Who we are

Building Stronger Communities Together


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Founded by Parklawn Assembly of God Church, Prism EDC is a nonprofit organization that exists to provide the Sherman Park community with access to resources that result in sustained economic growth and entrepreneurial development, specifically focusing on food-related economic development and community service. 

Opportunities and services provided by Prism EDC bring hope and opportunity to the residents of the Sherman Park neighborhood.

At Prism Economic Development Corporation, we believe in the dignity of every human being, created in the image of God and the role of meaningful work. We want to be a catalyst for positive change by helping people find meaningful, life-sustaining employment, whether with a local employer or as an entrepreneur.

  • HISTORY

    Prism EDC grew out of Parklawn Assembly of God Church, a church that has been in existence for over 100 years in Milwaukee that continues to be dedicated to serving the Sherman Park Community.

  • VISION

    Prism EDC aspires to change lives and communities through collaborations, services, and opportunities that help them achieve greater self-sufficiency while experiencing dignity and hope.

  • MISSION

    Prism Economic Development Corporation exists to disrupt poverty by producing economic growth and human flourishing beginning in the Sherman Park community.

Meet the PRISM EDC Staff

  • Bishop Walter Harvey

    Prism EDC Executive Director

  • Portia Whipps

    Prism EDC Operations Manager and UpStart Kitchen Manager

  • Loren Knox

    Cultivate Farm Manager

  • Mark Peck

    The King's Table, General Manager

Meet Our Board

The Prism EDC Board of Directors is comprised of members who represent a wide range of backgrounds and expertise and who are unified by a strong sense of responsibility and passion to uplift the Sherman Park community they serve. 

  • Betty Hill

    Board Chair

  • Josh Mahlik

    Board Member

  • Adrian Hernandez

    Board Member

  • Chandra Ellis

    Board Member

  • Iris Lowery

    Board Member

 FAQs

  • Prism EDC is a nonprofit organization that exists to provide the Sherman Park community with access to resources that result in sustained economic growth and entrepreneurial development, specifically focusing on food-related economic development and community service. 

  • Prism Economic Development Corporation empowers communities through innovative programs like UpStart Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen supporting food entrepreneurs; Cultivate, a hydroponics program teaching sustainable farming to address food insecurity and create workforce opportunities; and the Medical Meals Program, which provides nutritious, medically tailored meals to improve community health outcomes. Together, these initiatives drive economic growth, sustainability, and well-being for all.

  • Looking to get involved with Prism's impactful programs?

    • For Cultivate, reach out to Grian at grian@youcultivate.org.

    • To learn more about UpStart Kitchen, contact Portia at portiawhipps@prismedc.org.

    • For general inquiries about Prism EDC, email onboarding@prismedc.org.

    We’d love to connect with you!

  • To apply for Upstart Kitchen, contact portiawhipps@prismedc.org

  • We support entrepreneurs through UpStart Kitchen, PRISM's first initiative designed to empower food industry entrepreneurs in Milwaukee. Here's how we help:

    • Shared Commercial Kitchen: UpStart Kitchen offers a clean, accessible, and fully equipped commercial kitchen for current and aspiring food service entrepreneurs. The facility includes deli and hot food prep spaces, as well as ample storage options (cold, dry, and freezer). Entrepreneurs have access to professional-grade equipment such as ranges, cooktops, griddles, convection ovens, rack ovens, stand mixers, holding cabinets, deep fryers, blenders, and food processors.

    • Mentoring and Training: Entrepreneurs receive mentoring, coaching, and industry-specific training to help them navigate the food industry and small business operations. This support is provided in collaboration with other organizations to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.

    Through these services, UpStart Kitchen acts as a catalyst for increasing access to local, healthy, and affordable food while fostering food-related employment opportunities in Milwaukee.

  • Yes, we offer financial and operational support to help members succeed:

    • Financial Assistance: Grants for new members in UpStart (e.g., kitchen fees), small microloans for licensing and operations, and support for MBE, WBE, and Food Handling Certification.

    • Training Opportunities: Hands-on training in food prep, packaging, and delivery, as well as guidance in developing catering services (marketing, pricing, food prep, serving, etc.).

    • Discounted Resources: Access to catering equipment rentals at reduced rates.

    • Skill Development: Cooking classes to expand the knowledge and skills of both members and the public.

  • Follow us on social media @prismedc and subscribe to our mailing list here.

  • You can contact us at onboarding@prismedc.org for more information.

Creating Impactful Solutions

Programs of impact