Meet our 2025 stars

Calvin A. Lee is a seasoned government relations professional and lobbyist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He currently serves as a licensed lobbyist for the City of Milwaukee, where he focuses on key policy issues that affect the City, its surrounding communities, and its residents. His advocacy work encompasses a wide range of legislative areas, including municipal governance, public safety, infrastructure, transportation, neighborhood stability, and economic development.

In addition to his career in government relations, Calvin is actively involved in the community as a board member for several organizations in Milwaukee. He finds great fulfillment in advocacy and public service, but the greatest joy in his life comes from his three adult children: Calvin, Cameron, and Ciera (Babygirl).

Don Black serves as the Program Director and on-air host at Milwaukee’s number one Urban station, Jammin’ 98.3. With over 30 years of broadcasting experience, Don’s deep passion for music and his dedication to the community keep him actively engaged across Milwaukee. Whether DJing parties, hosting events, or spreading positivity, Don continually gives back to the city that means so much to him.

One of Don’s proudest accomplishments is being an original member of the University of Iowa’s Dance Marathon, a life-changing organization that provides year-round support to youth cancer patients and their families. His 25 years of unwavering commitment to the cause were so impactful that an award was named in his honor, recognizing his remarkable support and contributions.

My why: Milwaukee has truly grown on me over the past eight years. The people, the culture, and my time at Jammin’ 98.3 have been nothing short of amazing.

Growing up just down the road in Chicago (please don’t hold it against me), I jumped at the chance to be part of this incredible event. Stepping is something I grew up with—though I’ll admit I’m no expert, I’m always willing to give it a try.

This cause hits close to home for me. Like so many others, I’ve known and currently know people who are battling cancer. It’s an honor to support not only those fighting this disease but also the incredible individuals who stand beside them. Together, we can make a difference.

Kenge Adams is the CEO and Founder of Connect Business Consulting and Nkenge’s Gallery. She also Co-Founded the National STEAM & Dream summits. With over 20 years of experience in corporate program and project management, Kenge established Connect Business Consulting in 2019 to support corporations and non-profits in creating sustainable community initiatives. Her firm became a key partner in the National STEAM & Dream summits, focusing on nurturing diverse leaders in STEAM fields.

In 2024, Kenge launched Nkenge’s Gallery, celebrating her African heritage and identity as an African-American woman. The gallery offers access to African art and culture through exhibits, events, and youth programs.

Kenge was recognized as one of Madison365’s 48 Most Influential Black Leaders in 2021. She is an active member of several organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Tempo Milwaukee.

Kenge holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and an MSC from Northwestern University. She is married to Dr. Reginald Adams and has two children, Sabrina and Maxwell. Kenge enjoys biking, yoga, and family time.

My Why:
“I support the Edison McCants Comfort Fund in memory of my mother, Patricia Ann Jenkins, who passed from cancer at 52. Her legacy inspires me daily.”

Jona Moore loves serving her community and has worked in the non-profit sector for the past 13 years. Currently, Jona is the Vice President of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin and she is also the first to be in this role. She oversees all of the programming that provides resources and support for minority entrepreneurs in the City of Milwaukee. This includes the Award-Winning RISE MKE Entrepreneurial Training Program that ensures new entrepreneurs don’t start their businesses blindly. Jona also represents the Chamber as she sits on different committees including the Ethnically Diverse Business Coalition, ThriveON Economic Development Workgroup, Brew City Match, and United Way’s Reducing Barriers to Employment Task Force to name a few.

Jona is also the Owner of Brownstone Social Lounge, a premier staple that exists to provide a positive cultural experience in downtown Milwaukee.
Jona loves working on ways to grow professionally and takes the many opportunities given to her that will continue to develop her skills professionally. She is a graduate of the United Way: Project LEAD Class of 2016, Focus Training: Accelerate Institute 2018 cohort, the African American Leadership Program, Cohort 12 and a Forward 48 Alum.

Jona is a 2023 PowHER 10 Honoree recipient of the SuccessHER Award, she is a recipient of the Inaugural 2023 UNCF Mastermind Award and is a part of the 2025 40 Under 40 Honoree Class. Jona is a 2010 graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Biology Pre-Medicine and she is a proud native of Milwaukee, WI.

Jona Moore loves serving her community and has worked in the non-profit sector for the past 13 years. Currently, Jona is the Vice President of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin and she is also the first to be in this role. She oversees all of the programming that provides resources and support for minority entrepreneurs in the City of Milwaukee. This includes the Award-Winning RISE MKE Entrepreneurial Training Program that ensures new entrepreneurs don’t start their businesses blindly. Jona also represents the Chamber as she sits on different committees including the Ethnically Diverse Business Coalition, ThriveON Economic Development Workgroup, Brew City Match, and United Way’s Reducing Barriers to Employment Task Force to name a few.

Jona is also the Owner of Brownstone Social Lounge, a premier staple that exists to provide a positive cultural experience in downtown Milwaukee.

Jona loves working on ways to grow professionally and takes the many opportunities given to her that will continue to develop her skills professionally. She is a graduate of the United Way: Project LEAD Class of 2016, Focus Training: Accelerate Institute 2018 cohort, the African American Leadership Program, Cohort 12 and a Forward 48 Alum.

Jona is a 2023 PowHER 10 Honoree recipient of the SuccessHER Award, she is a recipient of the Inaugural 2023 UNCF Mastermind Award and is a part of the 2025 40 Under 40 Honoree Class. Jona is a 2010 graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Biology Pre-Medicine and she is a proud native of Milwaukee, WI.

Marcelia Nicholson, a trailblazing leader and advocate, is the first Black and Latina Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. Born and raised in Milwaukee’s 53206 zip code, Marcelia’s journey from a public school teacher to a nationally recognized changemaker reflects her passion for equity and community.

Inspired by her experiences as a 4th grade teacher addressing barriers like food insecurity and violence, Marcelia transitioned to public office to create systemic change. She authored historic legislation declaring racism a public health crisis, being the first in the nation to do so, and pioneered efforts to make Milwaukee the healthiest county in Wisconsin by addressing racial equity.

Marcelia’s leadership extends to investing in Black-owned businesses and institutions, empowering youth through policy, and guiding the county to its first budget surplus in decades while protecting vital services.

Marcelia Nicholson is now in her third term as Chairwoman. In addition to her elected service, the Chairwoman sits on the Board of Directors for the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Wisconsin Counties Association, Clean Wisconsin, the UW Extension Board of Visitors, and the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee. Nationally, Marcelia serves as Co-Chair of Local Progress and works with the Progressive Governance Academy as a national trainer of new and first-term elected officials. In 2024, she was chosen to participate in Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program, and was also selected as a member of the 2023 class of NewDEAL leaders, a selective national network of rising, pro-growth state and local elected officials dedicated to making government work to solve challenges facing their communities.

Marcelia’s honors include being named a Milwaukee Business Journal Milwaukee Area Powerbroker for the years 2020- 2024; Milwaukee Public Museum Honorary Co-Chair 2022; Excellence in Education Award from Milwaukee Public Schools; Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40; Woman of Achievement Award; and the Inaugural Trailblazer Award from Young Elected Officials Network for national advocacy and political work.

Marcelia is a passionate advocate for her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the world and expressing her creativity through baking.

Her story is deeply personal for why she is participating—she lost her grandmother to colon cancer and has supported multiple cousins battling breast cancer. These experiences drive her commitment to ensuring we don’t lose another life to cancer battles and that we can lessen the pain for survivors and their families. Marcelia’s participation in Stepping with the Stars honors her loved ones’ struggles and helps create a tangible impact in the fight against cancer.

Marcelia Nicholson, a trailblazing leader and advocate, is the first Black and Latina Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. Born and raised in Milwaukee’s 53206 zip code, Marcelia’s journey from a public school teacher to a nationally recognized changemaker reflects her passion for equity and community.

Inspired by her experiences as a 4th grade teacher addressing barriers like food insecurity and violence, Marcelia transitioned to public office to create systemic change. She authored historic legislation declaring racism a public health crisis, being the first in the nation to do so, and pioneered efforts to make Milwaukee the healthiest county in Wisconsin by addressing racial equity.

Marcelia’s leadership extends to investing in Black-owned businesses and institutions, empowering youth through policy, and guiding the county to its first budget surplus in decades while protecting vital services.

Marcelia Nicholson is now in her third term as Chairwoman. In addition to her elected service, the Chairwoman sits on the Board of Directors for the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Wisconsin Counties Association, Clean Wisconsin, the UW Extension Board of Visitors, and the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee. Nationally, Marcelia serves as Co-Chair of Local Progress and works with the Progressive Governance Academy as a national trainer of new and first-term elected officials. In 2024, she was chosen to participate in Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program, and was also selected as a member of the 2023 class of NewDEAL leaders, a selective national network of rising, pro-growth state and local elected officials dedicated to making government work to solve challenges facing their communities.

Marcelia’s honors include being named a Milwaukee Business Journal Milwaukee Area Powerbroker for the years 2020- 2024; Milwaukee Public Museum Honorary Co-Chair 2022; Excellence in Education Award from Milwaukee Public Schools; Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40; Woman of Achievement Award; and the Inaugural Trailblazer Award from Young Elected Officials Network for national advocacy and political work.

Marcelia is a passionate advocate for her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the world and expressing her creativity through baking.
Her story is deeply personal for why she is participating—she lost her grandmother to colon cancer and has supported multiple cousins battling breast cancer. These experiences drive her commitment to ensuring we don’t lose another life to cancer battles and that we can lessen the pain for survivors and their families.

Marcelia’s participation in Stepping with the Stars honors her loved ones’ struggles and helps create a tangible impact in the fight against cancer.

Deshea Agee is a Milwaukee-based real estate professional, community development advocate, and Conscious Hip Hop emcee. For more than 15 years Deshea has been instrumental in driving economic development in the public and private sectors, facilitating entrepreneurship growth, and commercial property improvements.

Deshea is the Vice President of Emem Group, a real estate development consulting and owner’s representative firm. He manages the process of developing apartment buildings, office buildings, and civic institutions for clients and the Emem Group. Deshea is the second graduate from the inaugural class of the prestigious Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) program started at Marquette University’s College of Business.
Deshea played key roles in Milwaukee’s commercial corridor revitalization and has been instrumental in the re-emergence of Milwaukee’s Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District since 2007. He led efforts to establish what he coined “the Best King Drive in the Nation,” growing the entrepreneurial, creative class, and business growth on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Deshea’s interest in real estate evolved from a need to pay for studio time to record his original songs. A recording artist under the moniker Deshea A.G., his album “Delayed Arrival” was released in 2024 and is available on all streaming platforms. You can find his music on desheaag.com or desheaag.hearnow.com.

Deshea is also a real estate broker for his company, Great Lakes Equity Fund LLC. He was recognized by the Milwaukee Business Journal as a MBJ Power Broker in 2019. He serves on the Board of Directors of Main Street America, Inc. and Employ Milwaukee, Inc.

Deshea holds a Master’s degree in Construction Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Marquette University. He also holds certifications through the National Development Council. Deshea is married and a father of three.

“Participating in Stepping with the Stars is important to me to help bring awareness to the Edison McCants Comfort Fund, and to help raise funds for cancer patients,” said Agee.

Nathaniel Hamilton Jr. is a dedicated community organizer, speaker, and advocate based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His commitment to social justice work was born out of personal tragedy when his brother, Dontre Hamilton, was killed by a Milwaukee Police Officer in 2014. Alongside his mother, Maria Hamilton—herself a passionate activist—Nathaniel transformed grief into galvanizing action, co-founding the Coalition for Justice to champion transparency, accountability, and reform within local policing and beyond.

With nearly a decade of experience in grassroots organizing, Nathaniel has led multiple initiatives focused on worker rights, police accountability, and community-based public safety. He currently serves as Chairman of the Community Collaborative Committee (CCC), guiding efforts to create a new model for community policing and oversight. By working closely with state and local officials as well as partner organizations, Nathaniel spearheads collaborative solutions that emphasize public health, safety, and equitable treatment for all.

A natural leader, Nathaniel’s background includes managing a grocery store and owning his own home improvement business. These experiences sharpened his organizational skills, people-centered approach, and ability to lead large groups toward shared objectives. Known for his public speaking abilities, Nathaniel has traveled widely—addressing college audiences, community gatherings, and even schools for the deaf—to raise awareness of policing issues in the United States and to promote the documentary The Blood Is At The Doorstep, which highlights his family’s story and their pursuit of justice.

Nathaniel’s passion lies in bringing people together, inspiring communities to strive for change, and empowering others to hold institutions accountable. His dedication, integrity, and proven record of uniting communities make him a powerful force in the movement for social justice and community well-being.

Kimberly Hall is a nationally recognized cake artist and the owner of Signature Sweets, an upscale, full-service dessert bakery in Milwaukee. Entirely self-taught, she is known for her breathtaking, hyper-realistic edible art and innovative flavor combinations. A Food Network All-Star and international award-winning baker,
Kimberly has represented Milwaukee’s talent on national television and beyond.

Beyond her artistry, Kimberly is deeply committed to the culinary industry. As the only Pastry Arts Apprenticeship Program Director in Wisconsin, she has developed training programs that prepare future chefs for success. She is a Certified ServSafe Instructor & Examination Proctor and serves on the Milwaukee Area Technical College Baking & Pastry Arts Advisory Board. Her leadership extends to professional organizations such as the National Association of Wedding Professionals, the Wisconsin Bakers Association, and Icing Smiles, which provides custom cakes for critically ill children.

Kimberly’s impact on the community has been widely recognized. She holds WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise) and MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) certifications and was honored with the 2023 Women of Influence Award by the Milwaukee Business Journal. In 2016, Milwaukee’s mayor proclaimed November 3rd as Signature Sweets Day, celebrating her generosity and contributions to the city. Most recently, she was named one of Milwaukee’s Most Influential People for Black History Month by the City Common Council.

Each year, Signature Sweets creates hundreds of custom cakes for Milwaukee and beyond, proving that Milwaukee’s talent deserves a national spotlight.