Panelist Bios - Capitol B

Leadership in Education

Percy Brown, Jr. (Panelist) Principal, Lori Mann Carey Elementary School | Founder & CEO, North Star Consulting Services

Percy Brown leads school communities with a focus on student belonging, strong relationships, and academic growth. Through North Star Consulting Services, he supports leaders and organizations in building equitable systems and school cultures that reflect the strengths of students and families. Brown has served in multiple education leadership roles and continues to mentor emerging educators across the state.

Jamaal Eubanks (Panelist) - Founder, Eubanks Solutions LLC

Jamaal Eubanks works with schools and youth programs to support student motivation, identity, and well-being. He focuses on mentoring young men of color and creating environments where students feel confident in their strengths. Through workshops, coaching, and community partnerships, he helps educators build student-centered practices.

Erika Gallagher (Panelist) - English Teacher, Verona Area High School

Erika Gallagher (she/her) teaches English in the Verona Area School District. She creates classroom environments where students develop voice, critical thinking, and confidence in their writing. Gallagher supports learning approaches that reflect students’ experiences and encourages collaboration among students and staff.

Kabby Hong (Panelist) - English Teacher, Verona Area High School

Kabby Hong teaches English in the Verona Area School District. His work highlights student voice, literacy development, and cultural awareness in curriculum and instruction. Hong has contributed to statewide professional learning communities and supports teacher leadership grounded in collaboration.

Tia Sierra (Panelist) - Principal, Lighthouse Christian School

Tia Sierra serves as principal of Lighthouse Christian School. Her leadership centers supportive school communities, family partnerships, and instructional practices that help students feel valued. Sierra works closely with staff and families to create learning environments that reflect care, belonging, and academic growth.

Nonprofit Leadership in the 2020s

Marta McCarrion (Manager) Community Manager, Midwest Mujeres Collective | President, NACOPRW Milwaukee

Marta McCarrion supports women in leadership, economic mobility, and community engagement across Wisconsin. Through Midwest Mujeres Collective and partner organizations, she facilitates peer networks, professional development, and culturally grounded mentorship. Her work centers shared learning and collective support.

Rashad Cobb (Panelist) - Chief Philanthropy Officer, Brown County United Way
Rashad Cobb leads financial planning and organizational strategy at Brown County United Way. He focuses on partnerships that align community needs with resources. His work includes supporting local initiatives that strengthen family stability and educational opportunities.

Edgar Lin (Panelist) - Head of State Strategies, Protect Democracy
Edgar Lin is a civil rights attorney and policy advocate. He leads state strategies at Protect Democracy, working to defend democratic participation and fair elections. Lin partners with community members, legal organizations, and public leaders to support civic engagement and equitable access to public systems. His work focuses on building trust, transparency, and accountability in how institutions serve the public.

Hedi Rudd (Panelist) - Co-Executive Director, Rooted Wisconsin
Hedi Rudd co-leads Rooted Wisconsin, supporting healthy food systems, community education, and urban agriculture. She focuses on partnerships that build community connection and shared learning. Rudd has worked in community engagement and photography, centering stories that reflect lived experience.

Tony Shields (Panelist) - President & CEO, Wisconsin Philanthropy Network

Tony Shields leads philanthropic partnerships that support community well-being across Wisconsin. He works with foundations and nonprofits to align resources with local priorities. Shields encourages collaboration, shared learning, and long-term community investment.

First 100 Days

Suzanne Johnson (Moderator) - Senior Vice President of Branch Banking, Park Bank

Suzanne Johnson leads branch operations and staff development at Park Bank. She focuses on leadership practices that support trust, clarity, and team growth. Johnson mentors emerging leaders and advances approaches that strengthen client and community relationships.

Marcus Allen (Panelist) - Senior Pastor, Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Marcus Allen leads Mt. Zion Baptist Church with a focus on faith, empowerment, and service. He helps build partnerships that support youth development, family well-being, and community leadership. Allen supports programs that bring people together to learn and grow.

Rene Howard-Paez (Panelist) - President, St. Joan Antida High School
Rene Howard-Paez leads St. Joan Antida High School with a focus on student-centered learning and leadership development. She works with staff, students, and families to support academic success and a strong sense of belonging. Howard-Paez encourages opportunities that help students understand their strengths and purpose.

Michael Johnson (Panelist) - President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County

Michael Johnson leads youth development strategies and community partnerships across Dane County. He works to expand educational access, career pathways, and family support services. Johnson collaborates with schools, nonprofits, and local leaders to support young people.

Terrance Thompson (Panelist) - Community Services Manager, City of Madison Parks Division
Terrance Thompson supports community programming, partnerships, and public spaces across Madison. His work focuses on accessible recreation, neighborhood engagement, and collaboration with youth and families. Thompson encourages shared community responsibility and local leadership.

The Future of Work: AI & Workforce Equity

Dr. Ramón Ortiz, Jr. (Moderator) - Dean of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, Madison College
Ramón Ortiz leads continuing education programs that support workforce readiness and community learning. He works with employers, educators, and local organizations to expand access to professional development and training. Ortiz focuses on pathways that help people respond to changing workforce needs.

Zach Brandon (Panelist) - President, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce
Zach Brandon works with local leaders and businesses to support economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He collaborates across sectors to strengthen regional opportunity and community investment.

Bryan Cayabyab (Panelist) - Human Resources and Organizational Development Leader
Bryan Cayabyab supports organizations in building strong teams, leadership practices, and employee development strategies. His work focuses on workplace culture, staff support, and continuous learning.

Julio Garcia (Panelist) - Director of Education, Latino Workforce Development

Julio Garcia leads workforce training and education programs that support adult learners and job seekers. He works with community partners to expand access to employment and skill-building opportunities.

Tarik Moody (Panelist) - Program Director and Content Producer, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee

Tarik Moody curates music, culture programming, and creative storytelling through 88Nine Radio Milwaukee. He supports platforms that reflect local voices and emerging creative work. His leadership centers collaboration and cultural connection.

Leadership Blueprint: Crafting Your Leadership Identity

Mario García Sierra (Moderator) Director of Residential and Community Services, Madison Gas and Electric

Mario García Sierra supports energy efficiency and community engagement across the region. His work centers sustainability, equity, and partnership with diverse communities.

Kalvin Barrett (Panelist) - Sheriff, Dane County

Kalvin Barrett leads public safety efforts grounded in community trust, relationship-building, and fairness. He has worked as an educator and in law enforcement roles across Wisconsin. Barrett supports leadership practices that reflect accountability and collaboration.

Alex Compton (Panelist) - Co-Founder & CEO, Valor Pro Global | Author
Alex Compton supports athletes and families through sports leadership and personal development coaching. His work encourages self-awareness and healthy competition. Compton also writes and speaks about youth leadership and personal growth.

Brandi Grayson (Panelist) - Founder & CEO, Urban Triage, Inc. and Grayson Consulting, LLC

Brandi Grayson leads Urban Triage, supporting families, youth, and community healing through culturally rooted approaches. Her work focuses on self-determination, education, and resource access. Grayson encourages leadership built on lived experience and care.

Annette Miller (Panelist) - Founder & CEO, EQT By Design
Annette Miller supports organizations in building inclusive engagement, planning, and policy processes. She works with partners to align community voice with decision-making. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration and shared responsibility.