Former City of Milwaukee chief equity officer Nikki Purvis to lead African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin

Nikki Purvis

Nikki Purvis, chief equity officer for the city of Milwaukee, will become the new leader of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, the chamber’s board of directors announced Thursday.

“Whether it is community relations, economic development, or small business advocacy, the chamber’s mission is to provide strategic direction, create a shared vision of development, and increase relationships through networking and quality interactions,” Purvis said in a statement.

“Business owners that thrive in today’s environment intentionally engage, network, and partner with other business owners, fellow entrepreneurs, and organizations like the chamber. In this next chapter, my vision is to lead the chamber to support its members in recovering and excelling from the economic impacts of the pandemic and reentering an era of growth and success.”

Purvis oversaw the city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion and led racial equity efforts, which included identifying system-wide programs and initiatives and policy considerations to address racially equitable outcomes, accessibility concerns, and equal rights for protected classes, according to a chamber press release.

She also provided strategic direction and oversight for the city’s Small Business Enterprise business inclusion program, which promotes economic development for small, disadvantaged businesses, the release said.

Purvis is a native Milwaukeean and alumna of Riverside University High School, Marquette University, and Cardinal Stritch University.

Purvis’s start date is August 15. 

More:Here’s how Wisconsin’s Black chamber plans to create 3,000 new businesses statewide by 2024

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