By Kathy Gaillard
Growing up in Milwaukee on 49th and Hampton Street, Brandon Ramey never had to look far for a role model. His father, LaNelle Ramey (also one of this year’s honorees), has worked in the social services space and as a mentor, most of his life.
“I grew up being involved with organizations like the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Clubs, because my father worked in those nonprofits. I got my first job with the Boys and Girls Clubs and spent most of my time there playing basketball. I never realized what my dad was doing, but now that I work in the community engagement space, I realize that he taught me so many lessons. This has allowed me to delve into these spaces and it has become more of a passion.
“My dad coached basketball, so I was nine years old when I started playing with the Running Rebels and played with the team all the way up to eighth grade. We traveled from Florida to North Carolina, and all over, playing at top levels in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit.
“Initially, I wanted to attend Morehouse College to become an attorney, then I thought about becoming a nursing major. After becoming involved with MKE Fellows, I realized that I never really gave much thought to what career path I wanted to pursue. MKE Fellows exposed me to different career options and provided me with internships that helped me discover what I wanted to do,” said Ramey.
After graduating from the University of Oshkosh with a degree in marketing. Ramey started working with Quad/Graphics in the Corporate Trainee Program. His current position is as Site Director at Quad MKE, Quad’s newest training and recruitment hub focusing on talent sourcing, retention, and community engagement efforts.
“My father has certainly had the greatest impact on my life. Reflecting on his story as I began to navigate life, the love that I received from him and the sacrifices he has made for me and my brothers have certainly impacted and improved my life. Growing up, I didn’t always realize the blessing in the mentor that I had but as I continue to navigate life, nobody comes close to the impact that he’s had on me. As a father and now as a parent, my first call if I need advice professionally or personally, is my father,” said Ramey.
Now the father of two sons, Legend, 8 years old, and Princeton, 3 years old, Ramey said that he had one year of college left when he learned he was going to be a father.
“Reflecting on that time and the last eight years, my son and I have been able to grow together. I graduated from college, but starting my career with my son allowed him to see me, from being a father, to becoming a professional. So, we’ve been on this journey together, even when I make mistakes, being able to have him with me is a beautiful thing that empowers me,” said Ramey.
While he has the support of family and friends, Ramey admits that he is still navigating his Site Director role..
“When I first started, not only did I not have the experience in community engagement and workforce development, but I was young so I received feedback about not having director-level experience. Fortunately, that process has allowed me to grow professionally and personally. I feel God has called me to serve people and do so with passion. I took a chance on myself and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished, and the lessons I’ve learned as well.
“One of the things I heard repeatedly through MKE Fellows is not to be afraid to make mistakes. That bit of advice has allowed me to not only be present in rooms but makes me eager to learn and continue to make an impact,” he said.
And Ramey is certainly making an impact. Two years ago he and a friend, Braylen Stevens, started an initiative called Seat At The Table, a young professionals network focused on Service, Action, Transparency.
“It started as a conversation about young professionals, 21-30 years old, needing a space and having a ‘seat at the table.’ We host quarterly meet ups focused on our core pillars across the Milwaukee community. We also host an annual gala at Saint Kate Arts Hotel.
“Our goal is to ensure we provide a space where young professionals feel accepted. We can learn from each other since we’re going to become the future leaders,” said Ramey.
“As cliché as it may sound, sometimes we need to pause and celebrate everything we’ve accomplished and give ourselves some grace. We must celebrate the now and where we’ve come from and enjoy that journey. I try to remind myself to do that as well,” he said.
Apart from his father, Ramey says another man he admires is LeBron James.
“Not necessarily for his athleticism—though he is great—but I admire his perseverance and what he stands for as a family man, father, and community leader. His legacy is one of being a trailblazer. He shows resilience.
“I want to be remembered by others for the presence that I brought not only in the rooms I stepped in, but how I was toward others. I want people to remember the times we had together and the ideas shared. I want to be a connector and convenor who made a difference and was not afraid to fail. I want to make this world better. I want to make my kids better not just by focusing on generational wealth, but by generating love and peace,” said Ramey.
If Ramey provides a glimpse into the quality of our future leaders, it looks like we’ve left the next generation in good hands!
