WHAT IS YOUR STORY? HOW DID YOU END UP IN MILWAUKEE?

Born in Kenosha and raised in Racine, I was a SE Wisconsin kid. Driving through MKE when I was younger I remember always looking out the window and seeing the “big yellow bridge.” In high school and college, I ended up in the Fox Valley, graduating from UW-Oshkosh’s School of Business with a degree in Information Systems. While in college, I began to be drawn to organizations where I could have an impact and make a difference. This is a theme that has weaved its way through my personal and professional life. I had an amazing opportunity to start up a marketing and technology company in SE Wisconsin. I moved to Walker's Point, and it's all history from there.

 

WHAT KEEPS YOU IN MILWAUKEE/WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT MILWAUKEE?

When I moved to Milwaukee it was growing; things were happening, the city was shakin’ and bakin’.  Several years later, the energy is still there, and now it’s even stronger. Everywhere you look, new buildings are going up, businesses small and large are opening and expanding. The opportunities for people are endless. What keeps me in Milwaukee? Being part of a city that is making a name for itself on the map, not only nationally, but internationally!

 

FAVORITE SPOT IN THE CITY?

My favorite spot is anywhere I can have a cocktail in hand and be surrounded by great company on a rooftop or at one of Milwaukee’s spots by the river.

 

MILWAUKEE FESTIVAL YOU ARE EAGER TO ATTEND EACH YEAR?

Summerfest… do I need to say more?

 

WHAT DREW YOU TO ECHELON?

After meeting a few of the members, I immediately recognized that they were driven individuals from all aspects of life. 

 

SHARE WITH US A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE HAD THUS FAR WITH THE ORGANIZATION.

My first experience with the organization was the Echelon Masquerade Gala a few years ago. I saw how much creativity, hard work and collaboration the organization had in the event, it was great! Now that I’ve been to a few other events, it’s great to see how Echelon reinvents itself to always stay relevant.

 

WHAT STRUGGLES DO YOU SEE OUR CITY DEALING WITH? WHAT CAN OUR GENERATION DO TO HELP?

With all the growth happening, it's even more critical for our city to focus on people experiencing poverty and breaking the segregation Milwaukee has been known for.

What can we do? We can begin by raising awareness of these struggles and making it easy for people to join efforts to solve the problems. Our generation is well-connected through various platforms such as social media. By getting the right message out and leading by example, we can be quick to have a positive impact.