ADVISORS & CHAMPIONS
Since 2005, people have given their time, guidance, credibility, relationships and resources to The Urban Conservation. Some served formally. Others opened a door, offered hard-earned counsel or made the gift that allowed the next chapter to begin.
WHERE BELIEF BECAME MOMENTUM
UC began with Ferome Brown’s decision to use his lived experience in service of other people. It grew because others recognized the possibility in that decision and chose to stand behind it.
In 2005, Dr. Emmett Carson helped secure the organization’s first major investment through the Minneapolis Foundation. That early support was both capital and confirmation: the work had value, the vision had reach and Ferome did not have to build it alone.
GUIDANCE THAT EXPANDED THE MISSION
Founder, Crisis Leadership Solutions · Former Minneapolis Police Chief
Medaria Arradondo brought the perspective of a leader who understands both public systems and the human stakes behind them. His guidance, along with the influence of Ferome’s first advisor, encouraged Ferome to think bigger about what UC could become.
That broader vision now reaches beyond the youth the organization first served to include adults, families, credible messengers and the communities surrounding them.
View professional profile ↗PEOPLE WHO HELPED CARRY THE MISSION
These are representative names from a much larger community of former board members, advisors, funders, partners and supporters who have helped UC move forward.
Foundational funder & mentor
After finding Ferome Brown through the African American Men Project, Dr. Carson helped secure UC’s first major investment through the Minneapolis Foundation. That first gift did more than fund an idea—it told Ferome that the mission was worth building bigger.
Professional profile ↗Founder, Crisis Leadership Solutions · Former Minneapolis Police Chief
Arradondo’s guidance, together with the belief of Ferome’s earliest advisor, challenged him to think beyond a single program and toward an organization capable of serving people, families and communities for generations.
Professional profile ↗Retired Supervising U.S. Probation Officer · Second-Chance & Reentry Leader
Wilson brought practical knowledge of reentry, accountability and second chances—experience that remains directly connected to UC’s expanding work with adults, families and justice-impacted communities.
LICSW · Clinical Supervisor & Psychotherapist
Mason’s clinical and behavioral-health perspective strengthens the organization’s understanding of trauma, family stability and the support people need to move forward safely.
Professional profile ↗Former board member · UC client · Friend
Helena’s relationship with the organization reflects the mission from more than one side. She received support through UC, later served as a board member and remained a friend to the work and the people behind it.
Former Board Treasurer
Recognized for formal board service and for contributing time and stewardship during an important chapter in the organization’s development.
Former Board Member
Recognized as one of the people who formally served the mission and helped carry UC’s community-centered work forward.
Former Board Member
Joined the board in June 2026 and is recognized among the people who gave their time and perspective during UC’s organizational transition.
Former Board Member
Joined the board in June 2026 and is recognized among the people who supported UC as its mission and institutional vision continued to expand.
A MISSION HELD BY MANY
UC honors the countless people whose belief took the form the moment required—a first gift, honest advice, public credibility, a referral, a partnership or the decision to keep showing up. Their names may not all fit on one page, but their influence lives in the work.