Black History Month: Celebrating Excellence in Every Community

We're excited to share 2025 Everyday Excellence in celebration of Black History Month. This month, we’re honoring individuals who show up, step into their roles, and make a difference in their communities and careers. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that excellence is within all of our reach.

Ready to elevate your own career path? Visit aarp.org/work for resources to help you stay competitive in the workforce.

Josie L. Veal, PhD, RN, APRN, serves as the public health officer at Milwaukee Area Technical College, using her nursing expertise to promote healthy lifestyles and personal wellness to improve the health and lives of members within the college community.

With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Veal is licensed and practices as a family nurse practitioner in the Milwaukee community.

As a healthcare professional and servant leader, serving on boards has been a way to give back to the community. In this role, her passion is collaborating and leading initiatives which ensure that communities have safe, healthy and equitable livable spaces. Her board service includes the Wisconsin Center for Nursing (which engages healthcare organizations, academic programs and government agencies to ensure a competent and diverse nursing workforce) and a new appointment to the AARP WI Executive Council.

She is actively involved with various national service organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Junior League of Milwaukee and The Links, Incorporated. Dr. Veal earned her doctorate in nursing from Marquette University, received her master’s degree in nursing from Concordia University and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Carroll-Columbia College.

Jim Milner's journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination and personal growth.

Jim holds degrees and certifications in Leadership, Communication, Organizational Development and AI Technology from institutions including Marquette, Harvard, MIT and Phoenix Universities.

As the founder, owner, and managing director of two successful professional service companies, Jim has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his career. Today, Jim continues to make a difference in the lives of others as a Master Certified (Leadership Transformational) Coach -ICF and highly credentialed Neuro-linguistic (NLP) Programing and Timeline Therapy. He provides invaluable professional development services to individuals across various levels of organizations, helping them unlock their full potential and achieve their goals.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jim has also been actively involved in his community, serving tirelessly as he supports numerous worthy causes. He is deeply committed to fostering inclusive environments and driving positive change, both within his organization and beyond.

“I hope my story serves as an inspiration to individuals everywhere, reminding us that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible,” he said.

Miss Barbara Smith has significantly impacted her community over the years. She serves on the Dominican Center's Board, the Resident Advisory Council for Housing for Community Development Alliance, and is active in Providence Baptist Church and the Wisconsin General Baptist State Convention Women’s Auxiliary. Her advocacy for pedestrian safety in Amani led to a temporary traffic-calming roundabout and an Active Streets grant, which funds community outreach, art installations, infrastructure monitoring, and feedback to City of Milwaukee Dept. of Public Works.

Terrence Moore, Sr. is the Vice Chair of the AARP Wisconsin Executive Council, Vice Chair of the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging, Board Member of the African-American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM), and a Committee Member of the Bronzeville Advisory Committee. Through his leadership and commitment, he makes a meaningful impact in our community, working to improve the lives of individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Diane B. Milner is a dynamic and accomplished leader whose life and career are rooted in service, compassion, and a relentless drive to empower others. As the Director of Health Equity for the Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter, Diane is leading efforts to create equitable access to resources, support, and care for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. Her work reflects a deep commitment to addressing systemic health disparities and ensuring underserved communities have the tools they need to thrive.

Beyond her professional achievements, Diane's dedication to community service is profound. A proud member of the Milwaukee North Sunrise Rotary Club, Diane has served as a two-time Past President and currently holds a District 6270 leadership role as an Assistant District Governor. Diane and her husband have hosted Rotary Friendship Exchange teams from Nigeria and Uganda, and Diane has traveled to both countries on a Rotary Friendship Exchange, building bridges across cultures and championing global collaboration.

Diane’s work to advocate for health equity and inspire global unity through Rotary makes her a strong beacon of hope and a catalyst for growth.