Stacia Thompson, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Milwaukee-based Sherman Phoenix Foundation, exemplifies visionary leadership and community impact, according to Deanna Singh, chief change agent and founder of Flying Elephant.
The foundation is the nonprofit operator of the Sherman Phoenix Marketplace, a small business hub in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park neighborhood. Thompson was hired as the foundation’s executive director in January 2022 and was named president and chief executive officer in January 2024.
“With a doctorate in higher education and a career spanning higher education, workforce development and entrepreneurial ecosystem building, Dr. Thompson has transformed the Sherman Phoenix into a hub of economic growth and empowerment,” Singh said. “Her leadership fosters sustainability and innovation, creating opportunities for small businesses and advancing community resilience.”
As head of the Sherman Phoenix Foundation, Thompson has led the creation of sustainable entrepreneurial programs and implemented a strategic vision to establish Sherman Phoenix as a replicable model of empowerment nationwide.
Thompson mentors emerging leaders and champions autism awareness and women’s rights, Singh said.
