How we Connect

Historic Halyard Park

Halyard Park has been a great Milwaukee neighborhood and a good place to live for a very long time. Built on a foundation of perseverance and commitment established by community residents decades ago, this small enclave has done well. Halyard Park is located between Interstate 43 and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive; and, North Avenue and Walnut Street. The neighborhood was first settled in the mid-1800s by mostly German immigrants.

From the 1920s to the 1930s, African-Americans became predominant in the neighborhood. It was during this period that Ardie and Wilbur Halyard came to Milwaukee, and founded the Columbia Savings and Loan Association in 1924. The neighborhood continued to grow healthy and vibrant in commerce and culture. Unfortunately, the mid-1960s brought serious disruptions, including the building of Interstate 43 which ripped through the heart of Halyard Park and other parts of the Milwaukee Bronzeville community. But Halyard Park and its residents proved to be resilient.

In the mid-1970s, The United Realty Group, Inc., led by Beechie Brooks, purchased land from the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee with plans to build a subdivision with new ranch style houses. The Halyard’s Columbia Savings and Loan Association financed some of those first homes in the neighborhood and many of them still stand along the tree lined streets of Halyard Park.

One of the many reasons Halyard Park is still such a special place today is the strong attachment its people have to the neighborhood. Longtime Halyard Park resident, Ms. Lennie Mosley, talks fondly about the area. “We watch out for our neighbors. When someone goes out of town, we keep an eye on things. And when someone moves into the community, we often send over flowers or a fruit basket to welcome them.” For those who live in the neighborhood, that feeling of belonging is distinct and ever-present.

Darlene C. Russell, MS | Director of Community Engagement

Darlene develops community engagement strategies for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and ThriveOn Collaboration, a partnership of the Foundation, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Royal Capital. She leads a team focused on building strong relationships and partnering with organizations to strengthen and improve the quality of life for children and their families. In addition, Darlene collaborates with donor advisors to counsel prospective donors on investment strategies and with marketing and communications departments to develop communication collateral. She previously served as Senior Program Officer, overseeing leadership development, community development, and philanthropic projects.

Before joining the Foundation, Darlene worked in the nonprofit and education sectors for 18 years. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).

Darlene holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Leadership and Development from Alverno College and a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Cardinal Stritch University. She is an honored alumna of the Cardinal Stritch African American Leadership Program and Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program.

Darlene is a Milwaukee native, a published author, and an entrepreneur who has dedicated herself to a life of service. Realizing time is the most precious commodity, Darlene’s personal mission is to do more, say more, and be more. Darlene practices mindfulness and enjoys connecting with her family and friends. She strives to inspire and encourage others to make the most of their moments. 

Contact information:
drussell@greatermilwaukeefoundation.org | (414) 336-7044

Dr. Joni Williams

I am Joni S. Williams, MD, MPH, an associate professor of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in the Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, and Center for Advancing Population Science (CAPS). I have more than twelve years of experience in community engagement, specifically conducting community-engaged research to promote health equity and reduce health disparities among historically underserved, under-resourced, and marginalized populations. As a member of the community engagement team for the ThriveOn Collaboration, I serve as Chair of the Community Building Workgroup. In partnership and solidarity with the community, I am interested in creating service-oriented activities to organize around issues of social justice, establish an environment of social cohesion and social integration, and build relationships to promote positive well-being and quality of life. As a native of South Carolina, known for its smiling faces and beautiful places, I value people and culture and know the power harnessed within the bond of communities united for a common purpose. As I continue to learn about the strong and resilient history rooted in Milwaukee, especially in the King Drive District within the Harambee, Halyard Park, and Brewer’s Hill neighborhoods, I am invested in and committed to contributing my talents, skills, and abilities towards achieving a Milwaukee that is healthy, equitable, and thriving for all!

Contact information:
jswilliams@mcw.edu

Debra Nevels | Program Manager

Debra R. Nevels, MSHCM, currently works with the Medical College of Wisconsin as the Program Manager for Community Outreach and Engagement for Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center. Most recently she worked as Health Systems Manager for the American Cancer Society for seven years.

She is also currently adjunct faculty at Concordia University in the College of the Health Services Administration program.

Throughout her educational career, she strived to take advantage of opportunities to learn from and share knowledge with others. Debra considers herself to be a lifelong learner even though she has completed her educational pursuits. Her experience is extensively rooted in health care, but main interest is in educating others. he has worked with a variety of populations in the following areas: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Texas.If you have any questions, feel free to contact her.

Contact information:
dnevels@mcw.edu.

Madeline (Maddy) Riordan | Community Engagement Manager

Maddy co-leads community engagement efforts for the Foundation, planning and facilitating meetings, community events, and training with a focus on building and cultivating relationships. She also identifies grantmaking opportunities and is the liaison between the Community Advisory Councils and the Foundation. In addition, she serves on the Scholarship Review Team for the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation.

Maddy formerly worked for 88Nine Radio Milwaukee as Community Engagement and Outreach Manager and is most proud of her contribution to the documentary film Invisible Lines and the podcast By Every Measure, both of which addressed issues of racism, segregation, and discrimination in Milwaukee. Her career also includes positions with the Milwaukee Public Library and several educational institutions.

Maddy attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies–Child Development, a Master’s degree in Urban Studies, and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership.

Maddy’s personal life is filled with the joy of her two children and her incredible circle of friends. She is a voracious reader of mysteries and enjoys swimming whenever she can.