The 27th Annual Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDIs) took place on Thursday, August 13, at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, bringing together more than 500 civic, corporate, and community leaders to celebrate the people and organizations driving the revitalization and growth of Milwaukee neighborhoods.
Hosted by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Milwaukee, the MANDIs shine a spotlight on the innovative and impactful work happening across our city. This work helps create safe, healthy, and vibrant communities.
And now, the celebration can keep going - Meet the 2026 MANDI Winners!
Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment Community Health Award
Presented by Deputy Director Dr. Ugwuji Maduekwe
Winner: Milwaukee Consortium for Hmong Health
Recognizing an organization working to eliminate health disparities through systems change.
Associated Bank Trailblazer Award
Presented by Amanda Hernandez, Vice President, Community Accountability Officer, Associated Bank
Winner: Riverworks Financial Clinic Life & Legacy Planning Workshop Series
Recognizing an innovative approach to a community problem.
BMO Cornerstone Award
Presented by Jessica Noth, Vice President, Regional Manager, Community & Homeownership Advancement
Winner: Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee
Recognizing commitment and effectiveness over time.
Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award
Presented by Cecelia Gore, Executive Director
Winner: Cactus Plus Accessibility Initiative
Recognizing a public space that builds community.
Husch Blackwell Building Blocks Award
Presented by Rebecca Mitich, Managing Partner, Husch Blackwell, LLC
Winner: Early Childhood Educators Homeownership Initiative, Developer Group
Recognizing a real estate project that improves the community.
JPMorgan Chase Economic Development Award
Presented by Andrew Keller, Managing Director, Market Manager, JPMorgan Chase Bank
Winner: Standard of Excellence Education and Training Center, LLC
Navigator Award
Presented by Tiffany Royster, LISC National Program Vice President
Winner: LaNelle Ramey
Recognizing an individual for leadership.
The People Have Spoken!
The Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award gave the public a chance to vote for their favorite finalists across all award categories. An incredible 3,885 votes were cast!
Presented by Otis Hosley, Regional Banking District Senior Manager, Wells Fargo Bank, the 2026 winners are:
Homes MKE Initiative
Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee
Early Childhood Educators Homeownership Initiative, Developer Group
Wells Fargo awarded $1,000 to each People’s Choice winner.
Relive the Night! Were you there? Relive your favorite moments! Missed the event? Now’s your chance to experience it!
Visit www.mandiawards.com to:
Re-watch the full MANDI program and relive the inspiring stories, heartfelt moments, big wins, and all the excitement from August 13.
Explore the event gallery and see the smiles, celebrations, award moments, and community connections captured throughout the evening.
Celebrate all of our 2026 finalists and winners and share the good news with your colleagues, friends, and neighbors!
A Night Powered by Community
The 2026 MANDIs were emceed by Kristin Pierce, Public Relations Executive and former anchor for WISN-Channel 12. Welcoming remarks were made by City of Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, LISC Milwaukee Executive Director Theodore Lipscomb, Sr., and presenting sponsor Vincent Mack, Assistant Vice President & Community Affairs Manager, U.S. Bank.
From the original public nominations to the final awards, the MANDIs are truly a community effort. A volunteer Selection Committee of 35 private, public, and community volunteers selected the finalists and winners.
As Theodore Lipscomb, Sr., Executive Director of LISC Milwaukee, shared:
“The MANDIs celebrate many of the heroes and leading initiatives in Milwaukee. Some finalists are well known, while others come to light due to nominations from the public, but all of them are contributing to a stronger Milwaukee and we honor the work they do to build up our community.”
All MANDI winners received a commemorative trophy and a $1,000 contribution, recognizing both their accomplishments and their continued commitment to Milwaukee neighborhoods.
A huge thank you to our finalists, winners, volunteers, sponsors, presenters, attendees, and everyone who helps make the MANDIs possible. Together, you’re helping build a stronger Milwaukee, one neighborhood at a time.
Congratulations again to all of our 2026 MANDI winners! And yes, we’ll see you at the next MANDIs!
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) invests in nearly every corner of community life, building on a foundation of affordable housing to fuel healthy families and businesses, as well as growing local economies.
Since 1995, LISC and its affiliates have invested more than $933 million in Wisconsin through grants, loans, and technical assistance, with a focus on Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. This investment has resulted in the development, preservation, or improvement of 10,000 homes.
Learn more at www.lisc.org or www.lisc.org/milwaukee.