Clementine "Clem" Allen, a dedicated staff member of Milwaukee Recreation, has been honored with the 2024 Barbara Leszczynski Customer Service Award. This award, now in its 15th year, is named after a former Milwaukee Recreation clerical team member known for her empathy and customer service.
Past recipients of this award include David Hojnacki (2010), Diane Winter (2011), Alonzo Watkins (2012), Marta Santos (2013), Anna Torres (2014), Rick Knack (2015), Shannon Galindo (2016), James Kocinski (2017), Steve Slaughter (2018), Datherine Young-Garrett (2019), Maria Montoya (2020), Priscilla Struck (2021), Sharon Scull (2022), and Todd Jackson (2024).
Allen expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award: “It was overwhelming,” she said. “I did not expect to [receive the award]. I am very honored, and I appreciate the recognition.”
Originally from Georgia, Allen moved to Milwaukee at the age of two and has been involved with Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Recreation since then. She attended local schools including McKinley Elementary School, Wells St. Junior High School, and West Division High School.
Her career with Milwaukee Recreation began at 15 when she worked as a youth playground assistant at Norris Playground. Over time, Allen took on various roles such as playground leader, youth arts & crafts instructor, youth cooking instructor, child care camps staff member, and Rec ‘N’ Roll Mobile Units operator.
In her current role with Rec ‘N’ Roll Mobile Units—a traveling van providing games and activities—Allen has preserved the program's history while incorporating new trends. In 2024 alone, she developed arts and crafts programming for over 1,200 children across several locations and participated in numerous community events to promote Milwaukee Recreation.
Allen also plays an integral part in organizing the annual Daddy/Daughter Dance event which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. Her dedication to detail and passion for recreation have contributed significantly to its success.
Recreation manager Lauren Lopez praised Allen’s contributions: “Clem is invaluable to our department,” Lopez stated. “She is a true example of exceptional customer service.”
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