What is your story? How did you end up in Milwaukee?

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Alexis has called Milwaukee home since 2001 after her Mother got remarried and decided to relocate to the Midwest. As a graduate of Bay View High School, Alexis received her BA in Business & Management and her Master’s Degree of Science & Management from Cardinal Strich University. Alexis currently serves as the Director of Admissions & Enrollment at St. Joan Antida High School which fosters 60+ years of educating women in its all-girl environment. In her spare time she enjoys watching football (Go Pack Go!), playing on her local kickball league, cooking, gardening, traveling and spending time with her husband of five years and four-year-old son.

What keeps you in Milwaukee/What do you like best about Milwaukee?

Alexis is connected to the city of Milwaukee because of the high volume of opportunity that exists to encourage sustainability. There are ample resources that are offered through other non-profit organizations that can help a wide range of people but a lot of folks just don’t know where to go for information such as this. There is always something to do, somewhere to go or someone to show around this great city.

Favorite spot in the city?

Alexis is a major fan of locally owned social spots that provide quality ambiance and cool features like good food, live music and an interactive element. Currently my top favorite place to go is Farmhouse Paint and Sip, a new, hip and social art studio on the Southside of Milwaukee off of Layton Avenue. Farmhouse has an in house coffee shop, bar and the option to be social and mingle or paint while you sip wine, eat apps or hang with staff.

Milwaukee festival you are eager to attend each year?

As a big fan of all the Wisconsin festivals offered, Alexis considers her favorite to be Garfield Days which is usually hosted mid-June for the last 18 years. Alexis appreciates the intergenerational interaction between those who attend. There is always a wide-range of people, ages and races at this event. Between the great BBQ, art and local vendors who offer items like clothing, jewelry and all natural health and beauty products, my pockets are always empty at the end of this event but my spirit is filled after an entire couple of days in the corner of the city.

What drew you to Echelon?

The opportunity to roll up my sleeves and “do work” with individuals who are close to my age and share the same passion of helping others was my biggest draw when applying to Echelon. Also as a former employee of The Salvation Army, I am pleased to return to work with this organization but in a different capacity.

What struggles do you see our city dealing with? What can our generation do to help?

I think there is a lack of hope in the city depending on who you talk to. Working in the education field professionally I have found more students convinced that they do not have access to bigger and better because they are “only from Milwaukee”. I find this city to be full of opportunity and work diligently to share my network with anyone who is willing to listen! I think our generation can be helpful in sharing their stories of success with the younger population. This lets them know we were once them.