Joanne grew up in Milwaukee with her family, with her parents who were Hungarian immigrants and was the first in her family to attend college. Her father wanted her to become a secretary and work for Briggs & Stratton. Her mother insisted that Joanne acquire a college education. Joanne took her mother’s advice and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree with majors in Business Administration and German from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee.
She was employed by the Fritz Companies, Inc. in Milwaukee from 1987 to June of 2000 and became District Manager of this logistics services company after two promotions.
Joanne moved to Green Bay to became the Executive Director for Scholarships, Inc. in December 2000. She became the Chief Executive Officer in March, 2013, where under her leadership, distributed over $8M in financial need based scholarships. Her leadership style effectively assisted 3,000 local high school seniors in fulfilling their dreams of a promising career through higher education. She meets with prospective recipients throughout the year to help determine what they wanted to be when they grew up, then advised them on navigating the scholarship application process. Often, she was their only source of inspiration.
Joanne was also responsible for the creation and implementation of the “NEW Scholars program” in 2014. NEW Scholars evolved from an earlier program called “Dream to Achieve.” The college readiness program supports low-income and first generation students beginning in 6th grade through graduation from college.
Joanne was led to community involvement because she wanted to give back to others in appreciation for all she has been given. She is driven by civic obligation and a vision of enriching the lives of those in our community. Her reward is making sure that the students get through the program offered by Scholastic, Inc.
After a 15-year career with Scholarships, Inc., Joanne moved back to Milwaukee, where she started her own business, New Heart Coaching & Consulting, as a personal development and academic life coach. Continue to work in support of others, as a life coach, she guides women through life transitions and high school students on their path toward academic success. This new chapter of her life, she encourages everyone to live into their limitless capacities.
Joanne has been a single parent of two children, now young adults, who has ably accomplished both personal and professional goals with grace. One of her two Golden Retrievers is a trained therapy dog. Together, they have spent time spreading cheer and warming the hearts of the elderly and others in need. She was a member of the Rotary Club of Green Bay, where she served as the Rotary Youth Exchange Advisor, the International Committee Chair and was awarded the club’s Vocational Service Award in 2007. She has given time to support the Humane Society and served on its Board of Directors.
Joanne’s inspiration was her aunt who survived five years in a Russian concentration camp. Her aunt was a woman of faith and perseverance, who was a significant influence in Joanne’s life.
Joanne’s recommendation to other women is to be patient, believe in yourself, and follow your dream. She would like to be remembered as a person that made the world a better place.