Greenfire attended the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee and held at Potawatomi Casino | Hotel. The annual breakfast brings together business, civic, nonprofit, and community leaders to honor Dr. King’s legacy through recognition, youth engagement, and dialogue centered on service, equity, and shared responsibility across the Milwaukee region.
The program opened with a performance of Lift Every Voice & Sing by the Milwaukee High School of the Arts Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Vincent Lyles, Executive Director of Milwaukee Succeeds, guided the program, followed by the Invocation from Rev. Dr. Richard D. Shaw, Pastor at St. Matthew C.M.E. Welcome remarks were delivered by Dr. Bryce Gartland, South Region President of Froedtert ThedaCare, and Dr. John Raymond, President and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Leadership and community impact were recognized through award presentations. Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainable Living Officer at Kohler Co., presented the Social Responsibility Award. Mellinda Devese, Senior Vice President of Global Integrated Supply Chain at GE HealthCare, presented the Healthy Living Award. Youth Development Awards and student essays highlighted the importance of communication and peace, with reflections shared by students from Golda Meir School, Fernwood Montessori School, and Lowell International Elementary School.
Remarks from public and private sector leaders reinforced the event’s focus on action, including Governor Tony Evers, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Additional remarks were shared by Dominic Ortiz, CEO of Potawatomi Casino | Hotel, followed by reflections from Dave Morgan, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. The program concluded with a performance of Optimistic by the Milwaukee High School of the Arts Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Greenfire values opportunities to participate in events that center community, youth development, and leadership. Attending the MLK Celebration Breakfast aligns with ongoing efforts to engage with organizations and partners working to strengthen Milwaukee.