Featuring our Panelists:\n
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Marcelia Nicholson Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors\nA Milwaukee native\, Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson has served Milwaukee County in myriad ways. Nicholson began her career with Milwaukee Public Schools\, working as an activist and a community organizer while teaching fourth grade. \; \;
\nIn 2016\, she was elected to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors\, and then to Vice Chair of the Board in 2018. In 2020\, Nicholson was elected Chairwoman of the Board\, serving as the first Black woman and Latina to do so in County history. \; \;
\nThroughout her time in office\, Chairwoman Nicholson has been a fierce advocate for racial and economic justice. As a Supervisor\, Chairwoman Nicholson has successfully introduced dozens of policies. She was instrumental in making Milwaukee County the first county in the nation to declare racism a public health crisis. She also supported Milwaukee County?s strategic plan by enacting the 0.4% sales tax\, thus ensuring a projected County budget surplus for the first time in over two decades. \; \;
\nNicholson advocates for education\, affordable housing\, community empowerment\, climate equity\, and criminal justice reform. \; \;
\nThe Chairwoman remains invested in the Milwaukee community. In addition to her work as a Supervisor\, she sits locally on the board of directors for the Milwaukee Public Museum\, the Wisconsin Counties Association\, Clean Wisconsin\, Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee\, and the UW Extension Board of Visitors. Nationally\, she serves on the board of Local Progress and works with the Progressive Governance Academy as a national trainer to mentor young girls through Girls on the Run of Greater Milwaukee.
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Peggy Williams-Smith President and CEO of Visit Milwaukee\nNamed the 2022 Executive of the Year by the Milwaukee Business Journal\, Peggy Williams-Smith is a Milwaukee native and veteran of the hospitality industry who joined VISIT Milwaukee as the company?s first female president and CEO in 2019. Under her direction\, the company has launched exciting\, dynamic marketing campaigns to increase economic impact to the community and elevate the city?s reputation. Peggy?s focus on strategic partnerships has deepened the company?s local connections while developing a nimble team that is more responsive than ever to changes within the travel and hospitality industries. This was none more apparent than during the pandemic when VISIT Milwaukee became the go-to source for information for the hospitality industry and the industry?s No. 1 advocate on state and local levels. From gaining recognition in National Geographic magazine as one of the best places in the world for travel in 2023 to securing the 2024 Republican National Convention\, Williams-Smith?s strategic leadership has brought economic gains to Milwaukee for years to come. Prior to her work at VISIT Milwaukee\, she worked for Marcus Hotels &\; Resorts for over 22 years and held leadership positions at varying levels throughout the division. Williams-Smith is a proud mentor of other women in business and uses her free time to support numerous charitable causes. She resides in Milwaukee with her husband\, Tim Smith\, their niece\, Jocelyn and their Boston Terrier\, Tito Fenway.
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Olzem Atman VAPS Market Manager at IKEA\nOzlem'\;s retail career began as a Department Manager at Zara in Ankara\, Turkey. She quickly moved up to become Store Manager then moved to the United States to lead the Santa Monica store. In 2006\, Ozlem joined IKEA Covina (CA) as a Shopkeeper overseeing living rooms\, workspaces\, and IKEA Business areas. In her nearly 18 years at IKEA\, she has moved across the United States multiple times and held positions as Shopkeeper\, Business Navigation and Operations Manager\, Customer Experience Manager\, Deputy Store Manager\, Store Manager\, and most recently VAPS Market Manager at IKEA Oak Creek.
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? I'\;m proud to work for a purpose led company where we are committed to create a better everyday life for the many. My advice for women today is to be ready to have courageous conversations\, feel comfortable as who you are\, know your worth\, share your learnings with each other and leverage on networking\, find yourself a mentor who could support you in your journey\, surround yourselves with people who believe in you\, and most importantly\, believe in yourselves. \n\n
