Doing Good Things with Good People: An Interview with Ann Brummit
Meet ann brummitt: Trailblazer for Milwaukee’s Waterways
After spending 20 years teaching French for Milwaukee Public Schools, Ann’s drive to explore and pursue a path of environmental activism led her to start the Milwaukee River Work Group: A grassroots collective protecting 878 acres along the Milwaukee River. As the organization evolved into working with the Urban Ecology Center, River Revitalization Foundation, Milwaukee Riverkeepers, Department of Natural Resources, and the National Park Services, Ann stepped into the role of Director of the Milwaukee Greenway Coalition, and then the co-Director for the Milwaukee Water Commons.
Ann has spent decades dedicating her time to environmental conservation and education for Milwaukee’s waterways. Without Ann’s incredible work towards responsible stewardship for Milwaukee’s waterways, our city and its natural landscape would not be as enriched and vibrant for years to come.
What is the best professional advice you have received?
Follow your passion and build relationships with caring, good people.
What is the best advice you could give your younger self upon beginning your career?
Don’t worry too much about mistakes and failures.
Learn from them and don’t be afraid to stretch. Also rest up and don’t get too far ahead of yourself.
How can young professionals excel in the workplace?
If you are doing what you love and what you believe in you will stand out. Especially if you are working with good people that recognize and nurture talent and passion.
What are your best tips for those that are new to networking?
Networking can be the best part of work-find people that have wisdom and things to teach you. Find spaces where the networking feels authentic.
What do you wish the generations ahead of you, and behind you, knew?
I wish the generations ahead knew that society was committed to taking care of people and planet first. I wish the generations behind knew better how to avert some of the wicked problems we face-like climate change, threats to democracy, and inequality.
Why is mentorship important?
Mentorships can be a wonderful way to learn many of the things we don’t learn in school or in traditional ways. Mentors can help you build emotional resilience for the work and grow your networks.
and finally, What do you love about Milwaukee?
I love all of the changemakers working hard to make Milwaukee a better place.
I looooove the lake, the rivers and the solid midwestern beauty that abounds here.
Find Ann on LinkedIn.
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