Dr. Carl Wesley was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. He grew up in the heart of the 53206-zip code, one of the most impoverished and incarcerated areas in the United States. He attended many MPS schools throughout his childhood. As a ward of the state, Dr. Wesley also spent time at St. Charles, CATC, Norris Adolescent Treatment Center, and Lincoln Hills School for boys. His troubled youth, influenced by the drug explosion of the late 80’s, lead Dr. Wesley to become a product of his environment. While navigating the streets of Milwaukee, Dr. Wesley was inspired, in part through spoken word, his mother and his now wife of 17 years, to make some life altering changes. He left the streets and went to college. 19 years later Dr. Wesley has obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s degree in Adult Education, a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. Never forgetting where he came from, Dr. Wesley spent over 14 years within the UW system recruiting, retaining and graduating women and men that came from similarly situated backgrounds as he.

In January of 2015, Dr. Wesley returned to the city of Milwaukee to work with some of the most abandoned segments of the city’s population through the Center for Self-Sufficiency as the President and CEO. Dr. Wesley’s hard work and innovative ideas have made an immense impact in creating programs for youth and adults alike that support personal growth, development and ultimately access to a better life.

In addition to Dr. Wesley’s passion for building people, he firmly believes there must be a commit to enhancing the structures and spaces where the people reside in order to ensure community and neighborhood pride. Dr. Carl Wesley was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. He grew up on 22nd and Chambers in the heart of the 53206-zip code. He attended many MPS schools throughout his childhood. As a ward of the state, Dr. Wesley also spent time at St. Charles, CATC, Norris Adolescent Treatment Center, and Lincoln Hills School for boys. His troubled youth, influenced by the drug explosion of the late 80’s, lead Dr. Wesley to become a product of his environment. While navigating the streets of Milwaukee, Dr. Wesley was inspired, in part through spoken word, his mother and his now wife of 16 years, to make some life altering changes. He left the streets and went to college. 18 years later Dr. Wesley has obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s degree in Adult Education, a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a Doctorate degree in Education. Never forgetting where he came from, Dr. Wesley spent over 14 years within the UW system recruiting, retaining and graduating women and men that came from similarly situated backgrounds.

He and his Wife Incorporated By The Block, LLC are currently developing Farm2Fork Organic Grocery store located on the corner of where he grew up. Both Drs. Carl and Artanya Wesley wants their community revitalization efforts to serve as a beckon of inspiration to the youth and adults of the community, providing hope and encouragement for those whose stories are yet to be written.