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Milwaukee’s Sherman Park nicknamed ‘Moe Town’ for UWO alumnus making a difference in neighborhood

by | Aug 29, 2023 | Alumni News, Features

Eleven successful University of Wisconsin Oshkosh graduates have been chosen to receive top honors for 2023 by the Alumni Association Board of Directors. In the months leading up to Homecoming—during which they’ll be honored at an on-campus ceremony—we will introduce you to these outstanding alumni. The full list of award winners is available here. 

With wisdom and a servant’s heart, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus Maurice “Moe” Wince is working for positive social change in Milwaukee.

The 1995 human service major will be one of seven graduates honored during Homecoming weekend in October with a Distinguished Alumni Award for his widely recognized accomplishments.

In July 2022, Wince and his wife, Yaschica, opened the only Black-owned, full-service grocery story in Wisconsin to provide healthy food options in the Sherman Park neighborhood considered a food desert by the City of Milwaukee.

Alumnus Maurice “Moe” Wince with Sherman Park Grocery staff.

“Sherman Park Grocery endeavors to be a durable company that is profitable yet puts social conscience at the heart of our mission,” said Marquisa Wince, in nominating her father for the award. “With childhood obesity and diabetes peaking in the minority community, people need options on nutritious food and education.”

Wince’s work with the grocery story includes building relationships with social service agencies, healthcare organizations and workforce centers. Feed My Sheep Ministry, a nonprofit component of the store, donates gift cards each month to families who need temporary help paying for fruits, vegetables and other staples.

His other professional endeavors are vast, including more than 20 years in business management, customer relations and community organization. He is a principal in D & Q Investments. Along with Yaschica, he also owns and manages a real estate business. In addition, the couple started a dance studio for women of all ages to grow their confidence and increase their spiritual, physical and emotional well-being.

Wince’s impact on the community is felt through his participation on a number of boards, including that of the National Christian Foundation Wisconsin (NCFW).

Linda Maris, NCFW president, said Wince lives out the organization’s mission to “mobilize resources by inspiring biblical generosity.”

“The motivation behind his life and business is to help those who need a hand up not a handout. I see how he leads with respect for others. He treats his tenants with love and care. He volunteers his time and expertise on other nonprofit boards,” she said.

“Moe is involved in and has initiated so many projects in this section of Sherman Park that many have referred to it as Moe Town! And it is not to shine a light on Moe but to shine light on his servant heart. He is known for his humility, love for others and generosity of time and resources.”

Wince showed early signs of his commitment to community during his years at UWO, where he was involved with the Oshkosh Student Association, the Multicultural Education Center, Alpha Omega Human Service National Honor Society and Alpha Phi Alpha.

Wince recalls fondly his “amazing” college education and the all the new people he met at UWO.

“I still hold those relationships near and dear to my heart,” he said.

The 2023 Alumni Awards Celebration will be held Oct. 27 at the Culver Family Welcome Center, with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by the dinner and program beginning at 6 p.m. The cost of the event is $40 per person. For more information, contact UWO’s Alumni Relations Office at (920) 424-3449 or alumni@uwosh.edu. Register for the Alumni Awards Celebration here.

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