The African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin invites you to join us at the 2024 Breakfast of Champions! The Breakfast of Champions, the Chamber’s major fundraising event, is aimed at bringing the Greater Milwaukee community together to support its mission of championing growth while also honoring local business leaders who are passionate about economic development and wealth creation in the African American community.
We invite you to support our mission by becoming a sponsor. Your contribution will enable us to continue transforming the narrative and supporting Black entrepreneurs across Wisconsin, providing access to capital, education, and advocacy through capacity building and strategic partnerships.
2024 Business Champion
Judge Derek C. Mosley
Judge Mosley’s unwavering commitment to justice and support for small businesses is unmatched. He inspires others to look beyond themselves and demonstrates what’s possible when you lead with integrity. He embodies the spirit of leadership and advocacy this event celebrates.
Biography
Derek Mosley graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1995. After graduation he served as an Assistant District Attorney for Milwaukee County from 1995-2002. As an Assistant District Attorney, he represented the State of Wisconsin in over 1,000 criminal prosecutions. In 2002, Mr. Mosley was appointed Municipal Court Judge in Milwaukee. At the time of his appointment, he was the youngest African-American to be appointed judge in the State of Wisconsin. For ten years Mr. Mosley served as the Chief Judge of the Milwaukee Municipal Court. In 2023, Mr. Mosley became the Director of the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education at Marquette University Law School.
Judge Mosley sits on the Board of Directors of several organizations including the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Froedtert Hospital, the Urban Ecology Center, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, Safe & Sound, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, the United Way Diversity Leadership Committee, and Transcenter for Youth. He has been a lecturer at both Marquette University Law School as well as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He sits on the Supreme Court of Wisconsin’s Judicial Education Committee. He received the Leaders in the Law Award from the Wisconsin Law Journal. He was inducted into the Milwaukee Community Journal’s Academy of Legends, named one of the Philanthropic 5 by the United Way, recipient of the Dean Howard B. Eisenberg Public Service Award from Marquette University Law School, voted “Jurist of the Year” by the Justinian Society of Lawyers, Professional of the Year by ONEMKE & The United Way, named Law Enforcement Official of the Year by Safe & Sound, received the William C. Frye Civic Engagement Award from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, was named “Milwaukeean of the Year” and “Milwaukee’s Most Trusted Public Official” by the Shepherd Express, was inducted into the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame, and received the Robert H. Friebert Social Justice Award from the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Judge Mosley routinely speaks both nationally and internationally about Unconscious Bias and Black History. Also, as a kidney transplant recipient, he is an ardent supporter of Donate Life Wisconsin, the National Kidney Foundation, and Versiti (formerly the Blood Center of Wisconsin). He currently serves as a Donate Life Hollywood advisor to the television and movie industries to promote accurate depictions of organ donation and transplant on television and in movies. In his spare time, Judge Mosley is a local Milwaukee foodie, and served as a 2022 James Beard Judge for the James Beard Foundation. Judge Mosley was recently honored by the Milwaukee Press Club with the “Headliner of the Year” Award in May.
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Employment law attorney and MWH Equity Partner Warren Buliox works hands-on with employers day in and day out. He offers organizations—corporate counsel, senior and mid-level managers, supervisors, business owners, and others—tailored, creative, and proactive solutions for eliminating or mitigating risks and, when needed, brings his insight and experience to matters that require arbitration, mediation, trial or other litigation.
2024 Keynote Speaker
Sheryl Swoopes
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Beyond her on-court success, Swoopes is passionate about giving back. She founded the Sheryl Swoopes Foundation for Youth, which focuses on educating and empowering young people. Her commitment to community service extends to her roles on advisory boards for organizations such as MADD and the Talbots Foundation. Swoopes has also made media appearances on The Today Show, CNN, ESPN, and more, showcasing her versatility as an athlete and advocate.
Honored as a Texas Tech Hall of Fame and Texas Women’s Hall of Fame inductee, Swoopes’ influence extends well beyond the game. In 2005, she made headlines by becoming one of the most high-profile professional athletes to come out publicly as a lesbian, a decision that solidified her role as a champion for LGBTQ+ rights.
A devoted mother to her son, Jordan, Swoopes continues to inspire others with her journey of perseverance, excellence, and leadership. Whether delivering motivational speeches, running youth camps, or engaging with fans, Swoopes exemplifies the values of hard work, resilience, and the power of sports to create positive change.
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Employment law attorney and MWH Equity Partner Warren Buliox works hands-on with employers day in and day out. He offers organizations—corporate counsel, senior and mid-level managers, supervisors, business owners, and others—tailored, creative, and proactive solutions for eliminating or mitigating risks and, when needed, brings his insight and experience to matters that require arbitration, mediation, trial or other litigation.
2024 Emcee
Denise Thomas
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With twenty years of experience within Fortune 100 companies, Denise has honed the ability to deliver and receive messages across language, cultural, and communication-style barriers. She has been recognized for excellence in leadership from companies including Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, PepsiCo, General Electric, and MolsonCoors. Denise continues her focus on coaching people by traveling and teaching effective communication to professionals worldwide including Tel Aviv Israel, Cartagena Colombia, and Cape town, South Africa.
Denise has supplied her expertise to the National Urban League, Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee. She currently consults for R.W. Baird, Southern Company and Northwestern Mutual amongst other highly regarded employers.
Denise has been recognized with multiple awards by the Milwaukee Business Journal including 2019 Woman of Influence and Top 100 Power Brokers for 2018, ‘19, ’20, ’21 and ’22. She also received Milwaukee Magazine’s 2019 “Women of Distinction”, and BizStarts “Inspiring Entrepreneur” award. The Milwaukee Times Newspaper recognized Denise for her “Excellence in Business” during their 35th Annual Black Excellence Awards.
Denise is a Facilitator at St. Norbert College as part of the School of Business’s Center of Exceptional Leadership and co-hosts the “Truth Be Told” morning talk radio show on The Truth 101.7FM – Milwaukee.
She serves on numerous non-profit organization’s Board of Directors and Advisory Councils including Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, The Milwaukee Ballet, TEMPO Milwaukee and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County’s Women United Leadership Council. She is also a certified Hogan Assessment Coach, Center of Exceptional Leadership 360 Feedback Coach and E-Learning Trainer/Coach. Denise is a graduate of Cardinal Stritch University in Business Management and a proud member of The Links Incorporated –Trinity (Dallas) Texas Chapter.
She is a proud mother of two emerging leaders, her daughter Dominique and son Daren. She enjoys being a grandmother to her five-year-old English Bulldog, Earn!
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Employment law attorney and MWH Equity Partner Warren Buliox works hands-on with employers day in and day out. He offers organizations—corporate counsel, senior and mid-level managers, supervisors, business owners, and others—tailored, creative, and proactive solutions for eliminating or mitigating risks and, when needed, brings his insight and experience to matters that require arbitration, mediation, trial or other litigation.
2024 Young Pioneer
Michael Emem, Emem Group
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At age 25, he was recognized by the Milwaukee Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 recipient and by the Milwaukee Times Black Excellence Awards as a Corporate Trailblazer.
Michael obtained a B.B.A. in Finance & Real Estate from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, an A.S. in Architectural Technology from Milwaukee Area Technical College and was selected as Valedictorian of Marquette University’s 2015 ACRE graduating class.
He has served on the board of directors at Pathfinders Milwaukee, Inc. and We Got This, Inc. He is married and a father of four.
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Employment law attorney and MWH Equity Partner Warren Buliox works hands-on with employers day in and day out. He offers organizations—corporate counsel, senior and mid-level managers, supervisors, business owners, and others—tailored, creative, and proactive solutions for eliminating or mitigating risks and, when needed, brings his insight and experience to matters that require arbitration, mediation, trial or other litigation.
2024 Rising Star
Rochelle Einsiedel, OH Snap! By Shell Photography
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Shell’s passion for photography began in her youth, spending her allowance on instant film for her Polaroid camera. Her bedroom walls were a gallery of meaningful images. This early love for capturing off-guard moments laid the foundation for her career.
After marrying her high school sweetheart and raising two children, Shell’s photography skills attracted attention and led to the creation of OH Snap! By Shell Photography in 2021, with support from her family.
Today, OH Snap! By Shell Photography has grown significantly, working with renowned companies and clients across the U.S. and internationally, including in Arizona, Florida, Mexico, and South Africa.
The name OH Snap! By Shell represents professionalism, cultural insight, and genuine connections. When clients book her services, they experience more than just photography—they experience a true partnership.
Awards & Recognition:
1st Place in Business Pitch Competition for OH Snap! By Shell
1st Place in Business Service Display with the African American Chamber of Commerce
Honoree for Wisconsin’s Rising Star Award with the African American Chamber of Commerce & Titan 100 Nominee
2023 Outstanding Business of the Year Award from Wisconsin’s Governor Tony Evers
Image Published in the Journal Sentinel
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Employment law attorney and MWH Equity Partner Warren Buliox works hands-on with employers day in and day out. He offers organizations—corporate counsel, senior and mid-level managers, supervisors, business owners, and others—tailored, creative, and proactive solutions for eliminating or mitigating risks and, when needed, brings his insight and experience to matters that require arbitration, mediation, trial or other litigation.
Thank you Sponsors!
Champion sponsors
Leader sponsors
supporting sponsors
team Players
fan club
VIP Meet & Greet
Toast Sponsor
Parking Sponsor
JumboTron Sponsor
Contact us
For additional information or assistance with sponsorship, please contact Tanya at 414.462.9450 or by email at tgray@aaccwisconsin.org