As co-executive director of Milwaukee-based TRUE Skool, Shalina S. Ali is an example of how to earn a living while working toward positive change in the community, said board director Lilith Fowler.
Located on the lower level of The Avenue in downtown Milwaukee, TRUE Skool markets itself as Milwaukee’s center for transformational creative arts and hip-hop culture. It provides programming to more than 300 young people annually and support to a network of alumni and creative professionals.
Ali and co-executive director Fidel Verdin engage youth in environmentalism, entrepreneurship, mental health and community development through the arts and hip-hop culture.
Public events such as the Annual Summer Park Jam at the Marcus Performing Arts Center and All Day MKE at the Milwaukee Art Museum and participation in Gallery Nights and Newaukee’s Night Market have made TRUE Skool a downtown staple for public arts engagement.
“Shalina has a remarkable track record of leadership and accomplishments resulting from her ability to diagnose problems and develop solutions. Her commitment to helping others drives her career,” said Fowler.
