As a school guidance counselor for 10 years, 
saw first-hand the effects of toxic stress and trauma on children and how it affected the relationships they were trying to build with teachers and community.
He began to think – how does an individual best build resiliency in the face of adversity?
His question led to research that eventually was the basis for an organization he launched that has quickly built a movement for positivity and change for children and adults in Milwaukee.
“Milwaukee is where it all began for me and I believe in the city and its potential,” said Currie, CEO and founder of STRYV365, a Milwaukee nonprofit that creates customized nonclinical trauma-informed programming. “To be a part of creating that positivity – specifically to help kids – really inspires me and gets me excited.”
Currie is the 2026 recipient of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Jackie Herd-Barber Award, which honors Community Adviser and Ambassador Network members who use their time, talent, treasure and ties to build and deepen relationships with the Foundation and champion its strategic vision. Awarded annually since 2023, it is named after Herd-Barber, a past Board chair and community volunteer. Currie was chosen because of his deep commitment to supporting the community in meaningful and impactful ways.
“As an athlete, coach, educator, counselor, business owner and community leader, Brandon consistently pours his talents, experience and knowledge into supporting youth throughout the city of Milwaukee,” said Emanuel Rios, director of planned giving for the Foundation who helps oversee the CAAN program, which connects local leaders and professional advisers to learn more about the Foundation and regional needs.
After graduating from Brown Deer High School, Currie earned his bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in school counseling and psychology from Butler University. A standout tennis player in both high school and college, Currie coached Division I tennis in Indianapolis and founded and operated a tennis club before completing his doctorate in urban education.
He combined his expertise in education, mental health and athletics to create STRYV365. The nonprofit got its genesis from Currie’s doctoral dissertation, which focused on using athletics to connect with kids. It got its start during one of the nation’s most challenging times. He developed the organization’s programming curriculum, attracted seed funding, recruited a small staff and launched in January 2020.
“The pandemic was unfortunate but one thing it did was force everyone to slow down and pay more attention to the social-emotional well-being of kids,” Currie said.
Building connections is the essence of STRY365’s curriculum. STRY365 partners with schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, postsecondary students and faculty, youth-serving agencies and businesses. It implements its programming in a variety of ways and settings, customized to fit the needs of the partners. Sometimes it is through after-school activities, while other times it is through recess or gym class. It also has incorporated the arts, sports or even the use of video games.
“Whatever kids are interested in we use as the vehicle to connect with them,” said Currie, who estimates that STRYV365 has worked with more than 40,000 kids over the past six years, addressing topics including anger management, conflict-resolution, decision-making and self-regulation. “The hope is that we are providing them the tools they are going to carry with them even when they leave the building.”
Currie said CAAN has provided an opportunity for both him and his organization to further their reach. He connected with the Foundation first as a grantee – STRYV365 received its first grant in 2021 – but saw an opportunity to deepen the relationship with the Foundation and other grantee partners through CAAN.
“I looked at it as another opportunity to make a greater impact,” said Currie, who participated in 2023. “It builds a sense of family as well as boosts your morale to go out and do more.”
He has remained deeply committed and closely connected to the Foundation ever since. He welcomed the 2025/26 cohort to learn more about STRYV365 and the Milwaukee Academy of Science, one of its longstanding partners. He also recommended a colleague for the next cohort. Currie continues to stay actively engaged by attending Foundation events and maintaining strong relationships with the Foundation’s Community Impact team to continuously explore meaningful partnership opportunities.
“I believe that resources and financial support are necessary to create true change,” Currie said. “You mix in passionate individuals and that is when you create a platform for growth and immediate impact. The Foundation has done a great job leveraging that and finding ways to connect with entities doing great work.”