Schedule of Events - May 4, 2023

Meet Our Speakers

11:45 a.m.:  Registration/Networking
12 p.m.:  Lunch
12:45 p.m.:  Welcome

• Dr. John Walz, President, MSOE
• Event Emcee: Andrea Turlick, Faculty Compensation Specialist, Medical College of Wisconsin

1 p.m.:  Keynote:  The Fierce Soñadora  |  The Magic of Standing in Your Power to Reach Your Dreams  

Francesca Mayca Wegner, president & chief possibilities officer of HPGM, and  shares her story as the daughter of a Peruvian immigrant and Midwest Latina who has not let the worst thing that ever happened to her define who she is or keep her from getting what she wants.  Join Francesca for a candid conversation on the importance of knowing yourself, believing in possibilities, and the power of dreaming big! 

1:40 p.m.:  Break/Networking
2 p.m.:  Empowerment Panel Discussion: Standing in Your Power

A discussion on harnessing the strength of your experiences and how to stand in your power as a leader, featuring:

• Elizabeth Taylor, Director of STEM, MSOE
• Angela Walters, Real Estate Broker, Walters Realty Group - EXP Realty
• Janay Hull, University of Wisconsin-Madison Class of 2023
• Raquel Filmanowicz, Founder & Managing Partner, VC 414
• Sara Iverson Smith, Senior Director of Real Estate, Facilities and Construction, Blain’s Farm & Fleet

3 p.m.:  Break/Networking
3:20 p.m.:  Fireside Chat:  Harnessing Community Power – The Role of ESG Principles in Redeveloping the Bronzeville District

The Historic MLK Drive area is transforming based on inclusive community engagement and public/private partnerships. Bronzeville District projects are at the heart of the redevelopment effort, providing affordable and market-rate housing, civic spaces, offices, and retail. The newest project, Bronzeville Center for the Arts,  features exhibitions, education, and programming focused on celebrating the African Diaspora’s visual art, culture and history. Learn how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are playing a leading role in the redevelopment with: 

• Carolyn J. Esswein, FAICP, CNU-A, Associate Professor, UWM SARUP; Owner, Ce Planning Studio 
• Raynette “Ray” Hill, Executive Director, Historic King Drive BID #8
• Terri Howard, Associate Vice President, Director of Equity, HGA
• Taruna Gupta, Planner and Senior Associate, HGA

4:20 p.m.:  Closing Remarks
4:30 p.m.: Happy Hour/Networking