board of directors
With heavy hearts we share that Erika Sander passed away on March 1, 2025. She was a fierce advocate, dedicated feminist, generous philanthropist, and a cherished friend. Please join us in honoring her legacy by clicking here to read words of rememberance or make a memorial donation.
These women volunteer… board meetings are held throughout the year and committees are active monthly.
OFFICERS
Beth Odian
Chair
Michael Best
Uma Morjaria
Secretary
Northwestern Mutual
DIRECTORS
Judy Andrade
Evoqua & Xylem
Sangeeta Edwin
Ashton Henry
Small Studio
Nicole Horvath
Paige Hunt
Sarah Jones
Baird
Kimberly Kane
Kane Communications Group
Pamela Edwards Klein
Gillian Lester-George de Montesinos
Chair, Events Committee
speak.write.coach
Cheryl Moore, PhD.
Nancy Peterson
Chair, Flash Grants and Strategy Kitchen Cabinets Committees
Julie Ragland
Chair, Board Governance Committee
Erika Sander
Alexandria Staubach
Chair, Advocacy Committee
Wisconsin Justice Initiative
Click here to learn why Alexandria is involved.
Kosana Stojcevic
Chair, Grants Advisory Committee
Associated Bank
Brenna Vargas
Quarles
Marilka Vélez
Associated Bank
Carol Voss
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Jerri Washington
Chair, HER Scholarship Committee
Neighborhood House of Milwaukee
Board Demographics
In line with our mission of advancing equity for women, the Women’s Fund has always had a philosophy of inclusivity. This is demonstrated by our board of directors which reflects the broader community.
Directors self-disclose information about themselves, and this is what has been reported to date.
Total Directors: 23
Demographics:
- Women of Color 30%
- LGBTQ+ 3%
Generation:
- Silent (1925-1945) 5%
- Baby Boomers (1946-1964) 10%
- Gen X (1965-1980) 45%
- Millenials (1980-1995) 35%
- Gen Z (After 1995) 5%
executive committee
Beth Odian, Chair
Danila Danesi, Treasurer
Uma Morjaria, Secretary
Gillian Lester-George de Montesinos, Event Chair
Nancy Peterson, Strategy KC Chair
Julie Ragland, Governance Chair
Kosana Stojcevic, GAC Chair
Jerri Washington, HER Scholarship Chair
advocacy committee
Alexandria Staubach, Chair
Johanna Bauman
Maggie Daun
Melika Edquist
Annette Jacobson
Marilka Vélez
Carol Voss
audit committee
Beth Odian, Chair
Danila Danesi
Uma Morjaria
board governance committee
Julie Ragland, Chair
Sherri Huff
Kimberly Kane
Cheryl Moore, Ph.D.
Monica Shah-Davidson
events committee
Gillian Lester-George de Montesinos, Chair
Judy Andrade
Megan Anderson
Paige Hunt
Glenda Mitchell
Patti Sherman Cisler
Brenna Vargas
flash grants committee
Nancy Peterson, Chair
Monica Shah-Davidson
Marilka Vélez
grants advisory committee
Kosana Stojcevic, Chair
Celeste Cuffie
Sangeeta Edwin
Julie Gorens-Winston
Maysee Herr
Nicole Horvath
Felisa Parris
Donna Kleczka
Sheila Reynolds
Chandra Rodgers
Rachel Whitt
HER Scholarship committee
Jerri Washington, Chair
Kenyatta Barber
Tara Blaesing
Leandra Evans
Melissa McCord
Cheryl Moore, PhD
Kathleen Turner
Bridgett Wilder
marketing cabinet
Ashton Henry
Pamela Edwards Klein
program committee
Aurora Bautz
Heidi Furlong
Carrie Mihal-Carlisle
Katie Walsh
relationship cabinet
Amy Muehlbauer, Chair
Amy Blain
Morgan Burns
Danila Danesi
Uma Morjaria
Alexandria Staubach
strategy kitchen cabinet
Nancy Peterson, Chair
Sarah Jones
Cheryl Moore, PhD
Beth Odian
History of Board Chairs
Monica Shah-Davidson, Google, 2023, 2024
Marilka Vélez, Associated Bank, 2021, 2022
Julie Ragland, Navistar, 2019, 2020
Nancy Peterson, Quarles & Brady LLP, 2017, 2018
Sue Hickey, Johnson Financial Group, 2015, 2016
Eloiza Altoro, 2013, 2014
Anne Tidmore, 2011, 2012
Amy Johnson, 2009, 2010
Sally Merrell, 2007, 2008
Heidi Retzlaff, GE*, 2006
Margaret Henningsen, 2004, 2005
Wendy Reed Bosworth, 2002, 2003
Gwen Jackson, 2000, 2001
Michal Dawson, 1999
Sandra Hoeh-Lyon, 1997, 1998
Elizabeth Orelup, 1996
Nancy Kane, 1993, 1994, 1995
Barbara Jacobus Wells, 1992
Judy Murphy, M&I Wealth Management, 1989, 1990, 1991
* June 6, 2006: Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee becomes an independent organization.