This annual special section features some of our city’s most accomplished leaders and innovators. These women are at the forefront in their fields, from finance and sales to law, real estate, recruiting and more. Join us in celebrating them in this seventh annual Women of Distinction!
Representing These Businesses:
A.B. DATA • AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE OF MILWAUKEE • ASSOCIATED BANK • BILTRITE FURNITURE LEATHER MATTRESSES • THE FLORENTINE OPERA • GAGNE McCHRYSTAL DE LORENZO & BURGHARDT • GE HEALTHCARE • GREATER MILWAUKEE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS • IAG WEALTH PARTNERS • IXONIA BANK • KATRINA CRAVY INC. • LIFE WELLNESS AND COUNSELING SERVICES • LIGHT THE HOAN • MAJOR DENTAL CLINICS • MILLWORK RECRUITING SOURCE • MILWAUKEE BUCKS • PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS OF WISCONSIN • THE PFISTER HOTEL • U.S. BANK • WIEMER LAW GROUP
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHER LINDA SMALLPAGE
“ Leading with compassion and empathy makes such a difference.”
KIMBERLY REKLAU
PARTNER
WIEMER LAW GROUP
Practicing family law means helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Kimberly Reklau, a partner at Wiemer Law Group, was drawn to the field by her desire to help families. As a lawyer and a leader at the firm, she uses her expertise, her empathy and her diligence to help couples going through divorce, children in the midst of custody issues, and many others.
“It’s rewarding to know that I made a difference for the better and to see the impact my work had on someone’s future,” Reklau says. “Leading with compassion and empathy makes such a difference in what can be an extremely emotional and difficult legal experience.”
Reklau makes her practices child-focused, knowing how difficult family law cases can be on children. She uses an interdisciplinary approach, bringing in child psychology specialists, financial specialists and other experts outside of the law to help ensure the best possible outcome for her clients and the children involved.
“I view my biggest achievements as the everyday positive impact my work has on people’s lives,” she says. “People come to me scared about the process, their future, their children’s lives. To be able to put them at ease, relieve their anxiety, guide them through the process, and get them to the other side is what makes this job worth it.”
“ Nobody can celebrate and promote you like you can. So know your worth. ”
NINA V.A. JOHNSON
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT – WISCONSIN BRANCH BANKING MARKET LEADER
U.S. BANK
In her senior year of high school, Nina V.A. Johnson had a packed schedule. She participated in a national program for future business leaders most mornings, worked at an engineering firm in the afternoons, and on weekends, she held jobs at a clothing store during the day and a bank’s data center in the evenings. The hard work prepared her for a long and successful career. Now the senior vice president of U.S. Bank’s Wisconsin branch, Johnson has over 40 years of experience in the industry.
When Johnson started her career, there weren’t many women in banking and finance. She developed the confidence and courage to speak up for herself, and it paid off, as she took on more leadership roles and made her way up the corporate ladder.
“When people underestimated me, it actually motivated me,” Johnson says. In her current role, Johnson manages over 500 people across dozens of U.S. Bank branches. But her work expands far beyond her job. Throughout her career, she has devoted herself to philanthropic efforts as well, serving on 45 nonprofit boards. On top of that, she is executive chair of U.S. Bank’s Wisconsin Advisory Board, the executive advisor of the bank’s Global Black Heritage Business Resource Group, and served as the national chair of the bank’s Political Action Committee Board. “I’ve learned to say yes to the opportunities that are presented – and to absolutely commit to being a lifelong learner,” Johnson says.
“ Be open to all opportunities. You never know where it’s going to lead you. ”
– BECKY MESSMANN
ERIKA NOWAK
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ERIN PECHANACH
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR OF CREDIT ADMINISTRATION
IXONIA BANK
Erin Pechanach, Erika Nowak and Becky Messmann are now vice presidents at Ixonia Bank – but they all started as tellers. Working the desk, they learned to love engaging with people, something they now bring to their current roles leading the organization. “Helping others is extremely rewarding,” says Nowak. “That’s what led me to the job.”
That spirit of service, of course, extends to clients at the seven branches of this
locally owned bank, but it also includes the bank’s staff. Pechanach, Nowak and Messmann pride themselves on mentoring others – and say that the culture of mentorship is one reason Ixonia Bank has a high employee retention rate, particularly among women.
“We need to pass down experience and knowledge to the younger generation to keep what we’re doing going forward,” Nowak says, noting that the
BECKY MESSMANN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
bank was recently recognized as the fastest-growing local company by BizTimes Media.
Ixonia Bank’s smaller scale means leaders can more directly support staff members. And in turn, the bank’s clients receive a more personalized approach from the caring, local team.
“Being able to learn from others has taken me this far,” says Pechanach. “Now we have the opportunity to give back.”
SARAH K. FOURTH GENERATION
“ We’re a family business –and we go all in! ” – RANDI K.
GAIL K. THIRD GENERATION
RANDI K. FOURTH GENERATION
BILTRITE FURNITURE – LEATHER – MATTRESSES
Founded in 1928 by Irwin Kerns, BILTRITE Furniture-LeatherMattresses has remained family-owned and operated for nearly a century. Today, the third and fourth generations continue to build on that legacy, with Kerns’ great-granddaughter, Randi Schachter, serving as chief marketing officer, spokeswoman, and a member of the sales and design team. She began working in the business at just 12 years old, rising from odd jobs to her current leadership role.
Her mother, Gail Komisar, third generation, who has been part of the leadership team since 1977 as chief financial officer, is also involved in sales and design while daughterin-law Sarah Komisar joined in 2013 and now serves as lead
designer, sales associate and employee trainer. “We’re a women-led business,” says Randi. “Three of the five family members running the store are women.”
Marty Komisar, the third-generation chief executive officer and head of merchandising, is still a key long-term leader along with Gail and Marty’s son, Brad Komisar, the chief operations officer and mattress buyer.
From a small storefront on North Third Street, BILTRITE has grown into Wisconsin’s largest single-store, locally and familyowned furniture destination, located in Greenfield. “It’s amazing to see all the passion our family and team bring to the table,” says Randi.
“ Lead with confidence. Stay rooted in your personal values. And never underestimate the power of relationships. ”
ANGELA ADAMS PRESIDENT AND CEO
AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE OF MILWAUKEE
When Angela Adams first arrived in Milwaukee, she was only supposed to stay for 18 months. She was here to launch a new sales force for Pfizer, and when that was done, she planned to return to the company headquarters in New York City. But then she fell in love with her future husband – and then with the city. Adams planted roots in Milwaukee, not just building a career here but giving back to the community. In 2024, she stepped up as interim CEO of the African American Leadership Alliance of Milwaukee, and in March this year took on the president and CEO position. The nonprofit, founded in 2017, is an alliance of community stakeholders committed to Milwaukee becoming a global destination where African American leaders thrive and prosper. The organization was built on the foundation of the African American Leadership Program, which first launched in 2008.
“Leadership is not about a position. It’s about a way of being,” says Adams, who is a certified high-performance coach, sits on the board of regents at the University of Wisconsin system, and is the mother of three daughters. “AALAM offers a transformation experience focused on leading self, first. Who are you and how do you show up?”
Over 260 Milwaukeeans have now completed AALAM’s signature program AALP, and under Adams’ leadership the organization is deepening its alumni engagement and growing new leadership development offerings to advance the regional talent strategy.
“ You should feel like this is your opera company. ”
MAGGEY OPLINGER GENERAL DIRECTOR AND CEO
THE FLORENTINE OPERA
Leading the Florentine Opera for the last six years, Maggey Oplinger has ushered Milwaukee’s opera company through a brand refresh that’s “tongue in cheek, a very approachable, fun, playful Florentine,” she says.
Her goal is to make the company’s performances resonate with everyone, with fresh, modern takes on timeless classics, bold reimaginings, and a touch of the unexpected in every show they stage. “You should feel like this is your opera company,” she says.
Every year, the company puts on four worldclass performances, carefully curated for its Milwaukee audience.
And her leadership has seen results: Ticket sales are up 55% year-over-year and 64% of the audience is new at every show. “I’m incredibly proud of the team here at the Florentine for all we’ve achieved together,” Oplinger says
Now she’s looking ahead to a major milestone – in eight years, the Florentine turns 100. “We’re incredibly excited,” she says. “Our work is both retrospective and looking to the future.”
“ Be openminded and curious. Listen without judgment. ”
– KATE M C CHRYSTAL
KATHERINE J. DE LORENZO PARTNER
KATE M c CHRYSTAL PARTNER
LINDSEY BURGHARDT PARTNER
GAGNE M c CHRYSTAL DE LORENZO & BURGHARDT
Family law can be fraught with emotion. Dealing with divorce, child-custody cases, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements, requires a thoughtful, cautious approach – and a great deal of sensitivity. Lindsey Burghardt, Katherine De Lorenzo and Kate McChrystal pride themselves on bringing that personal touch to every case they work on. The three attorneys are partners at their firm, Gagne McChrystal De Lorenzo & Burghardt. Lindsey Burghardt was drawn to
family law after experiencing her parents’ amicable divorce as a child. She understands that divorce is difficult but doesn’t have to be devastating and focuses on supporting clients through an emotional and often tumultuous time.
Katherine De Lorenzo stresses the importance of being honest with clients.
“There are some attorneys who tell their clients exactly what they want to hear, and then they don’t deliver,” she says.
“We give our clients truthful though
sometimes difficult answers. We earn their respect and confidence through honesty.”
“We understand that we’re coming in at an emotionally intense moment in a person’s life,” says Kate McChrystal. “Our personalities are suited for this.”
In addition to supporting clients, the partners also support one another. “I don’t ever dread going to work. When any one of us is down, we pick each other up,” says Burghardt.
“ It’s absolutely rewarding to listen to customers’ needs and wants and to help build their dreams. ”
GINA DELLA VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS OF WISCONSIN
Gina Della has built a career defined by innovation, mentorship and a passion for helping others succeed. With more than 28 years of experience in the construction product retail industry, she has guided Pella Windows & Doors of Wisconsin to double-digit growth while leading a team of over 20 sales representatives as the vice president of marketing. Her expertise in developing cuttingedge marketing strategies and training programs has earned her multiple industry awards and solidified her reputation as a dynamic leader in both business and the community.
What sets Della apart is her commitment to people – whether they are her team, customers or local entrepreneurs. On behalf of Pella Windows & Doors of Wisconsin, she recently mentored every contestant on “Project Pitch It,” guiding entrepreneurs through the challenges of building and scaling their businesses. She also hosts “What’s the Difference with Gina Della” on WTMJ, a Saturday morning radio show where she offers insights into leadership and entrepreneurship.
For Della, the greatest reward comes from seeing others grow – helping homeowners bring their dream spaces to life, empowering her team to succeed and supporting Wisconsin’s next generation of business leaders.
“ My advice is to learn your craft, do it well, build relationships, and at the end of the day, take care of the people that work with you. ”
Sumathi Thiyagarajan’s job brings joy to Milwaukee. Leading a team of 14 as the senior VP of consumer revenue and strategy at the Milwaukee Bucks, she might spend her day running sales and marketing meetings and planning new revenue strategies, but ultimately she sees her work as bringing people to the city to create memories and bond over a love of the team.
“Whenever Milwaukee makes the news for the Bucks, it’s always so positive and puts our city in the best light,” Thiyagarajan says. “I love that.”
Thiyagarajan joined the Bucks in 2021 as a vice president for business strategy and analytics. She brought two decades of experience in data analytics and leadership into the position and was quickly promoted to a senior VP in 2024 before this new role was created in July. “I find sports to be the most joyful application of my skill set,” Thiyagarajan says. “And that, to me, is really motivating. … I’ve been here about 3½ years, and it’s still so amazing to interact with all the great people we have at the company and to always keep learning.”
ALLA K. WOODSON GLOBAL GENERAL MANAGER, AFTERMARKET SERVICES & ANESTHESIA SOLUTIONS, PATIENT CARE SOLUTIONS
LINDA BOLTZ HEAD OF PEOPLE & CULTURE, PATIENT CARE SOLUTIONS
GE HEALTHCARE
Meredith Gannon has a guiding principle in her work: “If I’m going to spend so much of my time working, I want to make sure it’s in a career that allows me to give back in a meaningful way.”
After her child was born prematurely and with a complex health condition, Gannon developed an understanding of the role health care serves for patients and families. This experience motivated her interest in improving health care for all – and underscored the importance of innovation. As the chief strategy and marketing officer for Patient Care Solutions at GE HealthCare, she’s part of a leadership team dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that support patients, empower care teams and strengthen health systems globally.
The president and CEO of Patient Care Solutions, Jeannette Bankes, leads GE HealthCare’s Wisconsin-based group working on medical tech like digital diagnostics, patient monitoring, infant care and more. “I am proud of the profound impact my
“ Our goal is a world where health care has no limits. ” – JEANNETTE BANKES
MEREDITH GANNON
CHIEF STRATEGY & MARKETING OFFICER, PATIENT CARE SOLUTIONS
JEANNETTE BANKES PRESIDENT & CEO, PATIENT CARE SOLUTIONS
teams and I have had globally on technology solutions that have transformed the standard of care,” she says.
Alla K. Woodson, Patient Care Solutions’ global general manager for aftermarket services and anesthesia solutions, found her way to GE HealthCare after working for two decades in banking and manufacturing. “I discovered my true passion in leading teams that help health care professionals to take care of their patients,” she says. Now her work helps bring lifesaving technology and solutions to patients across the world – none of which would be possible without a team of motivated and engaged people.
Linda Boltz, the head of people and culture, is building and supporting that team. In her time at GE HealthCare, she’s helped to cultivate a high-performing team at Patient Care Solutions. “The right hire, cultural transformation or a team member’s growth can translate directly to better results,” she says.
“ There’s never been a better time to help women own their financial power and succeed in the financial services industry. ”
– JAYNE HLADIO
MARILKA VÉLEZ
SVP, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
JAYNE HLADIO EVP, PRESIDENT ASSOCIATED BANK PRIVATE WEALTH
ASSOCIATED BANK
You might imagine finance and banking as impersonal – lots of numbers on spreadsheets and long reports – but to the leadership team at Associated Bank, it’s anything but. “I love helping our clients succeed,” says Jennifer Christopher, senior vice president, treasury management officer and sales team leader. “I’m passionate about creating trusted relationships in which clients see me as an advisor they can rely on – not merely selling a product.”
Christopher, along with her fellow vice presidents, is part of the team leading Associated Bank. “We serve customers across consumer banking, private wealth, commercial and small business, which means my team and I are always learning,” says Marilka Vélez, senior VP and senior director of marketing. “We're listening to our customers to understand their needs and how we can help improve their financial lives.”
Caryn Schmitt, senior VP and team lead of portfolio man-
JENNIFER CHRISTOPHER SVP, TREASURY MANAGEMENT OFFICER AND SALES TEAM LEADER
CARYN SCHMITT SVP, TEAM LEAD PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
agement, helped develop the commercial banking division of the bank, which focuses on loans and banking services to other businesses, when she started 10 years ago. “Every deal is different,” she says. “Each one presents an opportunity to support our customers in meaningful and impactful ways.”
As an executive VP and president of Associated Bank Private Wealth, Jayne Hladio oversees the bank’s wealth management, private banking and more. Through her leadership, she has elevated the importance of financial planning and partnership among teams of experts within the bank. “My most treasured achievement is the deeply meaningful relationships formed with colleagues, community leaders and clients,” she says. “We have been able to partner to create positive outcomes along the way for so many people – it’s priceless. That’s exactly what the art of advocacy and wealth care is all about at Associated Bank”
“ Courage is choosing to find your voice even when fear is whispering in your ear.”
KATRINA CRAVY FOUNDER
KATRINA CRAVY INC.
When Katrina Cravy was 16, she sat down with her cousin to try to figure out what she wanted to do with her life. At the time, Cravy was writing for her school’s newspaper and often on stage as a student leader.
“I really like performing and I really like writing and interviewing people,” Cravy said, stumped as to what kind of career she could make of that. That’s when her cousin suggested she should be a reporter on TV.
That simple conversation began a long, successful career in media, with Cravy working as a reporter, a TV news anchor and even winning an Emmy. After nearly 30 years in journalism, Cravy had honed her skills in storytelling and in 2016 left television to start Katrina Cravy Inc. Through her business, she coaches clients on how to become confident, charismatic communicators.
Cravy analyzes the audience for each client and uses that information to help create a message that will resonate. Are they giving a presentation to a large audience? An interview with a journalist? How can they most effectively tell their story? Cravy makes sure each client gives a clear call to action while also breaking down what each audience needs.
She once worked with a CEO who was going to be interviewed by “60 Minutes.” That client often pushed away invitations because he was too afraid of being in the limelight. “It’s scary for all of us to put ourselves out there,” says Cravy, who also wrote On Air: Insider Secrets to Attract the Media and Get Free Publicity
“After all our practice sessions, he nailed the interview. When it was over, he looked at me and said, ‘Now I feel like I could take on any opportunity that comes my way.’ That’s the best part of my work – when a client walks away not just prepared, but confident, knowing their time with me made the difference.”
ERIKA SMITH
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
LIGHT THE HOAN
After years working in the corporate world, Erika Smith took a risk.
She left her job to lead the nonprofit Light the Hoan. Smith had loved the team-building and problem-solving aspects of her corporate work, but she felt like it was missing something crucial – helping her community. Light the Hoan would give her the chance to make a difference for Milwaukee.
The nonprofit was founded in 2018 as a campaign to install lighting on the
“ You may not always have the answers. But if you care enough to show up every single day, you’ll figure it out. ”
Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge and has since grown into a larger organization that promotes all things Milwaukee. Starting as executive director in 2022, Smith wears many hats. She leads the Intern Challenge, a citywide program where interns from Milwaukee companies code bridge light shows, raises awareness for local nonprofits, and is building Code the Hoan, a future initiative focused on tech education. As “Milwaukee’s Lightkeeper,” she’s helping people feel connected with the city.
Light the Hoan began lighting the bridge in 2020, and this year the project was completed – now the entire Hoan Bridge shines every night. The completion marks the end of a major multi-year fundraising and awareness effort led by Smith.
“I’m really proud of that,” she says. “Lights create emotion and meaning for people. It’s the feeling and what light represents. Now that we’ve accomplished lighting the Hoan, it’s exciting to focus on what’s next and how we grow our impact.”
“ I believe women can have it all.”
DR. AGNES DOMAGALA PRESIDENT
MAJOR DENTAL CLINICS
Growing up in Poland, Dr. Agnes Domagala saw firsthand how many of her friends struggled to access quality dental care. She considered herself fortunate to visit an orthodontist – a woman she still remembers as “beautiful, calm, and happy.” That encounter sparked her lifelong passion for dentistry.
After graduating from the Medical University of Silesia in Poland, she followed her heart to the United States to join her husband, Dr. Daniel Domagala. “I moved not knowing English,” she recalls. “That was a challenge, learning the language and going back to school.” Her resilience transformed those challenges into opportunities that shaped her career.
Today, Dr. Domagala leads as President of Major Dental Clinics, with thriving practices in Milwaukee and Chicago. She also serves as an Associate Professor at Marquette University School of Dentistry and is a proud mother of three. Her clinics are known for a holistic, patient-centered approach that looks beyond the teeth to treat the whole person.
“Many of my patients are busy professionals who clench and grind their teeth without realizing it,” she explains. “They often come in convinced they have a tooth problem and fear they need a root canal. They’re relieved, and often surprised, when I explain their pain comes from clenching/grinding, which requires a different, more tailored approach.”
Dr. Domagala also welcomes patients with complex dental needs, disabilities and anxiety, offering care to those who may have struggled to find a dentist willing, or able, to treat them. Her blend of clinical expertise and genuine empathy allows her to provide care that is not only effective, but also life-changing.
Beyond her clinical work, she is deeply committed to mentorship and advocacy for women professionals, sharing her own experience of balancing motherhood, career growth and personal fulfillment. “I believe women can have it all,” she says with conviction. “You can be highly successful in your profession, and you can also be a devoted wife, mom, and friend.”
“ Instead of letting barriers stop me, I use them as blueprints to build pathways – not just for myself, but for others who need hope and healing.”
LAWANDA CHAMBERS FOUNDER LIFE WELLNESS & COUNSELING SERVICES
When Lawanda Chambers founded LIFE Wellness & Counseling Services in 2018, she envisioned more than a counseling practice – she created a sanctuary for individuals and families seeking healing, dignity and hope. Inspired by her own journey and professional experience, Chambers built LIFE as a space for culturally responsive care where people are truly seen, heard and supported.
At LIFE, she leads a team providing therapy for trauma, depression, substance use, anxiety and ADHD. Her approach extends beyond the therapy room – every client’s progress creates a ripple effect that strengthens families and communities. “I couldn’t do this without my support systems,” she says. “Their belief in me fuels my mission to help others thrive.”
Chambers’ leadership reaches far beyond her clinic. She is the founder of Citizen Action Mental Health Consortium, serves as Vice President of Housing Resources, Inc., and advocates nationally through the Alzheimer’s Association AIM Network, advancing early detection legislation and equity in care. She also mentors emerging providers, equipping the next generation to serve with compassion and integrity.
Her vision for the future includes expanding LIFE Wellness across Wisconsin, redesigning policy, and creating a leadership academy for mental health professionals.
“Every barrier I’ve faced has become a blueprint for new opportunities,” she shares. “When life is life-ing, we’re here for the healing.”
ELIZABETH WALSH-ZIMMERMANN DIRECTOR OF WELL SPA + SALON
BARKHA DAILY GENERAL MANAGER OF MASON STREET GRILL
THE PFISTER HOTEL
For the team of women running The Pfister Hotel, creating a space that is curated for comfort, care, inspiration and joy is the highest priority.
Katherine Davis, the director of the front office, started working in hospitality at the age of 18. Today, she makes sure Milwaukee’s iconic, historic hotel is providing a world-class experience for every guest.
Barkha Daily, the general manager of Mason Street Grill, grew up in Kathmandu, Nepal. Food was always the heartbeat of her family, and she learned to love cooking for others when she saw
“ We rise by lifting each other up. ”
– KATHERINE DAVIS
BRENDA SIMONIS DIRECTOR OF HOUSEKEEPING
KATHERINE DAVIS DIRECTOR OF FRONT OFFICE
how a delicious meal could make someone’s face light up.
While Brenda Simonis was attending college to become an art teacher, she took a third-shift job at a hotel and fell in love with the hospitality industry. Those late shifts turned into a career, as she now leads The Pfister’s housekeeping team.
Similarly, Elizabeth Walsh-Zimmermann, the director of WELL Spa + Salon, originally went to school for zoology/ marine biology and psychology, supporting herself with a job at a salon and spa in Chicago. That opportunity sparked her career change.
Though the four women come from different backgrounds, all of their work in hospitality and at The Pfister requires empathy, discipline and a strong passion for what they do. This team is continuing The Pfister’s long legacy of hospitality excellence with their contributions to delicious dining, indulgent spa experiences and luxurious guest accommodations.
“So much goes on behind the scenes at The Pfister,” Walsh-Zimmermann says. “It is an intentionally orchestrated symphony, with the goal of creating perfect experiences for our guests.”
LORI WATT CFP, MANAGING PARTNER, PRESIDENT
ANNE SAPIENZA CRPC, PARTNER, FINANCIAL ADVISOR
“ Women make excellent financial advisors – we have compassion and empathy, strong listening skills and attention to detail. ”
– LORI WATT
JENNIFER VON RUDEN PARTNER, CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
DEBRA MELVIN CDFA, FINANCIAL ADVISOR
JAYME HEINECK FINANCIAL ADVISOR
IAG WEALTH PARTNERS
Founded by Lori Watt in 1985, IAG Wealth Partners has grown into a financial planning and wealth management firm whose team spans many specialties, including retirement, widowhood and divorce.
“That sets us apart. We’re not a solo office,” says Watt. “We can tap into each other’s expertise. Women make excellent financial advisors – we have compassion and empathy, strong listening skills and attention to detail.”
Every client at IAG benefits from not just their advisor, but the breadth of experience and expertise the entire team brings to bear. “Helping people see their financial plan and feel confident to retire or move forward with a big purchase motivates me,” says advisor Jayme Heineck.
Financial advisor and partner Anne Sapienza most appreciates “when I’m meeting with someone and see the look of relief on their face. A burden has
been lifted, and they feel assured about a strategy or path we’ve created,” she says.
“Regardless of a client’s account size, they get the same level of care and service.”
“With seven partners and a strong succession plan in place, we are able to see a bright future,” says Watt. “My focus is building out our structure to help our third generation of advisors grow and develop their leadership skills, so they can carry IAG Wealth Partners into the next generation.”
JUDY HEARST COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
TINA BALAKA SHOREWEST REALTORS
THERESA DIXON
WISCONSIN REAL ESTATE GROUP
ROSE BOGOSIAN GONNERING REALTY
GREATER MILWAUKEE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
“Real estate changes lives. Not only those you serve, helping to obtain the American Dream and the opportunity to create generational wealth but the transition you realize as you witness the goals, dreams and joy that you helped accomplish” says Tamara Maddente. A member of the GMAR and Metro MLS senior advisor, Maddente is one of thousands of women who benefit from the mentorship and networking GMAR
offers its real estate agents.
“The importance of being an active participant in trade associations cannot be underscored enough,” she says. “Not only do these organizations elevate professional standards, they also enhance consumer protection, advance industrywide knowledge and, most important to me, drive community impact.”
GMAR Chairwoman Abby Hauke leads the organization’s efforts, advocating
on behalf of the real estate profession, enforcing ethical standards, providing opportunities for agents and more.
“The learning curve of this industry comes with real-life experience,” says Hauke. “Both personal and professional experiences are needed to allow you to be the most authentic, relatable and genuine leader.”
In 2023, about two-thirds of all Realtors were women, and their numbers
TONYA THOMSEN THOMSEN TEAM
TAMARA MADDENTE
FIRST WEBER
have risen drastically over the past five decades. Hauke emphasizes the opportunities available for women to thrive in the industry, especially with support from their peers.
“If you approach it with heart, integrity and resilience, you’ll find that this career opens doors not only for your clients but for yourself, too,” says Theresa Dixon of the Wisconsin Real Estate Group. Dixon is a member of GMAR’s
ABBY HAUKE GMAR CHAIRWOMAN
Veteran Service Committee, supporting veterans and providing resources to help them buy homes.
Every year, GMAR hosts WomenStrong, a conference that brings hundreds of women together to discuss issues affecting the industry and ways to take their career to the next level.
For GMAR members like Tina Balaka, of Shorewest Realtors Greater Milwaukee Area, serving as a mentor and coach to
“ If you bet on your own resilience and have a passion to serve others first, this is a space where women have the ability to rise, lead and thrive. ”
– ABBY HAUKE
COLE
LANDMARK REALTY
agents is one of the joys of her career. “Surround yourself with other successful agents and be curious about what they have done,” she advises.
Judy Hearst, of Coldwell Banker Realty, feels similarly. “I'm proud to have built a career of achievement, not just through personal milestones, but by contributing to the local real estate industry and empowering others to realize their full potential.”
SARAH
“ Surround yourself with people who encourage you and who educate you. ”
“If you don’t hire Vicky, you’re making the biggest mistake.” That endorsement by a mutual connection helped Vicky Borkowski land her first recruiting job. She hustled her way to success in the male-dominated industry, shattering the company’s first-year recruiting record and winning rookie of the year.
After making a name for herself as a skilled recruiter, she set out on her own, founding Millwork Recruiting Source in 2023. Her company places employees in the architectural millwork trade. With a sharp understanding of the industry and the hiring needs of her clients, she’s developed a strong track record of matching employers with the right candidates.
“Personally, it’s rewarding to receive messages from candidates telling me how thankful they are for their new position,” says Borkowski, who is one of the only women in the industry leading her own team.
“I hope to continue making a difference,” she says. “This is a competitive industry. In recruiting, we’re helping companies grow, and at the same time we’re helping people find great jobs that improve their lives.”
“ You’re always a work in progress. Appreciate the journey. ”
VALLEY ELLIEHAUSEN CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER A.B. DATA
Valley Elliehausen doesn’t stay in her office. As Chief People Officer at A.B. Data, her job is all about being out and about, engaging with the company’s employees, learning, observing, and helping create the best workplace possible.
“Chief People Officer is a ‘listen to lead’ position,” she says. Before joining A.B. Data in 2022, Elliehausen worked in human resources for over two decades. “When I first started, I was really focused on ‘I’m going to be the smartest person I can be and learn everything I need to know about HR.’ I felt like I had to be the expert in the room,” says Elliehausen. “One of my great mentors helped me see that knowledge is important but so is understanding that you don’t know everything. That gap is a gift, it’s where you find the precious collective wisdom of others.”
In her role, Elliehausen fosters and nurtures company culture, with the goal of ensuring “work matters,” she says. “Because when work matters, people show up differently.”
Elliehausen believes our imperative is to build community, and “when I hear joy, those moments when employees are proud to show up, I know we’re in a good place.”
