Retired, Former President and CEO - Make-A-Wish Wisconsin

Q: What unique qualities do you believe sets you apart as a leader and woman of influence?
A: Integrity, positive energy, a killer work ethic and being a people first champion have helped define my career as a leader and woman of influence in public-facing positions over the past 48 years. I have worked hard to serve with grit and grace as a heart-led leader and a connector of people.

Q: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your path?
A: I give credit to my mentors who took me under their wings. I had some amazing champions who believed in me even more than I believed in myself during my more formative leadership years. A commitment to continual learning has helped me to keep growing.

Another pivotal moment was when all my work and life experiences led me to apply for the CEO position at Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, and I was hired! It was an honor and privilege leading this life-affirming mission and organization for nearly 26 years, and the granting of nearly 8.000 wishes for children living with critical illnesses during that time! It’s where I was meant to be.

Q: How do you define leadership, and how do you embody those qualities in your own life?
A: Leadership is the ability to influence and empower others to accomplish shared goals. Leadership helps guide individuals to work together successfully on a vision to achieve results. It doesn’t matter what the title, anyone can be a leader and I’ve tried to emulate that at every level in my career.

Q: How do you pay it forward and support the next generation of leaders?
A: I have mentored many, many dozens of young(er) professionals over my career, including staff, interns, volunteers, through TEMPO, those who reached out to ask and more.  There is power in “reaching back” and pulling up people with you to help them learn, grow, be better and overcome challenges. I have given a lot, but in the process, I have received even more through the depth of relationships built. 

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