Women Who Open Doors

For the first time, we're joined by an ally – someone who's not just cheering from the sidelines, but stepping into the conversation with heart and purpose. Jeffery Tobias Halter, Gender Strategist & President of YWomen, discusses how to strategically advance women in the workplace. Jeffery shares what sparked his journey from corporate leader to gender equity advocate, the barriers to stepping in...

Sheri Eubanks, Co-President of Ace Precision, reflects on growing up with the family business often seen as the "third sibling." She shares her unique path from pursuing her own career to returning to a company she deeply believes in. Sheri also discusses how she and her fellow Co-president and sister, Stacey, balance each other's leadership styles, the intentional culture they are building at Ace...

Jessie Cannizzaro, Master Plumber and Owner of Milestone Plumbing, talks about her unexpected journey into the trade. She shares how she's making an impact in a traditionally male-dominated industry — overcoming misconceptions, building a company culture that invests in employees, and championing more opportunities for women in the trades.

Patti Gorsky, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, discusses the impact of life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Wisconsin's own Fairy Godmother shares insights into how her career path led her to mission-driven work, the importance of storytelling in the non-profit sector, and how she decided when the right time was to start her next chapter.

For this special episode, Julie Cosich Collins is in the hot seat! Guest host Jennifer Makary sits down with Julie to celebrate two major milestones: 5 years of KnotMagic and over 40 podcast episodes recorded. Julie reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, sharing how she navigated sleepless nights and the importance of intentionally building the right team. She also highlights the impact of her p...

Dr. Joan Prince served on her first board at just 10 years old. As the Citizens Representative for the "Build the Bookworm Club" at Milwaukee Public Library, this early experience ignited her lifelong passion for service and literacy. Joan, now CEO of Executive Strategies Elite, talks about the power of early mentorship and her two decades at UW-Milwaukee, which she described as feeling like home....

Peggy Williams-Smith's, President & CEO of Visit Milwaukee, mission is to share what makes Milwaukee and its people special, and it's the best job she's ever had! She discusses VISIT Milwaukee's essential role as storytellers, how she and her exceptional team have transformed Milwaukee's national image, and shares her experiences and the impact of filming Top Chef Season 21 and hosting the Republi...

Jen Dirks, President & CEO of TEMPO, understands the significance of taking career risks. She shares her journey of how her passion and purpose aligned, leading her to become the first President & CEO of TEMPO. Over the past decade, Jen has worked diligently to build upon TEMPO's mission. She also emphasizes the importance of active board membership, the vital role of mentors, and her hopes for th...

Nicole Sullivan, President of Youth Frontiers, is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders through a focus on character development. She reflects on her personal journey to becoming the president of a non-profit, attributing her success to curiosity and a passion for making a difference. Nicole also highlights the mission of Youth Frontiers, emphasizing the importance of being a pre...

Ana Simpson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, is dedicated to creating a brighter future for girls. She shares insights into the evolving purpose of her career, the impact of her family's sacrifices, and the true essence of Girl Scouts beyond just cookies — focusing on the skills, responsibilities, and community spirit that help girls flourish. As a leader driven by both head and heart,...

Megan Tzanoukakis, President and CEO of Sussex IM, is a CPA turned manufacturing and supply chain leader. Megan discusses her crash course in manufacturing, what it takes to successfully transition a family business to the next generation, and sustainability in the plastics industry. She also shares one of her biggest lessons learned – you can't plan everything, and it's okay to pivot!

Dr. Tiffany Tardy, President and CEO of PEARLS For Teen Girls, has learned to embrace the discomfort throughout her journey. Tiffany Tardy discusses how, through her struggle, she found her passion for making a positive impact, the importance of finding your community, and the bravery it takes to follow your heart in decision-making. She also shares her vision for the future of PEARLS For Teen Gir...

Amanda Nowak, Founder of Element Eight, has experienced burnout and triumphed. Amanda discusses her journey as a serial entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors. She also shares insights into her current role in empowering women entrepreneurs and leaders, helping them cultivate resilience, set boundaries, and achieve success without the overw...

Kareeda Chones Aguam, Senior Vice President of Partner Strategy and Management for the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum, LOVES her job, from working with her team to those amazing nights in Fiserv Forum. Kareeda discusses how her simple practice of just being a good human has helped in her professional career, where her passion for basketball comes from, and how she "drips" on her clients to build...

Morgan Phelps, Founder and CEO of Colorful Connections, discusses what it means to her to be a part of Milwaukee Business Journal's 40under40 class of 2023, the early start of Colorful Connections, and the importance of market research. Morgan also shares her 3-legged stool approach and opinion on the constantly evolving DEI environment.

Shawntell Taylor, Principal Consultant of Midwest Advantage Holdings Company, discusses how she got life totally twisted as an entrepreneur, the importance of being a lifelong learner, and how she helps women business owners achieve their business and financial dreams. Shawntell's story is one of strength, vulnerability, and being positive in the face of adversity.

Terry Tuttle, President of HellermannTyton, discusses her connection to the Girl Scouts and how she strongly believes in their mission of "building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place." She shares the importance of investing in people early and seeing the results of growth while telling the story of her own journey in manufacturing, sharing the barriers a...

Joy Vertz, Drybar Franchise Operator in Milwaukee & Chicago, shares her journey and where she gets her serial entrepreneurial spirit from. In this episode, she discusses the importance of learning from and leaning on your community to find success, the experience of owning salons in two different markets, and how she builds culture within her organization that affects both customers and employees....

Adonica Randall, President & Chief Problem Solver of Abaxent, LLC, discusses her path into the technology industry and becoming a business owner (even though she totally didn't intend to!) Adonica credits her love and representation in Star Trek and sci-fi for pursuing a career in engineering. She is a really big Nichelle Nichols fan, and even got to meet her once! Adonica also talks about her dis...

Beth Ridley, Founder and CEO of Ridley Consulting Group, challenges us to find the simple joys in work and be more involved in the process. In this episode, Beth discusses the importance of evaluating the tone you are setting as a leader, why people leaders should be valued and encouraged in organizations, and the benefits of applying positive psychology. And while Beth is a leadership and workpla...

Julie Hoover, Executive Director of Family Sharing of Ozaukee County, has worked as a commercial pilot, been in sales, and is now leading a non-profit. It only makes sense she describes her career as a patchwork quilt! In this episode, she shares how her quilt came together, ultimately finding her way to Family Sharing. She discusses the challenges, joys, and importance of community. Hoover's pass...

Emerald Mills of Diverse Dining is the founder and lead visionary behind the Turning Tables initiative. She aims to break barriers faced by food entrepreneurs in the Milwaukee area with her restaurant and teaching kitchen. In this episode, she shares her transformative journey and gets honest about learning to trust the process and the challenges of opening a new business. She also shares the dyna...

Marissa Kalkman, Executive Director of the Wellness Council of Wisconsin (WCWI), leads from the core belief that inclusive wellbeing is vital for all - individuals, the workforce, organizations, and our communities. She shares her road trip through the midwest, ultimately finding her way to Wisconsin and becoming a part of WCWI. Marissa discusses WCWI's role in changing the narrative and leading t...

Lori Highby, CEO and Founder of Keystone Click, is the definition of a doer. She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2008 at the start of the recession by sending snail mail! She has been able to build a thriving business since, crediting culture, growth, and education to her and her team's success. Lori discusses why she decided to start her own business, what it was like being a woman business...

Kathleen O'Leary, Retired CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park, shares how her journey in life has been colorful, from getting her start in the beer industry to becoming Wisconsin State Fair's first female CEO. Kathleen discusses how she navigated being a woman in leadership, the legacy she has left, and the importance of finally stepping back while sharing advice for the next generation of women taki...