Stritch alumni recognized as Power Brokers by Milwaukee Business Journal
Nine individuals with Stritch connections were named 2020 Power Brokers by the Milwaukee Business Journal. The third annual compilation features people "who others turn to when they need to get something done, whether it’s a business deal, community project or raising money for a great cause."
Congratulations to these members of the Stritch family who are transforming the communities where they live, work, serve and lead.
Joaquin Altoro, ‘02, ‘14
Executive director Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
Since becoming executive director of WHEDA in summer 2019, Joaquin Altoro has worked to broaden the authority’s economic impact in both urban and rural areas. That includes efforts to foster minority-owned real estate firms through WHEDA's housing tax credit awards. Altoro came to WHEDA with an extensive, 27-year banking career in residential and commercial lending, most recently serving as Town Bank's vice president of commercial banking. This year, he was appointed to the Consumer Advisory Board of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
-Milwaukee Business Journal
Janette Braverman, ‘09
Executive director of external partnerships, Cardinal Stritch University
Cardinal Stritch University named Janette Braverman the dean of its College of Business and Management in 2018. She has served as the university's executive director of external partnerships since September 2019. In that role, Braverman works with businesses, nonprofits and government organizations. Previously she held leadership positions at Harley-Davidson Inc. and Rockwell Automation Inc. In addition to her work at Stritch, Braverman is a member of the Ozaukee County Board of Supervisors and was elected President of the NAACP Ozaukee County Branch.
-Milwaukee Business Journal
Dr. Eve Hall, ‘09
CEO Milwaukee Urban League
In a year where the topic of racial injustice and inequality gripped Milwaukee and the nation, Milwaukee native Eve Hall led efforts and discussions to bridge the gap between the business community and Black communities in Milwaukee to create solutions for a city determined by researched and academics to be the most challenging place to live for Black people in America.
-Milwaukee Business Journal
Executives to Watch
Michael Hostad, ‘10
Executive director/co-founder, The Commons, Light the Hoan, Milwaukee
An entrepreneur to the core, Michael Hostad co-founded Light the Hoan that launched a public crowdsourcing campaign to help raise more the $3.5 million to illuminate the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge along Milwaukee's lakefront. His efforts culminated in the lighting this year of colorful LED bulbs that add a striking decoration to the city. Six years ago he co-founded The Commons, an initiative of the Greater Milwaukee Committee service as a skills accelerator for college students in Wisconsin.
-Milwaukee Business Journal
Dr. Phyllis King, ‘88
Associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Phyllis King is a leader in the community on and off the UW-Milwaukee campus and supports many community and nonprofit groups. She oversees strategic, academic and budgetary planning and decision making. King also plays a role in the Higher Education Regional Alliance, M-Cubed, the Connected Systems Institute and the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. She is active on local, state and national boards for organizations that focus on STEP, public education, banking, children and health.
-Milwaukee Business Journal
Dr. Vicki Martin, ‘84
President, Milwaukee Area Technical College
Vicki Martin has long been a champion of access to affordable education. She became the 10th president of MATC in 2014 and is leading the college as it develops a skilled workforce for the region. She launched the MATC Promise in 105, then later expanded the program to serve adults as well. This year, Martin signed on to the Moon Shot for Equity initiative with other higher education leaders in the region. The program aims to eliminate equity gaps.
-Milwaukee Business Journal
Omar Shaikh, ‘00
Co-owner, Carnevor, Milwaukee
Omar Shaikh is a significant player in the Milwaukee-area restaurant business as the co-owner of steakhouse Carnevor. As chairman of Visit Milwaukee, Shaikh has been outspoken about expanding Milwaukee's downtown convention center, a project that has started to move ahead. He also is involved as a partner in the redevelopment of downtown's The Avenue. During the pandemic, he has worked to represent the hospitality industry and encourage businesses to operate responsibly.
-Milwaukee Business Journal
Thelma Sias
Stritch Board of Trustees - Community volunteer
Thelma Sias has built relationships with community leaders for years and is one of the most respected civic leaders in southeastern Wisconsin. She has served on a long list of organization boards, including many that remove obstacles for women and women of color. She also has a reputation of building support for various issues. In 2019, Sias was named by Gov. Tony Evers to serve on the board of Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., the state's economic development agency.
-Milwaukee Business Journal
Denise Thomas, ‘06
President/owner, The Effective Communication Coach LLC
After working 17 years at Fortune 500 companies including Rockwell Automation and MillerCoors, Denise Thomas started The Effective Communication Coach. Her objective is "transforming energizing and existing professionals into great leaders by mastering the art of effective communication and networking." Following the hectic path of most entrepreneurs, Thomas is busy conducting speeches, workshops, team sessions and one-on-one training. Thomas is a dynamic, energetic host of many community events and helps raise money for many nonprofit groups.
- Milwaukee Business Journal