Panelist Bios - University Room

Leadership Through Disruption

Dr. Joe Gothard (Panelist) - Superintendent, Madison Metropolitan School District

Joe Gothard grew up in Madison and graduated from the Madison Metropolitan School District. He has worked in public education for more than 30 years as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Before returning to Madison, he served as superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools, where he advanced equity, literacy, early childhood learning, and school modernization. His leadership centers students, families, and staff.

Mike Hernandez (Panelist) - Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Schools, Appleton Area School District

Mike Hernandez serves as Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools in the Appleton Area School District. His experience includes leadership roles in Madison as Chief of High Schools and as principal of East High School. He received the Roberto G. Sánchez Award for advancing educational and career opportunities for Latino students and families. He also teaches as an adjunct instructor. He holds three master’s degrees and is pursuing his doctorate at Edgewood College.

Chris MacIntosh (Panelist) - Director of Athletics, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Chris MacIntosh has led Wisconsin Athletics since 2021. He brings experience as a former Badger All-American, professional athlete, and business leader. His leadership focuses on student-athlete development, inclusion, and program excellence. Under his guidance, Wisconsin Athletics has earned national titles in women’s volleyball and hockey and advanced major facility plans.

Karen Menéndez Coller, PhD (Panelist) - Executive Director, Centro Hispano of Dane County

Karen Menéndez Coller has served as Executive Director of Centro Hispano since 2013. Born in El Salvador, she leads community-centered strategies that support Latinx families in health, leadership, and economic stability. She has been recognized as one of Wisconsin’s Most Powerful Latinos by Madison365 and has received national and local leadership awards. Centro recently opened Calli, a new cultural and community space supported through a $20 million capital campaign she led.

Emerging Voices

Mandela Barnes (Moderator) - President and Founder, Forward Together Wisconsin

Mandela Barnes is the founder of Forward Together Wisconsin and served as Wisconsin’s 45th Lieutenant Governor. He has worked across community, nonprofit, and government roles to expand economic opportunity and support working families. His leadership has focused on climate jobs, public safety rooted in community trust, and statewide engagement with young and emerging leaders.

Huma Ashan (Panelist) - Attorney and Judicial Candidate, Dane County Circuit Court – Branch One

Huma Ashan is an attorney and judicial candidate for Dane County Circuit Court, Branch One. She has represented immigrant families, survivors, and community members navigating legal systems. Her work focuses on access to justice and court processes that honor the dignity and experiences of the people who appear in them. Ashan believes that strong communities are built when people are seen, heard, and supported through systems that affect their lives.

Joey Broms (Panelist) - Commercial Account Executive, Baer Insurance Services|President of Madison MAGNET

Joey Broms works with businesses to build insurance and risk strategies that support growth and stability. He is involved in local leadership development programs and has supported civic engagement and mentorship initiatives in the Madison area. Broms believes leadership grows through collaboration and learning across professional and community settings.

Francesca Hong (Panelist) - Wisconsin State Representative, 76th District | 2026 Gubernatorial Candidate

Francesca Hong is a state representative and a restaurant owner whose work centers working families, local economies, and cultural community-building. She has led policy efforts in public health, small business support, and equitable economic development. Her leadership reflects a commitment to community care and shared opportunity across Wisconsin.

Myra McNair (Panelist) - LMFT, Executive Director, Anesis Therapy

Myra McNair is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder and executive director of Anesis Therapy. Her work focuses on culturally rooted mental health approaches and trauma-responsive care. Through clinical practice, training, and advocacy, she supports individuals and families in healing, connection, and self-defined well-being.

Intergenerational Power Exchange

Ker Vang (Moderator) - Senior Planner, Brown County

Ker Vang is a senior planner with Brown County. Her work focuses on community development, equitable engagement, and planning processes that include the voices of residents and stakeholders. She supports collaboration between community members, local government, and partner organizations. Vang believes strong community leadership comes from shared responsibility and meaningful participation.

Apache Danforth (Panelist) - Founder, Good Words Consulting; Good Words Travel; Off the Trail Cafe

Apache Danforth is the founder of Good Words Consulting, Good Words Travel, and Off the Trail Cafe. He works at the intersection of cultural knowledge, community leadership, and wellness. His work supports individuals and organizations in building practices rooted in relationship, accountability, and shared growth. Danforth emphasizes community connection and storytelling as central parts of leadership.

Danielle Pulliam, Ed.D. (Panelist) - Assoc. Athletic Director for Leadership and Inclusion, Wisconsin Athletics

Dr. Danielle Pulliam is Associate Athletic Director for Leadership and Inclusion at Wisconsin Athletics. She supports student-athlete development and staff learning with a focus on inclusion, belonging, and leadership growth. She has experience in student affairs, coaching, and program development. Her work builds environments where people learn from one another and lead with awareness and purpose.

Kelda Roys (Panelist) - Wisconsin State Senator, 26th District | 2026 Gubernatorial Candidate

Kelda Roys serves as a Wisconsin State Senator for the 26th District. She has worked as an attorney, business owner, and advocate on issues related to public health, family well-being, and economic opportunity. Roys has led efforts to support reproductive freedom, maternal care, and accessible public services. She believes leadership is strengthened through transparency, accountability, and shared community goals.

Keetra Burnette (Moderator) -Director of Stakeholder Engagement, United Way of Dane County

Keetra Burnette leads stakeholder engagement at United Way of Dane County. She helped establish Madison’s Police Civilian Oversight Board and served as its first Chair. She focuses on racial equity and centers the leadership of adults with direct experience in poverty, who she calls Lived-Experience Experts. Burnette mentors community members to lead in public systems with confidence and purpose. The City of Madison named a day in her honor, and she has been recognized by YWCA Madison and the Urban League.

Dr. Tremayne Clardy (Panelist) - Superintendent, Verona Area School District

Dr. Tremayne Clardy has led the Verona Area School District as Superintendent since 2022, guided by the belief that every student must be successful. With over 22 years of K–12 experience, he previously supervised 32 elementary schools in Madison and has held multiple administrative and teaching roles. Dr. Clardy holds an Ed.D. and M.A. from Aurora University and M.S. and B.S. degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.