NOTE: These are the presenters from 2019...2020 bios will be up soon!!!
Celeste Cuffie
Keynote: "Whole and Broken Simultaneously!"
Celeste Cuffie has a zeal for life and lives it to the fullest through teaching, empowering and motivating others to live in the same manner. Her care for people, effective communication skills, and her can-do attitude makes her a success in all endeavors that she strives towards. The understanding that technology is for the people and not vice versa and maintaining that focus, enabled her to smoothly transition from banking to information technology. Through her corporate banking and information technology roles at various organizations including Continental Savings Bank, M&I Bank, Associated Bank, and Johnson Controls, she has been a thought leader as she supported and facilitated process & project development, portfolio management, and most importantly, leader development.
She has been honored to have spoken and consulted for organizations including Johnson Controls, Northwestern Mutual, Milwaukee Urban League, and Concordia University Wisconsin. Further, she is reaching her goals through her own business, Life Empowered Consulting Services, in which she helps individuals reach their personal and professional goals through training, development, teaching transformational skills such as communication, leadership, and goal achievement. She is the author of three books and is currently working on a fourth. Most recently, Celeste has joined the John Maxwell Leadership team and is an Adjunct Professor at Concordia University Wisconsin. Celeste has her Bachelor's in Management & Communication and her Master's of Business Administration in Finance, both from Concordia University, Mequon.
She has been honored to have spoken and consulted for organizations including Johnson Controls, Northwestern Mutual, Milwaukee Urban League, and Concordia University Wisconsin. Further, she is reaching her goals through her own business, Life Empowered Consulting Services, in which she helps individuals reach their personal and professional goals through training, development, teaching transformational skills such as communication, leadership, and goal achievement. She is the author of three books and is currently working on a fourth. Most recently, Celeste has joined the John Maxwell Leadership team and is an Adjunct Professor at Concordia University Wisconsin. Celeste has her Bachelor's in Management & Communication and her Master's of Business Administration in Finance, both from Concordia University, Mequon.
Thaddeus Hannah
Keynote: "Giving the Best of Me to Embrace the Best of You"
Thaddeus J. Hannah started his career as a banking professional over 10 years ago. He currently serves as a Vice President and Performance Consultant with US Bank Bancorp.
Some may say his tenure is stemmed from his results driven attitude. Hannah holds high service standards when dealing with the public. He has a heart for the needs of the people and is viewed as a servant leader in any capacity in which he is afforded to serve.
Alumnus of Concordia University- Wisconsin, Thaddeus earned his Associates Degree in Business Management and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management. During his studies Thaddeus successfully completed an internship with the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at US Bank Bancorp. Thaddeus received his formal education from the Wauwatosa Public School District.
Thaddeus learned how to serve early in the church where he says that he received his best teaching. Congregant, Assistant Pastor, and Trustee Board Member of Greater Mount Sinai Church of God In Christ is only a few of the hats Hannah wears. Thaddeus assist with the daily operations of this 501(c )3 non-profit organization. He serves as Controller of Financial Affairs and formally served as the Youth Department President for five consecutive years. With the knowledge that Thaddeus obtained during his studies and hands on training, he took on the task of applying this knowledge to his church and to Vince Lamar Clothier LLC – men online retail store where he serves at the Chief Operating Officer.
Though his resume is lengthy, and his responsibilities are more than few, Thaddeus still manages to donate his time to volunteer to the local community, receiving awards and recognition from the City of Milwaukee for his labor. In his pass time he enjoys going to church, traveling, spending time with loved ones, and mentoring young men.
Some may say his tenure is stemmed from his results driven attitude. Hannah holds high service standards when dealing with the public. He has a heart for the needs of the people and is viewed as a servant leader in any capacity in which he is afforded to serve.
Alumnus of Concordia University- Wisconsin, Thaddeus earned his Associates Degree in Business Management and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management. During his studies Thaddeus successfully completed an internship with the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at US Bank Bancorp. Thaddeus received his formal education from the Wauwatosa Public School District.
Thaddeus learned how to serve early in the church where he says that he received his best teaching. Congregant, Assistant Pastor, and Trustee Board Member of Greater Mount Sinai Church of God In Christ is only a few of the hats Hannah wears. Thaddeus assist with the daily operations of this 501(c )3 non-profit organization. He serves as Controller of Financial Affairs and formally served as the Youth Department President for five consecutive years. With the knowledge that Thaddeus obtained during his studies and hands on training, he took on the task of applying this knowledge to his church and to Vince Lamar Clothier LLC – men online retail store where he serves at the Chief Operating Officer.
Though his resume is lengthy, and his responsibilities are more than few, Thaddeus still manages to donate his time to volunteer to the local community, receiving awards and recognition from the City of Milwaukee for his labor. In his pass time he enjoys going to church, traveling, spending time with loved ones, and mentoring young men.
Cathy Girard
Keynote: "To Empower Me is to Empower You!"
Cathy Girard is the Vice President of Development and Community Services at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin. Cathy has worked in the non-profit sector her entire career, which includes previous roles at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Diabetes Association. In her current position, Cathy leads Goodwill’s philanthropy efforts and several programs which serve and promote independence for older adults and people with disabilities. Cathy focuses on creating high-performing teams through empowerment of each individual team member and creating inclusive work environments. She believes in the value of mentoring and has served as a volunteer mentor for the UWM School of Business Multicultural Mentoring Program and for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Cathy currently serves on the Board of Directors for TEMPO Milwaukee and for the Planned Giving Council of Eastern Wisconsin.
Julie Ragland
Keynote: "Elevation...Going to the Top Together"
Julie joined Navistar in September, 2018 as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. She is responsible for delivery of all IT strategy and operations as well as Navistar’s OnCommandConnect solution – the Navistar connected vehicle capability. IT Strategy Development and Deployment, Organizational Design and Development, Accelerated Delivery Models, and Multi-cultural Team Development are just a few of her key skills and capabilities.
Prior to Navistar, Julie spent 15 years at Johnson Controls/Adient and 15 years in consulting with Ernst & Young and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. Her focus has primarily been on the delivery of enterprise applications for large multi-national manufacturing companies. These opportunities has given her global reach as she has served as Regional IT Director, Middle East for Johnson Controls (Dubai, UAE) and Sr. Manager for Ernst & Young in London, UK.
Additionally, she is presently board chair for Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, a member of Advisory board to United Way’s IT United committee, as well as a member I.C.Stars Milwaukee Advisory Board.
Academically, Julie carries a BS in Accounting from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School and is a Certified Public Accountant, for the State of Wisconsin (inactive). Most recently, she is a graduate of Johnson Controls XLP IV Program.
Prior to Navistar, Julie spent 15 years at Johnson Controls/Adient and 15 years in consulting with Ernst & Young and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. Her focus has primarily been on the delivery of enterprise applications for large multi-national manufacturing companies. These opportunities has given her global reach as she has served as Regional IT Director, Middle East for Johnson Controls (Dubai, UAE) and Sr. Manager for Ernst & Young in London, UK.
Additionally, she is presently board chair for Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, a member of Advisory board to United Way’s IT United committee, as well as a member I.C.Stars Milwaukee Advisory Board.
Academically, Julie carries a BS in Accounting from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School and is a Certified Public Accountant, for the State of Wisconsin (inactive). Most recently, she is a graduate of Johnson Controls XLP IV Program.
Mara Kuhlmann
Mastermind Panelist: Insights for Succeeding in Business & Life
Mara Kuhlmann is the AVP of IT Service Operations at IAT Insurance group, responsible for the Service Desk and IT Process governance for the organization. In her role she has been responsible for establishing and maintaining project management, portfolio and IT Service management processes and tools for the organization. Prior to her current role she led a PMO at Johnson Controls and Assurant, and led teams at Northwestern Mutual Life, family Health Systems and Milwaukee Insurance. She has an MBA in Information Systems and a BA in German from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Mara is driven by action and creative problem solving, she has formed her 30 year career on defining excellence in white space, taking risks to introduce new ideas and approaches, and having the confidence, persistence and work ethic to make those ideas work in the long run. Mara has a passion for teaching and empowering people to succeed.
Dr. Kenneth Harris
Mastermind Panelist: Insights for Succeeding in Business & Life
Kenneth Harris, Jr. is CEO and Chief Strategist of the personal and professional development company Talented Strategies. He holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, a M.B.A. With concentrations in Finance and Risk Management, a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Mass Communication and Criminal Justice Management, respectively. Ken is a retired Police Lieutenant, having served over 24 years with the Milwaukee Police Department.
Currently, he serves as President of non-profit Launch MKE., and is the Justice and Public Policy Program Department Chair and Director of the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Administration at Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. While an educator for 33 years, he enjoys 41 years of broadcast communication experience.
Dr. Harris enjoys researching African American male persistence, perseverance, and resilience, writing, and public speaking.
Currently, he serves as President of non-profit Launch MKE., and is the Justice and Public Policy Program Department Chair and Director of the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Administration at Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. While an educator for 33 years, he enjoys 41 years of broadcast communication experience.
Dr. Harris enjoys researching African American male persistence, perseverance, and resilience, writing, and public speaking.
Kermiath McClendon
Mastermind Panelist: Insights for Succeeding in Business & Life
Kermiath McClendon strives to be a conduit for sustainability and economic growth for the City of Milwaukee. Kermiath’s method for success is an interpersonal approach to put people and relationships at the forefront in order to create and execute goals that empower the people in each community one district at a time. He believes that creating a functional eco-system is possible through partnership and collaboration.
As an Economic Development Specialist for the City of Milwaukee, Kermiath helps community districts revitalize and grow their commercial properties, businesses, and residential neighborhoods through beautification, education, collaboration and grant funding programs. He identifies resource gaps and provides strategic and focused solutions by leveraging City of Milwaukee resources, external partners and connections.
Kermiath earned a BA in Business Management with a concentration in Finance from MSOE. He currently sits on their Alumni Board of Directors with the intent to augment the university’s community engagement and diversity inclusion efforts.
Born and raised in Milwaukee as one of seven siblings, Kermiath values family, personal growth and education. He’s blessed to have a nine-year-old princess named Essence and loves being a father.
Kermiath truly strives to advocate for the well-being and prosperity of others not only in his personal life but his professional and community life as well. His vision to see a better Milwaukee comes to life in all of his pursuits.
As an Economic Development Specialist for the City of Milwaukee, Kermiath helps community districts revitalize and grow their commercial properties, businesses, and residential neighborhoods through beautification, education, collaboration and grant funding programs. He identifies resource gaps and provides strategic and focused solutions by leveraging City of Milwaukee resources, external partners and connections.
Kermiath earned a BA in Business Management with a concentration in Finance from MSOE. He currently sits on their Alumni Board of Directors with the intent to augment the university’s community engagement and diversity inclusion efforts.
Born and raised in Milwaukee as one of seven siblings, Kermiath values family, personal growth and education. He’s blessed to have a nine-year-old princess named Essence and loves being a father.
Kermiath truly strives to advocate for the well-being and prosperity of others not only in his personal life but his professional and community life as well. His vision to see a better Milwaukee comes to life in all of his pursuits.
Erica Gumieny
Mastermind Panelist: Insights for Succeeding in Business & Life
Erica Gumieny has had an extensive career honing her skills in leadership, sales, speaking, coaching and training. She has worked in a variety of industries including advertising, association management, event management, health care, marketing, organizational development and transportation. Erica is currently a Senior Account Manager at Advocate Aurora Health, the 10th largest non-profit integrated health system in the US where she leads the efforts to serve employers in Wisconsin by creating innovative strategies to reduce health care spend and improve health outcomes. In addition to this role, Erica also owns her own speaking and training company, Pivotal Point Training, LLC. Erica has served on many board of directors, non-profit committees and as a volunteer for organizations including Professional Dimensions, The Parenting Network, Alverno College Alumnae Association, South Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Southbrook Church, The MS Society, Safe and Sound and Community Projects for Seniors. Erica is married to Jay, Vice President of Central States Insurance and together they have raised two great kids, one who will be heading off to Carroll University in 2019. In her spare time, she loves to craft, read, get out in nature and giggle with her family and friends. www.linkedin.com/in/ericagumieny
Dr. Angela Belz
Batterman School of Business Welcome
Angie Belz is the Department Chair for Qualitative Business Programs, the Director of Innovation Education and an Assistant Professor of Business. She has been CUW since 2004, and has worked in various areas such as Admissions, Director of the Miller Park Way and Mequon Centers and in teaching and curriculum development. She has been teaching since 2007 for the accelerated, traditional, OLA and MBA programs both on campus and online. She has unique experience in education and the business world, which she utilizes to bring practicality to her courses.
Angie Belz, is the proud mother of two children and a dog. The kids keep her busy with their musical, arts and sports activities. She is passionate about learning and teaching, and spends much of her free time developing courses and doing research. Personal interests include hiking, canoeing, skiing and the arts.
Angie Belz, is the proud mother of two children and a dog. The kids keep her busy with their musical, arts and sports activities. She is passionate about learning and teaching, and spends much of her free time developing courses and doing research. Personal interests include hiking, canoeing, skiing and the arts.