Dr. Wilma Bonaparte, vice president of Milwaukee Area Technical College’s Mequon Campus, was recently honored as the first education “Game Changer” award winner by the Ozaukee County NAACP.
Education is one of six “Game Changer” categories for the NAACP nationally – priority issues to address inequality facing African Americans.
When it came to picking a winner locally, branch secretary and MATC instructor Myra George said the choice was easy. Bonaparte won unanimously.
“There are a lot of people doing positive things in education in Ozaukee County,” George said. “But hands down, she was the winner.”
Branch leaders praised Bonaparte’s work at the college to make higher education accessible and affordable to people of color in Ozaukee County, to bring in new programs, strengthen existing programs and to work collaboratively with the community.
“It’s a very humbling experience,” Bonaparte said, acknowledging the work of others who have been recognized for their efforts by the chapter in years past as role models in the community.
She called the work for which she was honored part of the college’s mission – and her own.
“I came to this country not knowing any English and have a great appreciation for education as a gateway to both personal and professional opportunities,” she said. “I am honored every day to be able to support those with the same dreams.”
In receiving the award, Bonaparte told the Ozaukee County NAACP she would continue to be “here, ready and proudly willing to serve you, the community and our society.”