Alumni Spotlights

After graduating with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Marquette University, Joanna taught psychology courses at Carroll University and worked as a counselor with the Milwaukee Job Corps Center. Something was missing, though, and she decided to change careers and complete training to teach yoga and Pilates. She founded Embody Yoga in 2015 "to create a space where Black people and people of color had access to the practice of yoga with minimal barriers.”  

Joanna believes the shaping of one's personality and character happens in high school. She is grateful it was King that helped shape who she has become, and she thinks it’s important to stay connected to your high school to keep in touch with your roots. She says, “It reminds me of how I was raised and many of the things I learned from my teachers. And, in return, whenever I have an opportunity to invite King students into my studio space, I take it. King gets the family discount.” 

After graduating from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Tyrone became a computer engineer for several years before deciding to pursue his dream of being a DJ. He believes this was one of the best decisions he ever made because he gets to do what he loves every day and doesn’t take it for granted. Tyrone has taught DJing and music production across the country, worked for various radio stations, and produced his own music. He also wrote an introductory DJing book for Hal Leonard, the world’s largest sheet music provider, and had the chance to take part in DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Playlist Retreat. He says, “Jazzy Jeff has been my biggest influence when it comes to music and creativity, so being invited to that was a dream come true.” 

Tyrone believes that staying connected to your high school after graduation is an opportunity to guide the next generation of students. He explains, “Sometimes young people need to see and hear real-life examples of careers they might be interested in to get them to try it out. And it especially helps when you're from the same neighborhood or went to the same school." 

After graduating from MPS, Joseph worked for an armored truck company before enrolling in the criminal justice program at Waukesha County Technical College. In 2018, he proudly became the first Latino police officer hired by the Village of Shorewood Police Department. Joseph shares, “I wanted to pursue a career that would help the Milwaukee community, work to remove drugs from our streets, and protect young people from being influenced by the same environment I grew up around.” Witnessing drug activity and gang violence as a child played a major role in shaping his career path and deepening his commitment to serving others.

Looking back, Joseph credits his time at South Division High School with preparing him for that work by exposing him to a diverse group of people and experiences. He is also grateful for his time on the baseball team, where he learned the value of teamwork, discipline, and support for others both on and off the field. Today, Joseph hopes his story reminds current MPS students that success is not determined by the high school you attend, the neighborhood you grow up in, or where you come from. Instead, he believes that with hard work, determination, and the right mindset, anyone can create their own path and accomplish their goals.

After graduating from high school, Bridget attended Marquette University through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). She became the first in her family to earn a college degree, graduating with a bachelor’s in sociology and human resources management. Bridget built a career in human resources before shifting her focus toward community impact. She says, “I wanted to give back in a way that would leave a legacy for Milwaukee.” She now leads a local nonprofit that brings together residents, youth, and law enforcement. 

Bridget’s journey is one of perseverance and determination. She became a parent at an early age and often felt that “the odds were stacked against [her],” but she remained committed to learning, growing, and creating a better future for herself and her family. Today, she is especially proud that her experience as a first-generation college graduate helped inspire her own children to graduate from MPS. Bridget now looks back on her own time at Hamilton with gratitude. She credits the school’s staff with encouraging her to pursue her goals after graduation and helping her develop skills that continue to influence her life and leadership today.