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LIFE-CHANGING
Life-changing experiences, I believe, are completely under our control. Nothing can change us unless we allow it. There are two theories that I try to embrace every day.
The Let Them Theory (by Mel Robbins): I must say, I have not read this book, but I picked this up through therapy many decades ago. What a world this would be if everyone was the same. Boring, right? Celebrate and accept the differences between individuals. Not everyone thinks like you. Not everyone’s brain functions the same way. Stop trying to win the world to your side. It sure is a lot of energy and effort – for what? So you can be satisfied and others are resenting you, or not liking you very much? You can ONLY control yourself. You cannot control others. Each person has different opinions and ways of doing things. Hear it, see it, register it, let them be and move on! My daughter once said to me – “You are always telling me what to do!” I said, “Excuse me, but I know that you are grown, and I am just giving me opinion. I fully expect you to do what you want to do. I’ve said my two cents and that’s it. I will not be upset if you decide to do something else – that is strictly your decision.” The ability to “let them” will release you from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. If you are a detail person that likes to plan, the creative thinker will NEVER process information like you. It may drive you crazy – but to work with the different strengths that you each bring to the table, will result in better outcomes. I suppose that the saying, “Agree to disagree,” is the same concept. Sometimes you can have a good discussion and sometimes you just have to let it go and move on.
The other theory that I embrace everyday is “Why Not?!” The worst thing anyone can say to me is “That’s the way it’s always been done.” Times change and our way of doing things can change with technology, thinking processes, and social mores. When I bought my house back in the 90s, I replaced my own toilet! It took 4 trips to Home Depot but the nice man in plumbing was very patient with me. My daughter was fuming on the couch because her boyfriend was not showing up to change her flat tire. I said, “Come on, we’re going to change the tire ourselves.” She says, “I don’t know how.” I said, “Neither do I, but we’re going to read the book and learn!” A man that I used to work with, used to say that if he saw someone with a tattoo, he would never hire them. I just got a tattoo a couple weeks ago – I love it! I took Harley motorcycle lessons, but unfortunately, I just couldn’t do it. I tried for three hours! At least I can say that I tried. If my life is not in danger – Why not? Try it! You might like it! It’s so much fun to be an explorer. If your thought is “I’ve never done this before,” then you should give it a try!
In the end, “Let Them” and be your own explorer.
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Marjorie Yoshida
Chapter President
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Our current member stats are as follows:
- Member Firms: 15
- Total Members: 21
- Representatives: 17
- Chapter Life Members: 1
- Sustaining Members: 3
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Remember
August is our annual Open House where guests attend for FREE!
Who will YOU bring?
| | If you're looking for recruitment tools, look no further than the handy, downloadable documents provided below. Feel free to distribute these to any prospective members who are interested in learning more about EWI. Be sure to have them contact Retention & Recruitment Director, Sue Chipman, if they have any membership questions. | | And, of course, please continue to invite guests to meetings! | | |
RaiseRight Info & FAQs
Whether you're shopping for a birthday, a special someone, or simply treating yourself, the RaiseRight fundraising program offers a great way to support our Chapter! By purchasing gift cards for everyday essentials like groceries, gas, dining, and shopping, you can effortlessly contribute to our operational funds—turning your purchases into meaningful support!
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Date: May 6, 2025 - Firm Recognition and Literacy Awards @ Baird Center
Our May meeting took place at Baird Center, a convention and exhibition center located in downtown Milwaukee. Members and guests received a warm welcome from the staff at this beautiful venue.
After enjoying the great view, networking and review of the silent auction items, EWI member firm representative, Nickie Rouleau gave the invocation.
An elegant sit-down dinner was served as we all kept an eye on the bidding. Those same eyes got a bit misty as we heard from Shantalea Gray, former ASIST recipient. Shantalea shared how the scholarship dollars were not just "money" but "life-changing" as it gave her the means to complete her college degree. She then shared the exciting news that she was accepted into Graduate School. The sky is the limit for Shantalea, and it has been our pleasure to ASIST her.
We also heard from our Literacy Partners - Next Door Milwaukee and YWCA Southeast Wisconsin.
Silent auction winners were announced before the close of the evening.
Thank you to all those who bid and won items, as these funds support our scholarship programs, therefore, allowing us to help more deserving students. A special thanks to Rockwell Automation for the donation of the Brewer's Suite and congratulations to Krueger Communications, Inc. on winning this fantastic prize!
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Date: June 3, 2025 - Annual ASIST meeting at Maxie's
Always a special meeting when the ASIST scholarship winners are announced!
Dinner at Maxie's with its boisterous Cajun and creole style menu was a bit outside of the comfort zone for some, but it is good to try new things.
Member firm representative, Julie Williams gave the invocation.
Thank you to our judges, Jill Marie Hildenbrand, UWM, Sadique Isahaku, MATC and Zachary Staszewski, Hunger Task Force and our guest speaker for the evening, Dale Kooyenga, MMAC President.
Dale shared details of his life, career path and love for the city of Milwaukee. Asist scholarship awardees, Sarah Coogan, 1st Place, and Dennis Carl, 2nd Place also spoke about their lives, education, and goals. Unfortunately, Courtney Francois, 3rd Place, was not able to attend. Best of luck to them all as they realize their goals!
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Date: July 17, 2025 - Member Social
As previously voted on by the Milwaukee Chapter Board of Directors and confirmed by members, we did not have a regular monthly meeting in July. That first Tuesday was just too close to the Independence Day holiday.
So what do we do instead? Have a social event later in the month! This year, the suggestions were reviewed and it was decided we would have a game night. Hosted at the home of a firm representative, there was excellent food - Mission BBQ never disappoints - along with ice cream treats and fun games (with prizes).
Next Month it is back to business on August 5th. It will be our annual Potluck and Open House. Check out the details below.
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Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Annual Open House & Potluck
5:30 - 8:30 pm
Krueger Communications, Inc
12515 Knoll Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122
Speaker: Jeremy Riemer
Topic: Artificial Intelligence
As always, if you have any ideas for venues or speakers, please email Nickie Rouleau.
| | Charles Heasley is passionate about leadership development. A former police sergeant, he founded Blue Lion Leadership, helping hundreds of leaders each year boost results and reduce workplace issues. He holds a Master’s in Executive Leadership from Liberty University, where he’s a doctoral candidate, and is a certified coach and emotional intelligence practitioner. Charles is also a husband, cat dad, guitarist, and red wine enthusiast. | |
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Dare to Lead
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown is a powerful guide to courageous leadership rooted in vulnerability, empathy, and connection. Brown, a research professor known for her work on shame and resilience, shares insights on how effective leaders build trust, embrace difficult conversations, and lead with integrity. The book emphasizes that daring leadership is not about titles or power—it’s about showing up with courage, leaning into discomfort, and cultivating a culture where people feel safe to be themselves and take risks. It's an inspiring read for anyone looking to lead with heart and authenticity.
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EWI Milwaukee’s gonna be showin’ up strong at LCAM 2025! We’ve got Laura Poll from Generation Growth Capital, Susan Chipman from Krueger Communications, Tina Braley from Momentive Software, and Leslie Ortiz from Olympus Group all headin’ down. It’s fixin’ to be somethin’ special!
Things just got interesting!
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Keri Kempski 7/1
Marjorie Yoshida 7/19
Lorie Barbian 7/21
Ginny Czarnecki 8/5
Nickie Rouleau 9/5
Leslie Ortiz 9/8
Margie Gehrman 9/15
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EWI-Milwaukee is excited to celebrate the following achievements with our members.
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Baird Center Earns LEED Gold Certification
The newly expanded Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee has officially achieved LEED Gold status, awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. This recognition places it among only a handful of convention centers nationwide leading the way in sustainable design and operations.
Key green features include:
- A rooftop solar array generating nearly 100,000 kWh annually
- A 320,000-gallon stormwater retention system to manage runoff onsite
- Bird-friendly fritted glass, low-flow plumbing, LED lighting with sensors, recycled steel (90%), reclaimed wood, and an ORCA food digester diverting 438 tons of waste annually
Compared to typical buildings, it achieves 24% energy savings and 33% water savings, while diverting 82% of construction waste from landfills.
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Extra special shout out to Mueller Communications LLC for being awarded a Nonprofit Excellence Award for 2025 by BizTimes Media! Mueller Communications LLC was recognized with the In-Kind Supporter of the Year award, which is given to a professional or company that provides in-kind support to single or multiple nonprofit organizations through any type of non-financial contributions. Outstanding!
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Congrats to member, Laura Poll, for celebrating her NINTH work anniversary at Generation Growth Capital, Inc. on June 28th. She says it's the longest place she's ever worked at and can't imagine being anywhere else! Additionally (OMG, there's more?), Laura and her husband, David, will be celebrating (or is it surviving? LOL!) their 30th wedding anniversary on September 2nd.
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A big shout‑out to Sue Chipman, who just marked 10 years with Krueger Communications—and earned a celebratory getaway to sunny Arizona!
Sue’s family also grew recently: she adopted Bella, a sweet rescue who was saved by Fort Lauderdale Police and cared for in a foster home before finding her forever life of luxury in Germantown.
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🎡 July 31st - August 10th
Gear up for 11 days of pure Midwestern fun at the Wisconsin State Fair! From pig races and giant slides to livestock shows, thrilling rides, and endless 'food on a stick' options, there’s something for everyone. And of course, don’t skip the iconic cream puffs—available daily in original, chocolate, and strawberry flavors, with drive-thru and pre-order options. Plus, catch live performances from big-name acts like Boyz II Men, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Queensryche!
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August 14th – 17th
Step into the world’s largest Irish festival at Henry Maier Festival Park. With more than 18 stages of live Celtic music, family-friendly cultural exhibits (genealogy, dance, dogs!), and plenty of Irish craic, it’s a full immersion in tradition and community spirit
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🎉 August 22nd - August 24th
Held each August at Henry Maier Festival Park, Mexican Fiesta is a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, heritage, and community. The three-day festival features traditional music and dance, authentic food, cultural exhibits, a bustling marketplace, and family-friendly activities. From mariachi performances to folkloric dancers and delicious tacos, it’s a colorful and festive experience that highlights the rich traditions of Mexico right on Milwaukee’s lakefront.
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Member firm, Krueger Communications, is hosting its first-ever FREE E-Waste Recycling Drive — and you’re invited!
Got a pile of old stuff with cords?
We’re talking small appliances, gadgets, chargers, cables, and more — if it plugs in, bring it in!
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They’ll recycle it for FREE and help you declutter responsibly.
🎉 Start your weekend with purpose (and coffee & donuts).
♻️ Help the planet. Clear your space. Enjoy a treat.
🤔 Questions? Email Sue Chipman.
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Hackers are Learning About YOU!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a great tool to make your emails better and jazz up your presentations with the click of a mouse. It has become a weapon in the cybercriminal arsenal. Hackers are using AI to study users by scanning social media, public records and leaded data. Social engineering allows them to craft more convincing scams, tailored spearfishing scams, write convincing emails and even use deepfake voices and videos. Be careful what you share on social media and what information you are disclosing when you use AI.
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Learn more about our past activities by clicking on the links below. Share with your networks, so they can see first-hand the good work that EWI Milwaukee does for the community.
Volunteering & Philanthropy
ASIST
Literacy Initiatives
Operations Fundraising
Also, be sure to check out MyEWI for handy information you can start using NOW in your committees, like their Tool Kits (login required).
We'll also be updating the MyEWI Milwaukee Chapter Group page (login required) with news and resources, so be sure to visit there often. Members can also add their own posts to the chapter page, so you can keep the chapter abreast of what's going on in your world and your committees.
Check out our updated chapter roster for the 2024-2025 year.
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EWI of Milwaukee Website
Share our stories with others and visit for up-to-date member information. www.ewimilwaukee.org
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