Each day in February, we are featuring a local, Greater Green Bay Black Herstory/History Maker. This is a 5 part series. Check out part one here. Check our part three here. Check out part four here. Check out part five here.
Baptist Paul
Bio: Baptiste Paul is the Author of several books for children. Born and raised in the Caribbean Island of (Saint Lucia), Baptiste is a native Creole/Patois speaker and enjoys reading his books and sharing about his experiences with anyone who would listen. Baptiste holds Degrees in Environmental Studies and Political Science from Bucknell University. When he’s not writing or hiking, he up-cycles wood pallets into planters and wooden floors to name a few. He lives in Wisconsin with his family. More at baptistepaul.net.
Reason Nominated: Baptiste Paul is a Caribbean-born children’s book author who resides in Green Bay, Wisconsin. His wife, Miranda Paul, is also a children's book author. Inspired by her ability to impact the world through children, Baptiste also began writing books. He is a native Creole/Patois speaker who enjoys sharing stories of his experiences with anyone who will listen. His first picture book,The Field, was inspired by his childhood in St Lucia.
Baptiste’s stories are fueled by his passion for diversity, inclusion, and uninhibited jwe (play). He has authored books on his own and has also co-authored books with his wife. Together, they have told stories of leaders in other countries and cultures, often environmentalists, as a means of teaching students about an inspirational person, another culture and how to take care of other people and our earth. They often seek to raise money to bring the inspiration for the book to the United States for school tours when the book is released. As a school visitor himself, Baptiste is captivating, entertaining, authentic, and educational. Students in the Green Bay Area have had the opportunity to experience and learn from Baptiste and his writing. One favorite book of mine, Peace, includes a line that says, "Peace is pronouncing your friend's name correctly," an important message to both children and adults. Baptiste considers himself an author, speaker, environmentalist, and activist.
Lameka Chaney
Bio:Â Lameka Chaney pronouns she, her, hers is currently at We All Rise: African American Resource Center as the Supervisor of Direct Service Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Advocate. Single Mother of 3 grandmother of 3 SA and DV Survivor. Been in the Green Bay community for 20-plus years, originally from the south side of Chicago (Englewood). My professional career has been based upon helping others in the community, this includes CNA work, supervising adult family homes, and serving youth clients to help find adequate housing. I found my home at We All Rise African American Resource Center in 2022. This is a place that has a mission that I fully Support. "It calls for the collective liberation of African Americans navigating at the margins of Society" Working for We All Rise has helped me navigate through my purpose in life. That purpose is to help others in my community with no judgment and no strings attached. I am grateful.
Reason Nominated:Â Hard worker, black single mom, and glam mom. Always going hard for her team and family!
Nomination Categories:Â
Community Leadership
Jasmine Gordon
Bio:Â Jasmine Gordon is passionate about working alongside community members and giving space to exist and belong. She strives to spark a sense of belonging and community, especially among those who are often underrepresented, unseen, and unheard. To continue to support and provide mental, physical, and emotional spaces in the community, Jasmine is actively involved with various nonprofit organizations that serve the Black community as well as younger generations. It took a village to support, celebrate, advocate, and keep her so she strives to do the same for folks of color in the area.
Reason Nominated:Â Jasmine is one of the most thoughtful people I know. The work she does to make sure our BIPOC folks are seen, loved, and celebrated is brilliant. She is someone that is celebrating you when you are not in the room.
Nomination Categories:Â
Community Leadership
Educational Excellence
Cultural Enrichment
Social Justice and Activism
Entrepreneurship
Avery Rhenwrick
Bio:Â Avery, a St. Norbert College graduate, embarked on an unexpected entrepreneurial journey after the challenges of the COVID era prompted a profound reflection on his purpose and passions. Understanding the importance of sports participation as a child, Avery combined his passion for helping others with his love for sports to start a business/ brand called 4th N Long, aimed at helping kids from low-income families play sports. The brand provides quality clothing products from hoodies to t-shirts and shorts to everyday consumers while donating 20% of all proceeds to help children in need cover their sports-related costs.
Reason Nominated:Â Avery exemplifies history changemakers with his positive impact on the community, in particular with youth and athletics. Through his business, 4th N Long, and non-profit organization, 4th N Goal, he is a leader, mentor, role model and entrepreneur (He is even a finalist for Current Young Professional's Entrepreneur of the Year Award!) for Black folks in our area. In addition, his dedication and commitment to philanthropic efforts for the Black community is commendable and admirable. In alignment with the 2024 theme, Avery's multifaceted contributions reflect the significant impact of Black folks in our community, making him deserving of recognition. Thank you, Avery!
Aaron Faulkner
Bio: Aaron Faulkner is the Region President of bank First a Wisconsin based Community bank headquartered in Manitowoc Wisconsin. Aaron leads the team of bankers in the Bank’s northeast region which includes Brown and Door Counties as well as the surrounding area. In addition to his tenure at Bank First, Faulkner has extensive experience in banking, previously serving as senior relationship manager – business banking, mortgage lender, and senior credit manager at another financial institution. Faulkner earned his Bachelor of Arts in business from St. Norbert College and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in finance from Lakeland College. Actively engaged in the Green Bay community, Faulkner serves on the Habitat for Humanity Selection Committee and is an executive committee member and volunteer leader for Young Life. He also serves at Providence Academy, on the Finance Committee and volunteers as director of basketball operations and basketball coach.
Reason Nominated:Â Aaron is more than the Region President for Bank First, he is committed to community. Through his work with Younglife he has mentored countless youth in our area.
Nomination Categories:Â
Community Leadership
Educational Excellence
Amy & Josh Woods
Bio: FAVORYT was created by a family that desperately needed hair and body products for their sensitive skin. Josh and Amy Woods soon found that they had an entire community needing the same thing. Favoryt Brand now manufactures everything from beard care products to hair and skin care products made with natural ingredients. They are often in the community educating people on eczema management and other skin care concerns. Favoryt‘s mission is to help people feel confident and what they’re putting on their body. Josh has recently made the decision to further his education and is now going to school to be a skincare specialist. The Brand continues to focus on innovating ways to keep people feeling their best.
Aside from their website, you can find their products on Amazon, at Hy-Vee Grocery Stores across the state, Starz Barber shop and on their website.
Reason Nominated:Â Amy and Josh exemplify herstory/history changemakers with their positive impact on the community. Through their business, FAVORYT Brand, they are leaders, mentors, entrepreneurs and role models for Black folks in our area. In addition, their dedication and commitment to philanthropic efforts for the Black community is commendable and admirable. In alignment with the 2024 theme, Amy and Josh's multifaceted contributions reflect the significant impact of Black folks in our community, making them deserving of recognition. Thank you, Amy and Josh!
Veronica Bentley
Bio:Â My name is Veronica Bentley and I work as an Operations Project Manager at Schreiber Foods. In this role, I am responsible for facilitating, organizing, and leading business projects and programs. Prior to joining Schreiber, my career was in the insurance industry, where I held various positions in operations and human resources. Additionally, I have worked with several non-profits on fundraising, organizational strategy, and volunteer coordination.
I am originally from Portland, OR and earned a bachelor’s in economics from UNLV. I am also a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® and Certified Strategic HR Business Partner (sHRBP). I have passion for strategy planning, continuous improvement, coaching and development, mentorship, DEI, and community engagement. Â
Currently, I’m on the steering committee for the Black Business Network at Schreiber, a Corporate Member of the Curative Connections board, and an active member of P.E.O., a Philanthropic Educational Organization that helps women pursue their educational goals.
Reason Nominated: Veronica sits on the city's Diversity & Inclusiveness Taskforce and has been advocating for underrepresented folks for years. Veronica works to create a just, equitable, and inclusive society that recognizes and respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity. She works to address and dismantle systemic injustices that have historically marginalized and disadvantaged Black communities. Through her community connections, she works to increase the representation of Black individuals in various sectors, including government, education, and business – she knows that representation is crucial for ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making processes. Thank you for being part of our community, Veronica!
Nomination Categories:Â
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