit 2023 990 Tax Filing Thank You! As the Executive Director of Walnut Way, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our supporters, volunteers, and contributors. Your unwavering dedication and commitment are the bedrock of our organization. The success stories we share, the transformations we witness in our community, and the progress we make towards our goals are all made possible because of you. Our financial audits, annual reports, and form 990s reflect more than just numbers. They embody the collective efforts of a community united by a shared vision. They represent countless hours of hard work, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the potential of our neighborhood. But beyond these tangible outcomes, they also symbolize something much deeper - our shared passion for creating a resilient, self-sustaining community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This passion fuels our work, drives our strategies, and inspires us to push boundaries. As we navigate the path of development and progress, your support not only strengthens our resolve but also renews our commitment to driving change from within the community. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are making a difference, and together, we will continue to transform lives and uplift our community. Antonio Butts, Executive Director, Walnut Way