Panelist Bios - Assembly Room

Unlocking Capital

Angela Russell (Moderator) - Chief Diversity Officer, TruStage | Founder and Host, Black Oxygen Podcast

Angela Russell leads diversity and inclusion strategy at TruStage and hosts the Black Oxygen podcast, where she highlights stories of belonging, leadership, and identity across Wisconsin. Her work focuses on building relationships grounded in trust and listening. Russell partners with organizations and community leaders to support approaches that strengthen connection and shared responsibility.

Jeff Mack (Panelist) - First Vice President, Business Development, Park Bank

Jeff Mack works with local businesses to support access to financial resources and long-term business planning. His approach centers on relationship-building, shared accountability, and clear communication. Mack also mentors emerging leaders and supports efforts that strengthen economic participation across the region.

Jasmine Mercado (Panelist) - Vice President and Commercial Lender, Spring Bank

Jasmine Mercado supports entrepreneurs and business owners through lending, financial planning, and strategic growth conversations. She works to expand access to capital for those who have historically faced barriers to financial support. Mercado emphasizes steady guidance, practical budgeting, and lasting financial stability.

Ryan Zerwer (Panelist) - President and CEO, Forward Community Investments

Ryan Zerwer leads Forward Community Investments in partnerships that provide financing and support for nonprofit organizations and mission-driven development. His work focuses on aligning financial tools with local priorities. Zerwer collaborates with leaders across sectors to help strengthen organizational planning, leadership development, and long-term stability.

Scaling Impact: Leadership Lessons from Small Business & Entrepreneurship

Norman Davis (Moderator) - Director, Department of Civil Rights, City of Madison

Norman Davis leads the City of Madison Department of Civil Rights. His work focuses on equitable public services, strong community partnerships, and policies grounded in fairness. Davis supports leaders and organizations in building systems where decisions reflect shared responsibility and accountability. He centers transparency, steady collaboration, and respect for the people served.

David Aguayo (Panelist) - Public Policy Manager, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce | Founder, AGUAYO LLC

David Aguayo works across policy, business, and community partnerships. He leads public affairs efforts with a focus on inclusive economic development and clear communication between government and local leaders. Through AGUAYO LLC, he supports consulting projects rooted in relationship-building and practical action. His work emphasizes learning through listening, collaboration, and consistent engagement.

Sara Alvarado (Panelist) - Author | Speaker | Co-Founder, Own It: Building Black Wealth | Co-Owner, Alvarado Real Estate Group

Sara Alvarado works in real estate, storytelling, and community education. She co-founded Own It to support Black homeownership and financial agency in Madison. Through writing and speaking, she invites conversations about identity, family history, and structural barriers. Alvarado supports change through direct resource sharing, relationship-building, and continuous reflection.

Brian Espinosa (Panelist) - President, Latino Professionals Association of Greater Madison | Co-Founder, Adapt Marketing Consulting

Brian Espinosa works at the intersection of professional development, community leadership, and marketing strategy. As President of the Latino Professionals Association, he supports networks of mentorship and shared growth. Through Adapt Marketing Consulting, he partners with organizations on clear communication and thoughtful outreach. His leadership centers presence, collaboration, and trust.

Isaiah Ness (Panelist) - Founder and CEO, Sun Bear Industries

Isaiah Ness leads Sun Bear Industries, a design and woodworking studio grounded in craft, mentorship, and community connection. He works with emerging artisans and entrepreneurs through hands-on learning and shared skill-building. Ness centers patience, practice, and community support in business growth. His leadership reflects commitment to steady development over time.

Economic Mobility: Workforce Leadership to Retain Local Talent

Christy Jackson (Moderator) - Western Wisconsin and Tribal Coalitions Manager, Forward Together Wisconsin

Christy Jackson supports statewide coalitions focused on civic engagement, collaboration, and community voice. She works with partners across Western Wisconsin and Tribal Nations to strengthen participation and shared leadership. Jackson centers trust, listening, and steady relationship-building in her work. Her approach reflects commitment to local leadership and long-term community well-being.

Melissa Agard (Panelist) - County Executive of Dane County

Melissa Agard serves as County Executive of Dane County. Her work focuses on public services that support children, families, and communities. Agard leads through partnership and shared responsibility with local organizations, schools, and municipal leaders. She centers transparency, access, and long-term planning in her leadership.

Masood Akhtar (Panelist) - President and Founder, CleanTech Partners, Inc. | Founder, We Are Many – United Against Hate

Masood Akhtar has led organizations focused on renewable energy, sustainability, and community building. He also founded We Are Many – United Against Hate, a movement that works to challenge bigotry and support inclusive communities. Akhtar’s work centers dialogue, education, and shared purpose across differences.

DeAndre Martin (Panelist) - Executive Director, CEOs of Tomorrow

DeAndre Martin leads CEOs of Tomorrow, where youth learn entrepreneurship through real-world practice. He supports student confidence, creativity, and awareness of community issues. Martin focuses on experiential learning and the belief that young people hold valuable leadership capacity. His work centers support, curiosity, and growth.

Nasra Wehelie (Panelist) - Founder and CEO, Empathy 4 Equity LLC

Nasra Wehelie works with organizations to develop cultures grounded in empathy, belonging, and cultural understanding. Her leadership is shaped by years of community engagement and systems work across Dane County. Wehelie supports leaders in building practices that help people feel seen, respected, and supported in their work.

Pathways of Power: Civic Leadership for Systemic Access

Joe Maldonado (Moderator) - Alderperson, City of Fitchburg | Bilingual Youth and Families State Specialist, UW–Madison Division of Extension

Joe Maldonado works at the intersection of public leadership and youth development. As an Alderperson and youth specialist, he supports community programs, local representation, and accessible public systems. Maldonado emphasizes leadership grounded in listening, transparency, and shared responsibility.

David Crowley (Panelist) - Milwaukee County Executive | Candidate for Governor of Wisconsin

David Crowley serves as Milwaukee County Executive. His leadership focuses on community well-being, housing stability, and accessible public services. Crowley works with partners across the state to advance policies that reflect local needs and strengthen families.

Jason Fields (Panelist) - Chief Operating Officer, The Center for Black Excellence and Culture

Jason Fields supports leadership development and cultural programming rooted in community identity. He works to strengthen partnerships that connect economic development and cultural belonging. Fields centers shared purpose and practical collaboration. His approach reflects learning through relationships.

Michael Morgan (Panelist) - Director of Systemic Equity and Inclusion, Sun Prairie Area School District

Michael Morgan collaborates with students, staff, and families to strengthen school culture and belonging. He focuses on supporting consistent communication and shared responsibility across teams. Morgan emphasizes relationship-building and steady reflection. His work supports growth at both individual and system levels.

Brenda Yang (Panelist) - Assistant Director, SuccessWorks, UW–Madison College of Letters & Science | District 19 Supervisor, Dane County Board

Brenda Yang works in student career advising and local public service. She supports young adults in building confidence, purpose, and clarity in their goals. As a County Board Supervisor, she emphasizes thoughtful policy and community collaboration. Yang centers listening, reflection, and shared accountability.

Sustaining Leadership

Mai Xiong (Moderator) - Founder, President, and CEO, Hmong American Leadership & Economic Development (HALED) | Community Economic Development Officer, WHEDA

Mai Xiong advances leadership development, economic opportunity, and community partnership. Through HALED and WHEDA, she supports pathways for growth and stability. Xiong centers identity, heritage, and collective responsibility in her leadership. Her approach reflects care, presence, and shared growth.

Norma Gallegos Valles (Panelist) - Director of Programs, Centro Hispano of Dane County

Norma Gallegos Valles leads programs that support youth, families, and cultural community-building. Her work centers relationships, trust, and active partnership with those she serves. Valles emphasizes leadership grounded in presence and care.

Will Green (Panelist) - Founder and CEO, Mentoring Positives, Inc. | Head Coach, La Follette Girls Varsity Basketball

Will Green supports youth development through mentorship, entrepreneurship, and athletics. He works with young people to build confidence and self-awareness through practice and discipline. Green centers consistency, respect, and encouragement. His leadership reflects community care and long-term support.

Josh Kosnick (Panelist) - Founder and CEO, Kairos Coaching & Consulting | Professional EOS Implementer® | Author, The Kairos Code

Josh Kosnick works with leaders and organizations on alignment, clarity, and decision-making. He guides organizations in developing practices that support sustainable growth. Kosnick emphasizes reflection, accountability, and shared purpose. His approach centers long-term development.

Dr. Torsheika Maddox (Panelist) - Associate Vice Provost for Recruitment and Engagement, Faculty and Staff Affairs, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Torsheika Maddox supports campus-wide efforts to strengthen belonging, leadership development, and workplace culture. Her work emphasizes collaborative approaches to complex challenges and shared responsibility for healthy environments.

Tiffany Malone (Panelist) - Licensed Realtor, Alvarado Real Estate Group | Co-Founder, Own It: Building Black Wealth | Board Member, Realtors Association of South Central Wisconsin

Tiffany Malone works across real estate and community advocacy. She co-founded Own It to expand Black homeownership and long-term wealth. Malone focuses on resource sharing, financial access, and community relationships. Her approach reflects connection, presence, and shared learning.