PRESS RELEASE

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

March 24, 2021

The NAACP of Ozaukee County kicked off Black History Month with a virtual event series called “1-On-1 with Corporate Leaders.” Janette Braverman, Branch President stated, “We received extremely positive feedback from our members and stakeholders from not only across our County, but across WI, GA and CA. Our goal was to showcase and learn from local and global leaders committed to transforming their corporate cultures by ensuring diversity is embedded in everything they do. I’m happy to say that we met our goal.”

The series launched with local leader Jodi Gibson, President and CEO of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM). Thereafter, Ed Magee, the Executive Vice President for Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (Los Angeles, CA), Ernest Nicolas, Sr. Vice President of Integrated Supply Chain and Chief Supply Chain Officer for Rockwell Automation followed, and Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter, President and CEO of V&J Foods, Holding Companies, Inc. closed out the series as well as helped launch Women’s History Month.

Dr. Daniels-Carter discussed how diversity and inclusion is the cultural foundation of her global organization. The event also focused on mentoring the next generation of women in leadership. “I was elated to launch our newly established Women In the NAACP (WIN) Committee along with our new logo, chaired by Chandra Cooper-Davenporte. We are looking forward to empowering women across our County and beyond with several initiatives spawning from this committee,” stated Janette Braverman, Branch President.

The live virtual sessions had over 300 registered attendees from across Ozaukee and Milwaukee counties as well as attendees across the country in support of our guest speakers. Over $5000 was raised in donations as well as new memberships. Since January 1st, 2021, the Branch has increased their membership by over 50%. Women’s History Month events continued on March 11th with Chantre Camack, Executive Editorial Producer of ABC News’ Soul of a Nation. Chantre is also the Director of Talent Production for ESPN and oversees talent strategy, talent production, and branded talent requests. In her almost two-decade career with The Walt Disney Company, she has gained a unique purview and insight into the biggest stars across Hollywood, music, and sports including Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes and LaBron James. Chantre has produced over 65 projects this year alone.

Pamela Hines, Pastor of Christian Faith Fellowship Church (Milwaukee), CEO of Perfect Peace, five-time best selling author, and a 2020 Milwaukee Business Journal Woman of Influence, closed out Women’s History Month on March 22nd sharing an amazing and inspiring message for women entrepreneurs and leaders.

Visit the NAACP Ozaukee County website to learn more about these leaders and other events, and follow the NAACP Ozaukee County Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram (@naacpozaukee) pages for ongoing updates.

The NAACP is the oldest, largest, and strongest civil rights organization in the US. The Ozaukee County Branch was founded in 1990.

Ozaukee County Branch of the NAACP | ​naacpoz@naacpozaukee.org ​| PO Box 301, Thiensville, WI 53092