more than a ceremony
The BE Legacy of Excellence Scholarships and Awards is a powerful movement that uplifts, honors, and invests in brilliance across generations. For 40 years, this distinguished event has celebrated over 1,400 individuals in Milwaukee who are trailblazing in education, arts, culture, religion, business, health, and community service. With the support of dedicated partners and a committed committee, the Awards shine a spotlight on those whose impact transforms our city. At its heart, the event fuels the Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Fund—awarding over $600,000 in scholarships to 456 gifted, service-minded high school seniors pursuing college or trade school.
“For nearly four decades, this celebration has amplified the voices of educators, artists, leaders, and dreamers. I’m proud to stand on those shoulders.”
— Brenda Sheppard-Nelson
Mission
To celebrate and elevate individuals and organizations whose excellence, leadership, and cultural impact are shaping a more vibrant, equitable, and empowered Milwaukee.
Vision
A future where the brilliance of underrepresented communities is recognized, celebrated, and woven into the fabric of our city’s progress—fueling generations of leaders, creatives, and changemakers.
Past Events
Our photo gallery is a tribute to the powerful legacy of this event, capturing the spirit, energy, and celebration that have defined each year. From red carpet arrivals and heartfelt speeches to candid moments of connection, these images showcase the incredible women we’ve had the honor of recognizing—leaders, trailblazers, and changemakers from every walk of life. Whether you’ve attended in the past or are discovering the event for the first time, the gallery offers a window into the heart of this celebration. Explore years of inspiration, excellence, and community as we continue to honor those lighting the way forward.
community partners/sponsors
2025 honorees
ASPIRING GAME CHANGERS
Ashley Price
Vice President, Manager
Associate Financial Advice Team
Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.
Linbranda Price
Community Relations Director
Goodwill Greater Milwaukee and Chicago
WOMEN IN THE ARTS
Rosy Petri
Multimedia Artist
Sande Robinson
Art Collector/Arts Advocate
WOMEN IN EDUCATION
Dr. Mary Bowie
Retired Administrator
Milwaukee Public Schools
Cheryl Lewis
3rd Grade Teacher
Brown Deer Elementary School
Joyce Mallory
Former MPS Board of Directors
(1983-1993)
WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS
Kristin Pierce
Anchor
WISN CH-12
Jerry Sykes
First Black Female
Television Host in Milwaukee
Jacqueline Zelden
Strategic Communications Manager
Milwaukee County Office of Equity
WOMEN IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Terese Caro
President/CEO
Legacy Redevelopment Corporation
Nicole Robbins
Executive Director
Martin Luther King Economic Development
Marjorie Rucker
Executive Director
The Business Council Inc.
WOMEN IN COMMUNITY SERVICE
Maricha M. Harris, M.A.
Executive Director
Dominican Center for Women
Shakita Lafranc McClain
Director
Milwaukee County Office of Health and Human Services
WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT
Tiffany Henry
Milwaukee Office Director
Office of US Senator Tammy Baldwin
Joan Johnson
Director and City Librarian
Milwaukee Public Library
Lt. Jasmine Arce
Director, Gun Violence Division
Milwaukee Police Department
Darlene Austin
Director of Diversity, Employee Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility
Quarles
WOMEN IN THE MEDICAL FIELD
Dr. Dora Clayton Jones, PhD, RN
Associate Professor
Marquette University
WOMEN IN THE MILITARY
Anna Mae Robinson
Member of the Six Triple Eight Army Corp
Sgt. Major Tanya Sloan
United States Army
Dr. Josie Veal, 2nd Lt.
United States Army
WOMEN IN MORTUARY SCIENCE
Michelle Pitts Luckett
President/Owner
The New Pitts Mortuary
Sheila Reid
President/CEO
Reid’s Golden Gate Funeral Home & Cremation and House of Branch
WOMEN IN MUSIC
Peaches Reynolds
Community Leader & Acclaimed Vocalist
Sheri Williams Pannell
Music & Theatre Director
special honorees: african american sororities
Sharon Williams
President – Milwaukee Alumni
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated
Dr. Tanzinique Carrington
President – Epsilon Kappa Omega
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
Jennifer Beckwith-Wright
President – Kappa Beta Zeta
Zeta Phi Beta
Cynthia Leonard
President – Gamma Pi Sigma
Sigma Gamma Rho
Jaquilla Ross-Allen
President – Upsilon Mu Omega
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
Kim Ingram
President – Alpha Pi Chapter
Eta Phi Beta
louvenia johnson scholarship students
Dillian Burns
3.96 GPA
Golda Meir
Derek Cronwell
3.72 GPA
Golda Meir
Sienna Ebo
3.6 GPA
Divine Savior Holy Angels
Lauren Gooden
3.3 GPA
Golda Meir
Shamauri Harrington
4.038 GPA
Golda Meir
Jordan Henderson
4.0952 GPA
Rufus King
Madison Jones
4.433 GPA
Pius XI Catholic
Hope Liyungu
3.3 GPA
Palaski
Braelyn Neal
3.59 GPA
Golda Meir
Zora Penager-Davidson
4.3 GPA
Ronald Reagan College Prep
Amonya Pampuch-Buck
3.4 GPA
Milwaukee School of Languages
Martir Slade
3.4 GPA
Milwaukee German Immersion