Mayra Alaniz

Mayra is a proud Milwaukee native and self professed life long learner.  She has navigated her early career across the government, nonprofit, and corporate sector always with an eye for growing talent pipelines and creating workforce opportunities.  Her passion stems from her experiences as a first generation student navigating her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University.  She comes to the IWL by way of pursuing her Masters in Business Administration at Marquette University and starting the Career Closet on campus, an initiative that provides professional clothes to students on campus.  When she is not working, she gives time to College Possible Milwaukee through her board leadership and enjoys working on her DIY home projects.

 

Griselda Aldrete

Founding the Aldrete Law and Consulting Firm, Griselda Aldrete is also the CEO of this woman, minority owned firm that focuses on legal and consulting services in the corporate, non-profit, educational, sports, real estate and government sectors. She also has a passion for mediation and advanced dispute resolution. She is fluent in Spanish, both orally and written. She has held senior executive positions in corporate, government, and non-profit sectors. Griselda has been a lecturer and adjunct professor for over 12 years teaching criminal justice and criminology at local universities and continues to teach at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her ability to assess, create, and build systems and infrastructure has been invaluable to the organizations she has led and served.  

Aldrete obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University, her Master of Arts from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and her J.D. from Marquette University Law School. Most recently, graduated from Northwestern University’s Mediation Certificate Program.

Griselda’s work has been recognized by the Milwaukee Business Journal (Top 40 under 40 in 2013), the United Way of Greater Milwaukee (Philanthropic 5 award), and Marquette University (College of Art and Sciences Young Alumna of the Year), among others. She was named one of Wisconsin’s top 48 most powerful Latinos. In 2015, Aldrete was selected to represent the United States as a U.S. delegate for the British American Project, and most recently, in 2018, Aldrete was selected to be a Marshall Memorial Fellow for The German Marshall Fund of the United States.

She currently serves on the board of the Wisconsin Policy Forum, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, and Virago Rising. She is a committee member for Milwaukee Women Inc., Building Brave, the British American Project, and NextGen Chamber of Commerce.

 

Tammy Belton-Davis

Named a 2021 Women of Influence by the Milwaukee Business Journal, Tammy serves as founder and CEO of Athena Communications, a brand management and government affairs firm specializing in strategic communications, equity and inclusion practices, and media engagement, with client partners engaged in transformational and systems change work.  

Most recently and concurrently, Tammy was the first appointed chief diversity officer with Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the largest regional theater in Wisconsin. As an accelerant for equity and inclusion, she works directly with executive leadership, board of trustees, staff and community to develop, implement and measure ED&I goals for the theater and serve as an internal coach on inclusiveness and diversity issues. 

Tammy is an award-winning public relations and diversity professional. In 2021 she was a part of the inaugural class of most Notable Alumni, a recognition for distinguished alumni recognized by the Biz Times and was most recently the recipient of the inaugural Governor's Tourism Award for Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion. The award recognizes demonstrated leadership in raising awareness, or facilitating change, to build a more inclusive and welcoming environment for visitors to Wisconsin.

Prior to launching Athena in 2009, Tammy held senior level positions in city government and community-based organizations and served as staff assistant with the Milwaukee County Board and Milwaukee Common Council. Tammy is an active member of the greater Milwaukee community, with board leadership as a trustee on the boards of Alverno College Board and Milwaukee Rep and member of the Professional Dimensions Charitable Fund Board. She enjoys membership in TEMPO Milwaukee, Professional Dimensions, MRA CDO Roundtable, and Public Relations Society of America – Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter.

A proud graduate of Alverno College, Tammy enjoys reading, national politics, and being a wife and mother and proudly serves as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

 

Aliah Berman

Aliah Berman is the Chief Diversity Officer of TBWA\North America. She’s responsible for leading the vision, strategy and execution of TBWA’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the collective, working in partnership with the company’s North American offices and parent company Omnicom.

Throughout her career, Aliah has demonstrated a passion for and successful track record of driving growth and positive change in her teams and organizations. She has a strong commitment to leveraging diversity as an advantage, to addressing specific challenges facing underrepresented groups, and to ensuring equity in opportunity for all individuals.

Previously, Aliah served as Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for TBWA’s sister company, global experiential agency GMR Marketing, where she continues to serve as Chief Diversity Officer. In her role at GMR, Aliah has identified programs and initiatives aimed at bolstering diversity with GMR and created learning environments that built a culturally competent community. She’s also spearheaded change and culture management initiatives that aligned the organization’s DEI strategy with business goals to enhance work outputs.

Prior to GMR Marketing, Berman served as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Acquisition at Advocate Aurora Health. She serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center and on the Advisory Board for NEWaukee.  Additionally, she is a member of TEMPO Milwaukee, a professional organization for women that aims to further the impact of women leaders in the community.

 

Patty Cadorin

Patty Cadorin retired in 2021 as Vice President and Senior Advisor of BMO Harris Bank. Previously, she was Chief of Staff to the CEO; and prior to the acquisition of Marshall & Ilsley Corporation by BMO Financial Group, Patty was Senior Vice President and Corporate Communications Director for Marshall & Ilsley Corporation.

Patty has served as Wisconsin Women’s Council Chair since 2019, leading the Council under two Governor’s. She is a founding partner of the Women’s Council’s Governor’s Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business (2007), Governor’s appointee to the Women’s Council Board since 2012, and served as the Governor’s Designee from 2018-19.

Patty serves on the board of directors of the United Community Center; Building Brave; the Milwaukee Urban League; and is a member of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council. She is the former chair of the board of directors of Aurora Family Service and the Donors Forum of Wisconsin. Patty is a former member of the board of directors of the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, and Zink the Zebra Foundation. She co-chaired the 2015 United Performing Arts Fund community campaign and helped lead a record-breaking $12 million fund-raising campaign. Patty also co-chaired the Aurora Healthcare Gala in 2016, the Boys and Girls Club Transformations Fashion Show in 2008, co-chaired the Sharp Literacy Novel Event in 2008, and was a member of the NFL Alumni/Big Brothers Big Sisters Golf Tournament committee for 19 years.

Patty was the recipient of the Business Journal Women of Influence award in 2003, the St. Francis Children’s Center Children’s Service Award in 2007, the TEMPO Mentor Award in 2008, the Lynde Uihlein Award from the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee in 2011, and the Friend of the Hispanic Community Award from the United Community Center in 2011. In 2016, she was awarded the Ally Award from the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee and the Civic Leader Award from the Fellowship Open. Patty was recognized with the UPAF Notable Women Award in 2017.

A graduate of the University of Iowa, Patty holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French, Spanish and secondary education.

 

Kareeda Chones Aguam

In her 24^th season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Kareeda Chones Aguam is the Senior Vice President of Partner Strategy and Management, leading a team responsible for managing over seventy marketing partnerships and over $55M+ for the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum. Chones Aguam works very closely with the management team in the continuous construction and development of the $500M Deer District in downtown Milwaukee. The partnership revenue line has quadrupled during her leadership.

In addition to her position with the Milwaukee Bucks, Chones Aguam has also been a free-lance voice talent artist for 20+ years as the voice of numerous radio and television commercials, television programs, and professional employee videos for various clients throughout the city and across the country including Milwaukee Bucks' Basketball, and her most recent project as the Voice of Fiserv Forum!

Chones Aguam was formerly the TV host of the Marquette Women's Basketball Coach's Show, Marquette Women's Basketball TV Color Analyst, and on-air voice talent on Milwaukee's Smooth Jazz 106.9. Chones Aguam is excited to launch Aguama Productions LLC. In late 2023!

A graduate of Marquette University and four (4) year letter winner of the Marquette Women's Basketball Team, Kareeda learned and understood the importance of giving back and consistently pouring into others to make our community a better place. Kareeda also is engaged in the community as a current member of the Board of Directors for the Froedtert Hospital Board and Marquette University's Institute for Women's Leadership Council, former board appointments include Penfield Children's Center of Wisconsin, Hunger Task Force of Wisconsin, African American Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee, Employ Milwaukee, and the Women's Fund Board of Greater Milwaukee.

2016 Chones Aguam was awarded the Marquette Athletic Department Young Alumnae of the Year Award.

2019 Kareeda was celebrated as one of the Milwaukee Business Journal's Women of Influence 2019 for mentorship.

2019 Milwaukee Magazine's Women of Distinction

2020 selected as a Sports Business Journal's distinguished "Game Changer Recipient- Class of 2020

2023 Institute for Women's Leadership Award- Marquette University Transformational Leadership Award Recipient

In addition to her responsibilities in the office, studio, and community, Kareeda' s most cherished role is being a wife of 15 years to husband Ryan and mother to her amazing children, daughter Averie (11) and son Carter (8).

 

Jennifer Dirks

Jennifer Dirks joined TEMPO in 2014 as the organization's first President & CEO. In her role, Dirks is responsible for the development, implementation and execution of TEMPO's strategic direction. She works closely with the board chair, executive committee and board of directors to ensure this direction stays true to the organization's mission and vision of furthering the impact of women leaders in the Milwaukee business community. Dirks also oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization, corporate partnerships and serves as a community advocate on behalf of TEMPO. Dirks is a communications and public relations executive with more than 20 years of corporate and agency experience with business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets. Dirks also spent more than a decade as a television news reporter and producer in various newsrooms across the Midwest. She currently serves on the Board of PEARLS for Teen Girls, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Medical College of Wisconsin Physicians Board. She is an adjunct instructor for Marquette University and an active member of Professional Dimensions and Milwaukee Women inc. Dirks was named a 'Woman of Influence' and a 'Power Broker' by the Milwaukee Business Journal. Born in St. Charles, Illinois, Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications from Illinois State University.

 

 Isabelle Faust

Isabelle Faust is an attorney with Amundsen Davis, LLC in Milwaukee, making partner in February 2025. She counsels clients on all facets of civil litigation and the dispute resolution process. Her primary focus is legal matters involving professional liability, transportation and logistics, construction, and commercial disputes. At Amundsen Davis, Faust serves on the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee and the Women’s Attorney Group. She is also a member of the Association for Women Lawyers in Milwaukee. 

Previously, Faust was a legal intern at the Master Lock Company, and research assistant for Professors Jay Grenig and Paul Anderson at Marquette University Law School.

She received her law degree, cum laude, from Marquette University Law School in 2018 where she earned the Sports Law Certificate, served on the Marquette Sports Law Review, and was inducted into the Pro Bono Honor Society for over 120 hours of service.

She holds a BA in Political Science and French from the University of Wisconsin.

 

Jasmine Johnson

Jasmine M. Johnson brings 20+ years of leadership, service, and advocacy to any space she enters. She started her corporate career as an intern at Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia) of which is also the company she landed her first job post Undergrad, and most recently returned as the Vice President of Sales. As part of the Senior Leadership Team at Milwaukee’s iHeartMedia Markets Group she is charged to lead the sales team to achieve and exceed customer’s goals and expectations across multiple platforms and assets. Jasmine has led and served at some of the largest Global Brands such as Pfizer, Walgreen’s, and ManpowerGroup.

She was most recently named as one of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 2021 40 Under 40 Awardees, was selected as a participant of the 2020 Young American Leaders Program through Harvard Business School, and was recognized as one of the 2015 United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County Philanthropic Five. In 2018, Jasmine received the inaugural City of Milwaukee’s Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award, an award honoring social justice and civic accomplishment in the City of Milwaukee of which she was soon then appointed by the City of Milwaukee to the Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Service Award Selection Committee. Jasmine serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, Milwaukee Film, the Executive Leadership Team for GoRed for the American Heart Association – Greater Milwaukee of where she’ll be the first person of color across the State to lead a local campaign in 2021, is an inaugural Board member of the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, and holds a Mayoral appointment as a Board member of the Historic King Drive BID #8. Jasmine is a member of Milwaukee Women, Inc. (MWi), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc. and Jack & Jill of America, Inc.

Jasmine has a passion for making a difference through advocacy both at work and in her community. She holds a Master of Science degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Wisconsin- Parkside. Jasmine resides in the historic Harambee Neighborhood in Milwaukee area and recognizes the significance of working hard, performing strong, and giving back. She juggles it well with grace, style, and class all while being motivated by her son, Jeremiah, a Sophomore at Marquette University High School.

 

Margo Loebl

Margaret (“Margo”) Loebl is an experienced global executive and board director. She currently serves in advisory roles for Marquette University, Wellesley College and the National Association of Corporate Directors, and PJM Interconnection while providing education at schools and business groups covering key topics in corporate finance, governance and other “hot topics” for Corporate Boards.

In her 35+ year career, Loebl has worked in complex multi-nationals in a variety of cultures across the automotive, agribusiness, footwear/apparel, technical services and chemical industries. She has been a financial officer in large public companies, including General Motors, Nike and Archer Daniels Midland. She spent a total of six years as a public company Chief Financial Officer for TechTeam Global, Quaker Chemical and AgroFresh Solutions. She lived and worked 10 years outside the U.S. and has a working knowledge of German, Spanish and Portuguese. 

Loebl also served on the Board of Directors of Hickory Point Bank and Trust. She has an MBA from the University of Chicago and a BA from Wellesley College. She also served as an Executive in Residence at the University of Illinois.

 

Kim Marotta

Kim Marotta is the Global Vice President, Environmental Sustainability for Beam Suntory, one of the world's leading premium spirits companies.  She is responsible for developing and implementing long-term commitments to environmental sustainability across every facet of the value chain—a program known as Nature Positive.  Kim joined the alcohol industry in 2004 and held similar global leadership positions in sustainability at Molson Coors.

Kim completed her undergraduate degree at Marquette University and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School.  Following law school, Kim served as The Deputy State Public Defender and as an adjunct law professor at Marquette University Law School.

Kim serves as a director on the Maker’s Mark Distillery board and previously served on the Keurig-Dr. Pepper Advisory board and the boards of The Great Lakes Protection Fund, The Sustainability Consortium, The Wisconsin Nature Conservancy, and Milwaukee World Festivals.

 

Francesca Mayca Wegner

Francesca Mayca Wegner, is the co-founder of Midwest Latina (MWL), an apparel and accessories brand celebrating the rich identity of Midwest Latinas. As two first-generation Peruvian-American sisters who were born in Chicagoland and live in Milwaukee, Francesca and her sister Gabriella merge design and identity for a one-of-a-kind Midwest Latina look—where cultura meets classic. Midwest Latina reflects Francesca and Gabriella’s multifaceted identities and creates space for other Midwest Latinas to be seen and celebrated. 

Francesca also serves as President and Chief Possibilities Officer of Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM). In only two years, Francesca has nearly doubled HPGM’s membership, secured the largest grant in the organization’s history, co-founded the Poderosa Collective (the first-ever Wisconsin Latina alliance to unite, educate, and highlight Latina voices in order to grow their social and economic power), and is the founding director of the Techqueria Chapter of Milwaukee.  Recognized as one of ‘Wisconsin's 36 Most Influential Latino Leaders,’ a ‘40 Under 40 Winner,’ and a ‘Notable BIPOC Executive,’ Francesca’s trailblazing advocacy and leadership continue to help others step into their power. 

 

Mark Naidicz

Mark Naidicz is an HR executive who has led global HR functions at AbbVie, Abbott, and S.C. Johnson. Diverse experiences in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, nutritional, hospital, and consumer packaged goods industries in complex business environments. Highly recognized leadership in building high performance cultures, leadership depth and capability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion to help organizations succeed. Unique and highly successful experiences in M&A leadership, integrations, transformations, and company spin-offs. Highlights from Naidicz’s career so far include his work at S.C. Johnson, Abbott, and AbbVie in executive-level global HR roles; providing HR leadership on 20 acquisitions, integrations, and company spin-offs; leading AbbVie to more than 40 “Great Places to Work,” “Top Employer,” and “Best of…” lists; as well as being a Marquette University alumnus and serving as the College of Business Administration’s HR Executive in Residence.

 

Emily R. Phillips

Emily has an entrepreneurial background in technology, marketing, business development, and management consulting prior to joining the financial services industry. She cultivated strong relationships while leading enterprise solutions for Fortune 100 companies in the Midwest. Her unique career path enables Emily to serve clients in creative ways given her innate curiosity, growth mindset, and capacity to adapt to change. In her role as an advisor, Emily leads a dynamic wealth management team committed to the longstanding clients come first culture at Baird.

In addition to her day job, Emily is also actively involved in the business and nonprofit community; she serves on several business advisory and nonprofit boards. Emily is deeply committed to a variety of charities investing time and energy to the greater Milwaukee community. Emily was a keynote speaker at the 2016 TEDxUWMilwaukee I Am We Are event. She was named one of the 2017 Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 award recipients, the 2018 OneMKE Driver of Diversity Professional of the Year award, and was a 2020 Milwaukee Business Journal Women of Influence award recipient. Although the awards demonstrate Emily’s involvement in making the world a better place, the driving force in her success is because she has a passion for people, especially the underdogs.

Emily earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2007.  Never one for idle time, she is also an avid golfer, loves to travel, is a competitive runner and cyclist and absolutely loves spending time with her family.

 

Claire Rolfs
President, Thomas J. Rolfs Foundation 

 

Ted Rolfs
Red Top Capital Investments

 

Thelma A. Sias

Thelma A. Sias is one of Milwaukee’s most powerful women because of her leadership and commitment to serve her community. She is proud to be the 5th of 11 children of the late  Roosevelt and Pauline Sias, raised on the family farm in Mayersville, Mississippi.  Sias joined Wisconsin Gas (now We Energies) in 1986, and in 2003, We Energies appointed Sias vice president. In 2015, she was named to the Milwaukee Business Journal’s “40 Under 40 Hall of Fame;” in 2016 to Savoy Magazine’s list of “Top Influential Women in Corporate America;” and in 2017 was added to the HistoryMakers’ Collection at the Library of Congress and awarded the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Doug Jansson Leadership Award. In 2018, Sias received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Milwaukee Business Journal.  In May 2022, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Marquette University and was the Commencement speaker for its Graduate School.

Sias is a board member of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, the Sojourner Family Peace Center, and Cardinal Stritch University.  Sias is a retired executive and the founder and CEO of The Sias Group, LLC.

 

Carla Skogland
CFO, Sono Bello

C Suite; Board Member; Six Sigma & Lean Expertise

 

 

 

 

Lori Syverson

 Lori Syverson is the President/CEO of Milwaukee Women inc (MWi), a 20-year-old organization of executives determined to change the quality and composition of corporate boards to enhance the performance of public and private companies, with a focus on women and women of color. Since 2003, MWi has been at the forefront of providing annual research on the representation of women in corporate boardrooms. 

Before joining MWi, Syverson served 11 years as president of the Edina Chamber of Commerce in Minnesota, overseeing Explore Edina, the city’s visitor bureau, and the Edina Innovation Lab. 

Syverson holds an undergraduate degree in journalism from Marquette University and a Master of Business Administration from Alverno College both located in Milwaukee, WI. Her professional background encompasses print journalism, media relations, marketing and public relations. 

Through her volunteer work in hospice care, Syverson learned that in our last days, regrets often center around relationships and unfulfilled aspirations. She has collaborated with Richard Leider, an internationally renowned speaker, life coach, and best-selling author known as a “Purpose Guru.” Additionally, as a Barry Rand Fellow, Syverson worked with AARP and other thought leaders nationwide to develop purpose-driven programs across the country. 

 

Mary Alice Tierney

Mary Alice has worked in a variety of businesses as a strategic leader on the executive teams of privately held, publicly traded and not-for-profit organizations.

Mary Alice was a Vice President of Wisconsin’s largest health care provider, where she led the marketing, branding, media relations, public relations, Web and internal communications.

Mary Alice was a Vice President of a diversified media and printing company, where she served on the small team of senior executives that transformed the corporation from nearly seventy years of employee ownership into a publicly traded company. She developed the Investor Relations program for the successful IPO and coached leadership on change management.

Mary Alice was an Emmy Award winning television producer and an on-air program host, who has made hundreds of public speaking appearances.

She served as Vice President and member of the Board of Directors of a nation-wide broadcast group, where she developed the internal and external brands and provided leadership development and strategic communications for the rapidly growing company.

As Human Resources Director and Community Affairs Manager of the ABC- affiliated television station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she developed programs and initiatives that were adopted throughout the country. In this role, she published articles in trade publications, as a nationally recognized expert in the field.

Dedicated to community service and involvement, Mary Alice has provided pro bono leadership development and communications coaching and consulting while serving on the Boards of Directors of dozens of high profile nonprofit organizations.

 

 

Yi Sherry Zhang, PhD
Founder, GenoPalate

Dr. Yi Sherry Zhang is an obesity genomics researcher, a health tech entrepreneur with 17 years helping individuals with achieving optimal health and wellness with science. Specializing in digital health innovations, Sherry uses her experience to help people gain access to health equity. Sherry is a well-published author in the field of metabolic health and genomics and has been featured in several media publications. Sherry is the founder of GenoPalate, a leading direct-to-consumer digital health tech provider of personalized nutrition. With her science team analyzing multiple million variables per person of GenoPalate’s large and growing client database, Sherry is addressing dietary chronic illness with preventative care of people at the personal level. For her never-ending endeavor in searching for ways of improving people’s health, Sherry has received recognitions of 40 Under 40, Women of influence, Who’s Who and Spirit of Marquette University Award. Sherry often speaks on stage at industry thinktank meetings including HLTH, Food as Medicine Summit, Personalized Nutrition Innovation and ANA’s Personalized Nutrition Summit. Sherry plays piano, goes to all her son’s basketball games and always looks for ways of eating delicious foods for healthy aging.

 

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Past Advisory Council Members

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