About Us

Urban Underground is Milwaukee’s premiere, youth leadership development organization. Founded in 2000 Urban Underground has become a nationally recognized model for engaging youth in bold and life changing opportunities to address the most pressing problems facing them and their communities.

With over 500 alum living, working, and leading around the world Urban Underground has established a significant track record for advancing educational outcomes for youth in Milwaukee through youth development, academic enrichment, and civic engagement. Our mission is to promote a new generation of young leaders committed to building safe and sustainable communities. We advance our mission through effective programs, strategic partnerships, and youth led social change in the areas of health, education, public safety and juvenile justice.

Staff

Urban Underground is led by a team of cool, talented, and skilled professionals committed to working in partnership with youth to bring out the best in them and their communities.

Sharlen Moore

Co Founder and Executive Director

Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica Sharlen came to the US when she was 6 years old. Sharlen committed her life to youth development at a very young age and has continued that commitment as the co-founder and leader of one of Milwaukee’s premier youth leadership development organizations. She has received numerous awards over the years including the YMCA Black Achiever of the Year, Wisconsin Association of Child & Youth Care Professionals – Youth Care Worker of the Year & Youth Work Award, Community Brainstorming Conference for Youth Development Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Trail Blazer in Youth Development Award, and the Jim Barrett Justice Fund -Distinguished Organizer Award. As Executive Director, Sharlen leads the vision and execution of Urban Underground’s mission and programs.

David Bowen

Program Director

David is a native of Milwaukee, and graduate of Bradley Tech High School. After completing Urban Underground as a teen, David continued to volunteer with the organization while pursuing his undergraduate degree in Educational Policy and Community Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He joined Urban Underground as a freshman in high school and has remained involved ever since. As Urban Underground’s Program Director, he oversees creation and implementation of programs and services.

Jeremy Triblettz

Education and Training Coordinator

Jeremy, is an Urban Underground alum and graduate of Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA). His specialties at MHSA were poetry, acting, singing and dance. Jeremy began his journey with Urban Underground as a junior in high school and has remained committed to the mission and work of the organization ever since. After graduating from high school Jeremy decided to do a year of service through the Public Allies Americorps program. He is an active member of Ephesians Missionary Baptist Church where he serves as a bible study teacher, street ministry leader, mime ministry leader, and choir member. He is currently pursuing his Bachelors degree in Human Service from MATC. As Education and Training Coordinator, Jeremy develops and manages opportunities that ensure youth are prepared for college, careers and life.

Charmaine Harris

Leadership and Civic Engagement Coordinator

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Charmaine is a graduate of Lakeland College with a Bachlors of Arts in both Psychology and Criminal Justice. After college she decided to commit to a year of service as a member of the Public Allies Americorps program. As an ally she facilitated life-skills and leadership workshops with teens and was instrumental in the development of Urban Underground’s Sister-to-Sister program. As the Leadership and Civic Engagement Coordinator Charmaine coordinates all of Urban Underground’s community engagement activities.

Andeja Adams

Youth Development Coordinator

As the Youth Development Coordiator, Andeja ensures that Urban Underground members receive the support and guidance needed to identify and pursue personal development goals.

Board of Directors

Riley Dotson
Miller Coors

Michelle Greene
Johnson Controls

Peavy Holmes
Chair & Treasurer @ Robert W. Baird

Marni King
Ansay & Associates

Clifton Phelps
JCP Construction

Jermaine Posey
Vice Chair
Metavante

Nicole Thomas
Secretary Public Allies

Tiffany Wynn
Independent Public Relations Consultant