Milwaukee native Maricha Harris to lead Amani’s Dominican Center

The Dominican Center (DC) has announced that Maricha M. Harris, a Milwaukee native, will take on the role Executive Director of the organization, which is dedicated to working with residents and partners in Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood to build a better future. “I’m humbled, honored and grateful for this opportunity,” said Harris. “I’m excited to work alongside DC staff, Amani United, community partners and other stakeholders to continue moving the important work that’s happening forward.”

Harris comes to DC from Safe & Sound, where she managed the day-to-day operations of the $2.5-million nonprofit. The position afforded her with fiscal, human resource and operational responsibilities. Additionally, Harris brings 12 years of experience to the role and has served at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, Trini-Dad’s Child Development Center and as a Licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. “Throughout my progressive career, I have leveraged my communications, relationship building and leadership skills to achieve results,” said Harris.

Harris takes the leadership torch from Interim Executive Director Denisha Tate-McAlister, who has served as DC’s leader since the retirement of Sr. Patricia Rogers, OP in June. “Working with DC and the Amani Neighborhood has been exciting, inspiring, challenging and rewarding. We have many accomplishments to be proud of and several opportunities we have yet to realize. But the work of the residents, partners and supporters has been life changing!” said Tate-McAlister. “Amani means peace. It is with peace of mind that I welcome the new executive director of DC, Maricha Harris, to her role. I pass the torch with pride and promise. I am excited about where she will go, what she will experience, and how the community will embrace her as she loves them.”

And the Amani Community has a lot of love to give. Barbara Smith, DC Board member, Amani United leader, and longtime Amani resident, welcomes Harris to the neighborhood and wishes her well. “Congratulations and welcome to the Amani and DC family,” Smith said. “Sometimes walking into the unknown can seem a bit scary or intimidating, but please be assured that because you have joined a strong family, we are all here together to build greatness.”

Harris, who grew up in Milwaukee, sees this opportunity to serve the community where she grew, studied and worked to progress change. “This is a full circle moment for me. Growing up, I lived in neighborhoods that faced significant challenges. And while I remember those challenges, I also remember resilience, strength and the beauty that lives within our neighborhoods,” she said. “There are so many assets in our community – right here in Amani and 53206.”