Jordan Roman
Age: 33
Hometown: Milwaukee
Education: Bachelor’s in sociology and Spanish language studies, University of Minnesota-Morris; Master’s in urban studies and public administration (expected 2017), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Previous position: Financial support services supervisor, Wisconsin Community Services Inc.
Current position: Manager, Trustmark Insurance Co.
You’re the new Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals president. Why run?
“I’ve been involved with Urban League on and off for a number of years. But I didn’t really get involved officially until the end of last year and it’s something I’m really passionate about, so I decided if I’m going to be involved in an organization, I want to be a leader.”
Why move from nonprofit to for-profit?
“There were budget cuts around that time, so I was a part of the budget cut in the nonprofit world. Just trying to expand my career, I didn’t want to stay in nonprofits. This was an opportunity where I could come in as a manager.”
What draws you to leadership?
“My whole focus in my career and where I’m going is I want to be in a leadership position. I’ve always had leadership skills, even through high school and college, playing on sports teams. I feel like people have always looked up to me, making decisions on the run, doing those sorts of things.”
Why return to Milwaukee?
“I love the city; I love the community. We get a bad rap from people who have gone to school, gotten degrees, gotten good jobs, they leave the community. And my family’s here. I don’t want to leave my family. I don’t feel as a man of color, a black man in Milwaukee, that we have enough role models who have had the success that I’ve had at this young age.”
In your free time?
“I like to sleep. I like going out to the new restaurants in Milwaukee, hanging out with friends. I have a very large family and friend structure. I have four brothers. I have an identical twin – we are the two oldest. I play drums in a couple bands. I’m a huge Packer fan.”
Watching right now?
“Power” and “Game of Thrones.”
