Marion Clendenen-Acosta helps preserve Milwaukee’s history–and decide what is indeed historic–as a member of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. While many of these decisions gain little notice, others are very much in the public eye, such as when the commission voted in favor of giving historic designation to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts but allowing it to cut four ailing chestnut trees in the Dan Kiley-designed grove. However, the Common Council rejected the recommendation for historic status. Marion understands design. She’s an architect, an associate principal at Kahler Slater and the project leader for the health care team. She is one of the few licensed female African American architects in the state and has LEED expertise for designing green buildings. Marion also has contributed to the cultural fabric of the city through her work with Theatre Gigante, where she’s coordinated costumes for shows such as “The Beggar’s Opera.” She’s gotten involved in education as well and served as the president of the Rufus King High School PTSO.