Ecosystem-design. Promote the public good. Develop synergistic communities.

The recent presidential transition has sent ripples through the creative sector that feel more like tidal waves. We’ve seen veteran leaders transitioning out of long-held roles, arts organizations grappling with new funding realities, and a palpable tension in the air. In this climate, it’s easy for professional spaces to become combative. But perhaps the most dangerous side effect of this upheaval isn't the loss of a job—it’s the loss of self. When you’ve spent years pouring

United Philanthropy Forum letter sent to representatives on behalf of Pryme Solutions, LLC. As a dedicated member of philanthropic organizations serving your constituents, and deeply aligned with Pryme Solutions' mission to promote the public good and develop synergistic communities, I'm writing to share our strong support for some provisions and express serious concerns about others in the Senate’s recent "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" legislation. We envision a world where comm

Gener8tor Art Event, Juneteenth Day, 2024 Gener8tor Art Event, Juneteenth Day, 2024 At Pryme Solutions, located right here in Milwaukee, we believe in staying informed and engaged with the issues that impact our community and the state of Wisconsin. As a member of the Wisconsin Arts Board, appointed by our dedicated State Governor Evers, Pryme Solutions LLC founder LaShawndra Vernon understands the vital role that arts, culture, and community support systems play in the fabri

Hey Pryme Community! At Pryme Solutions, we know that driving real change, whether it's in your business, your industry, or your community, requires more than just good intentions. It demands effective advocacy – the art of making your voice heard and influencing positive outcomes. We've distilled the core principles of successful advocacy into a framework that aligns perfectly with Pryme's values of strategic thinking and impactful action. Let's dive in! 1. The Power of "Rig

Milwaukee's dance scene just got a vibrant injection of creativity and passion with the debut of Inspire MKE. This Milwaukee-based Dance Collective; dedicated to fusion-based performances and instruction that promote excellence and diversity in dance, delivered a Season 1 showcase that was nothing short of breathtaking. Through their performance, elevating the choreographic works of local Black and Brown creatives, they provided a powerful testament to their mission. From the

If you're worried you might be unintentionally hogging the spotlight, read on for seven common signs and, more importantly, how to step back

Building a coalition for positive change requires more than just passion and good intentions. It demands a solid foundation of community credibility, without which your efforts might resemble a house built on sand. Launching initiatives without deep roots in the community, especially those addressing complex social issues or serving marginalized populations, can lead to ineffective solutions and distrust. Community credibility is essential because it ensures authentic represe

In our previous post, we explored the signs of power imbalances within coalitions. But sometimes, these imbalances are exacerbated by individuals who actively disrupt progress, sow discord, and resist collaborative efforts. We call these individuals "Agents of Chaos." Recognizing the "Chaos Agents": These individuals often: Center themselves in every discussion: They dominate conversations, redirect focus to their own agendas, and dismiss the contributions of others. Manipula

Coalitions have the potential to be vibrant ecosystems where imagination and innovation flourish. But even in these collaborative spaces, power dynamics can subtly stifle individual voices and hinder collective growth. Over my years of working with, facilitating, and managing coalitions, every time I’ve watched them fail it’s been because people in positions of power are unwilling to share it. Not everything has to be a coalition, you could use terms like network, collaborati

Wisconsin's rich arts and culture scene isn't just a point of pride—it's a powerful economic engine and a cornerstone of community well-being. At Pryme Solutions, we believe that prioritizing place and community trust is essential for sustainable growth. That's why we're throwing our support behind the Create Wisconsin 2025 Legislative Agenda.This agenda aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering vibrant, prosperous communities. Here's why: * Investing in the Arts Mean

In a nation as diverse and dynamic as the United States, the arts play a vital role in reflecting our society, fostering creativity, and driving economic growth. But ensuring the arts thrive requires dedicated advocacy and support.  Enter the Creative States Coalition (CSC), a visionary organization leading the charge for arts and culture advancement across the country. The creative economy represents our humanity, facilitates innovation, and drives economic growth.Ensuring t

On Juneteenth, I had the honor of joining a pivotal roundtable discussion with Governor Tony Evers to talk about the future of Wisconsin's creative sector. As the founder of Pryme Solutions LLC., I’m passionate about fostering a thriving arts and culture community. Here’s how I envision the next 5-10 years and how we can make it happen together. Developing Wisconsin's Creative Sector I see a future where creative entrepreneurs own maker and accelerator spaces, reducing produc

As we wrap up the first quarter of 2024, we at Pryme Solutions LLC are thrilled to reflect on the exciting projects and partnerships that have shaped these initial months of the year. It has been a period of growth, collaboration, and learning as we continue to promote the public good and develop synergistic communities . New Partnerships, New Opportunities One of the highlights of this quarter has been the addition of three esteemed organizations to our client roster. We are

In the vast tapestry of arts and culture nonprofits, a harsh reality often lurks beneath the surface of creative expression and community engagement: the philanthropic violence perpetuated by the feast or famine cycle. Behind the scenes of vibrant performances, thought-provoking exhibitions, and educational initiatives lies a system plagued by instability and inequality, where organizations are forced to navigate the unpredictable terrain of funding streams and donor prioriti

In the realm of community development and social initiatives, the language we use is not merely a matter of semantics; it holds the power to shape perceptions, influence attitudes, and, most importantly, impact the lives of the populations we aim to serve. One such term that has gained scrutiny for its potential negative connotations is "target population." This blog delves into the importance of transforming program language to align with dignity and respect, advocating for

I recently started teaching at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As I developed my syllabus for this course we updated the AI policies for students to ensure that higher learning is happening without excessive AI assisted content. The students in my current class weren't in an uproar about this, but it got me thinking. There are some real opportunities for quality improvement processes in AI integration. I've been closely monitoring the development of culturally responsive A

In the mosaic of our world, the voices, cultures, and talents of the global majority are vibrant threads that weave the rich tapestry of our collective identity. It's not just a matter of diversity; it's about recognizing and celebrating the multitude of narratives that make up the global majority. Cultivating a thriving creative ecosystem that embraces this diversity becomes a catalyst for driving tourism, increasing revenue, and fostering community investment in cities, sta

Transformational Change Facilitation refers to the process of guiding and supporting organizations through significant and fundamental shifts in their structure, culture, processes, or strategies. This type of change goes beyond incremental improvements and involves a comprehensive and often radical reevaluation of how an organization operates. Transformational Change Facilitators are typically skilled professionals or consultants who help leaders and teams navigate and manag

Conflict is an inevitable part of human interaction, but how we navigate it can make all the difference. Introducing the Conflict Transformation Journal – a powerful tool designed to help you not only comprehend conflicts but also steer them towards resolution, promoting harmony and fostering a deeper understanding among parties involved. At its core, the journal serves as your guide through the labyrinth of conflicts, urging you to delve into the intricate layers that compos

The implications of downtown revitalization on cities with large Global Majority populations can be complex and multifaceted. While downtown revitalization can bring positive changes such as new jobs, increased economic growth, and improved infrastructure, it may also have negative impacts on the BIPOC population. One potential implication is gentrification, where rising property values lead to displacement of longstanding Global Majority residents and businesses. This can cr

Conflict is an inevitable part of life, and it affects everyone at some point. It’s how we handle those conflicts that make the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Conflict transformation is a process that focuses on finding new ways to manage conflicts through peaceful means. The three pillars of conflict transformation are inner transformation, external transformation, and behavior transformation. In this blog post, we will explore each of these pillars

John Carver's Policy Governance model is a widely used approach for governing non-profit organizations, schools, and healthcare institutions. The Policy Governance model aims to provide clear guidelines and accountability measures for governing boards to ensure that they operate in the best interests of the organization and its stakeholders. There are some critical points to consider when evaluating this model. One significant criticism of the Policy Governance model is its r

Yesterday was the last day of Black History Month. I got a call from the Historic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. BID, to participate in a panel discussion being hosted by the Milwaukee Bucks employee resource group Black Leaders & Advocates Creating Change (BLACC). I was contacted by Alysha Miller to provide some history, context and aspirations for Bronzeville Milwaukee. First and foremost I was really glad to see a room full of diverse people interested in getting active in the

March 8-10, 2023 I will be traveling to Houma, LA for a mitigation. I'm excited to facilitate with my fellow crisis analysis & mitigation coaches. We use Air Collaborative’s Creative Economy Growth Process that inspires community resilience, local investment, diverse economies, and hope. Air Collaborative is a national creativity-focused economic development nonprofit that provides rural and under-resourced communities with programming that inspires new connections and ignite

2020 taught us to find creative solutions to emerging problems. 2020 taught us to take calculated risks and activate agility. 2020 taught us that art heals. We used the arts to amplify public health guidance, spread useful information, and provide socially distanced engagement that kept the public going when all hope was lost. This year the creatives aided in dissemination of public health guidance while reducing the harm of the environmental traumas we are living through. Th

The whole world is out of wack. I’ve stopped watching the news, rarely read the newspapers, and I’ve filtered my social media to avoid particularly cantankerous people. I would be perfectly fine if a percentage of the population imploded with no clean up required by the rest of us still living in this world. Humans are awful. Sounds a little dark? Well maybe that’s because there’s a Wendy Williams level cloud of shade over us. There is very little attention placed on the clea

How people treated you when you were at your worst. How people prevented you from being at your best. I hold these thoughts in times of transition. We are all flawed creatures trying to get to wholeness. Those who proceed with dignity and grace will always win people over. But when you work to shift blame in all places you prevent your own personal development. Living through a pandemic deserves a moment of silence. Most of the time I shift from being in absolute awe of mysel

#PrymeCast Pilot

Yeah, I put it in the title. I wanted to honor the consensus of panelists and I concur. So last night I had the honor of holding conversation with my creative community. I moderated a panel on the impact of art in social justice movements. It was just what my soul needed. In 2019, LIT partnered with Public Allies Milwaukee to have an art exhibition installed at Walker's Point Center for the Arts on January 17th - February 28th. They hosted a juried open call to black and b

We are proud to curate the Main Stage for the Bronzeville Arts & Cultural Festival once again this year! Milwaukee’s own Bronzeville District is the arts, business, economic and cultural center to a growing number of African American-owned businesses. Milwaukee's return to Bronzeville sparked a creative economic hub where we gather every year for Bronzeville Week; a celebration of cooperative economics. In 2012 concerned business owners, residents and families of "Historica

It's been over a month since my last blog. This doesn't mean I haven't been active and busy. Since April 25th so many things changed. It wouldn't have made sense to write any blogs last month because the month was so full of uncertainty. During this time I had to make several very exciting decisions. Realizing I haven't updated my blog friends with this new information, I thought I'd share these new amazing opportunities. I hope I can count on you to follow my journey in thes

Each year, Denim Day takes place at the end of April to bring awareness to sexual violence and help end victim blaming. The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarit

If you haven't noticed, we've been experiencing the effects of Mercury in retrograde. It's in retrograde December 2-22, so we've still got a ways to go before the imbalanced environment shifts back to something close to normal. If I'm honest with myself 2017 has been out of balance, but these retrogrades have been especially tilted. I took a moment to reflect on some of the most productive activities to take on during the retrograde. Commitments made during a Mercury retrogr

On October 24, 2017 I had the honor of presenting on UN Sustainable Development Goals and the intersection with UN Security Resolution 1325 on Human Trafficking, Women, Peace and Security Act and advancing international human rights for all. This event was hosted by Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter of the AKAs in Milwaukee, in collaboration with Senator Lena Taylor. The theme I chose was "Women, Peace and Security; Why We Can't Wait" Because the content was worth sharing I am prov

Bronzeville MKE is dear to my heart. As a life long community member I've watched the neighborhood that includes Dr. Martin Luther King Drive rise and fall. In 2013 our discontent with the recent fall came to a boiling point. I was minding my business driving down the street. At the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and North Avenue there was a vacancy. It was previously a Walgreens, Chase Bank, WE Energies and Warner Cable location. Shekinah Printing was also hou

An important feature of Bronzeville Week is our efforts to stimulate the economy within the arts and along the commercial corridor in Bronzeville. A thriving commercial corridor is promoted by a strong Business Improvement District. Our Bronzeville BID is the Historic King Drive BID No. 8. The King Drive BID mission is to improve the King Drive District by fostering a culture that enjoys a trendy and authentic retail experience while attracting businesses who embrace the comm

In 2012 concerned residents and families of Bronzeville neighborhood organized Bronzeville Week, a week-long series of events designed to return the Bronzeville Arts & Cultural District to its thriving state. Bronzeville week kicks off with the Bronzeville Arts & Cultural Festival. The festival features three stages with diverse entertainment for youth, art lovers and inspirational entertainment, a kids zone, and great vendors providing some of the best food and retail produc

It's no secret I am a third generation Milwaukee native. My great grandmother Ruth Lacey, my great grandfather Charles Warren, My grandparents Lawerence and Barbara Herbert and my mother Laura Vernon, all civically engaged activists in this community. My mother marched across the 16th street bridge for equal rights in housing. My grandfather was a leader in UAW labor union, and an accomplished pianist. He told me stories of playing with Little Jimmy Scott right here in Milwau

I’ve been in the “wilderness” several times in my life story. Three identifiable experiences in the “wilderness” have been defining for me. The time spent wandering and searching for purpose helped shape the person I perceive I am. I am in a particularly sticky “wilderness” period right now. Starting a new brand, leaving several brands behind that defined me, and working through the lies I told myself in my previous stories forced a stillness. I am a strategic person, so I lo

Personalities play a significant role in making positive change. Growing up, the elders in my community handed down this proverb: "Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance", we called them the 5 P's. I decided to post this blog on the 5 Ps, because this is an area that professionals don't spend enough time examining. I decided to modify the 5 P's: Proper Personality Preparation Prevents Problems The evolving culture of the workplace requires us to understand personali

My work as a human resource professional often positions me to work on the development of leaders who shape the organization. The responsibility of helping to mature “great employee” to “amazing boss” always seems to be force me to define the essence of leadership. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines leadership as the ability to lead other people. Based on this premise, one can say that with leadership comes power. The historian and moralist, Lord Acton, in a letter to B

What are pitfalls and principles of practice in effectively integrating community voices into collective impact? How can you involve communities who have historically been left out of decision-making processes? How should funders, backbone leaders, and other collective impact partners engage stakeholders in sensitive conversations about race, class and culture? This session will address these questions and more in a discussion of when and how to confront power dynamics and au

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I’ve fallen flat on my face more times than I can count. I don’t always read the instructions before I start building something I buy. I am drawn to do things that people say I can never do. It’s just the way I am wired. I set goals for myself without consulting the so-called experts. And despite all these things, I am happy with every choice I’ve made that led to a failure. Sometimes I hit the detonator button myself because I know

Why Pryme Solutions? We are living in a fast-paced world full of different cultures and perspectives. Throughout our journey, we are faced with opportunities to shrink or expand. We have the right to blaze our own path, and choose our way. Transformational leadership is needed in these ever-changing times. Leaders who can make calculated risks, seek intentional mentorships, and engage in continuous learning are best equipped to move boldly in an uncertain world. Sometimes th