Ana, 2015 Wall of Fame

Ana is one of five recipients of the 2015 Badger Mutual Wall of Fame for her outstanding community leadership and mentorship to youth in the community. Ana works with an impressive list of Milwaukee organizations including UCC, Milwaukee Art Museum, Casa Romero, Medical College of Wisconsin, St. Alexander Parish, Stein Scholars, MPS Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, and the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. She graduated June 2015 from Carmen High School of Science and Technology with honors and plans to attend college to pursue her passions.

"I’ve come to realize that the most powerful tool my generation of urban teens has is our voice and our hearts, which are most impactful when we use them to help ourselves and those in our communities in a positive way.

I dream of a future where the people in my community, including myself, are living in a world where we feel we can fully express ourselves, fully contribute, and fully realize the freedom and rights all humans deserve. I believe that a very powerful way to influence, to educate, and to inspire children is through art and music, which has led me to choose art education as my vehicle to empower others.

My short-term goal is to earn my bachelor’s degree, and possibly my masters, in a major that allows me to study art therapy/art education and community leadership. My hope is that this will lead me to empower the youth in my community through creative ways that will help them discover their own light and inner voice.

I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the world, to use my gifts to make a positive impact on someone’s life. I never imagined I’d be able to say I’ve served as a role model for 100s of kids from all over my community."