Leadership Kenosha Announces 2025 Graduation Celebration and Award Winner

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*The January Leadership Kenosha session offered an in-depth exploration*
*of leadership in action through the lenses of law enforcement, local government, and the justice*
*System, including a tour of the Kenosha Police Department and a conversation with Mayor David Bogdala.*

Leadership Kenosha is excited to announce its 2025 Graduation Celebration. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15, from 5-7 p.m. at The Stella Hotel and Ballroom – 5706 8th Ave.

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Each year, the participating cohort is recognized for completing the program at a graduation ceremony. The 2024-2025 cohort is made up of 21 community leaders, representing 18 unique organizations.With much to celebrate, KACC invites all alumni and members to join in on recognizing them. They are:

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Sara Andersen — Aurora Health Care
Molly Calderon — Individual
Kaitlin Cochrane — Uline
Aaron Dillhoff — City of Kenosha Police Dept
Bryan Easter — Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department
Stefanie Hansen — Kenosha Area Chamber Commerce
Dustin Heyden — Aurora Health Care
Austin Hill — Herzing
Shane Hollerich — Payne & Dolan
Amanda Johnson — UW Parkside
Matthew Karner — City of Hope
Katharine Keenan — Carthage College
Heather Krome — Hope Council
Corinne Maerzke — KAFASI
Lindsey Mayer — Hospice Alliance
Terin Melvin — Aurora Health Care
Erin Pfeuffer — Educators Credit Union
Stacy Ramon — Kenosha County
Jamie Rauth — Gateway
Esther Roberts — Shalom Center
Talia Wilkinson — Herzing

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At the event, awards will be given for Distinguished Alumnus and Best in Class. The Distinguished Alumnus celebrates a Leadership Kenosha alumnus who demonstrates exemplary leadership capacity. The 2025 Distinguished Alumnus will be awarded to Carolynn Friesch.

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Carolynn Friesch, CEO of United Way of Kenosha County and a 2015 Leadership Kenosha graduate, embodies community involvement, social responsibility, and inclusive leadership. As CEO, she has strengthened partnerships, expanded resources, and advocated for equity, enhancing United Way’s impact in financial stability, youth opportunity, and community resilience. Her leadership has driven meaningful change through collaboration with local businesses, nonprofits, and government leaders.

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Carolynn exemplifies Leadership Kenosha’s principles by amplifying diverse voices, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing community needs in decision-making. Her dedication to servant leadership makes her a standout alumna and a true representation of Leadership Kenosha’s mission.

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The Best in Class Award will be awarded to the alumni class with the highest attendance at the event. They will have the opportunity to award $250 to a nonprofit of their choice.

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“Coming together as community leaders at the annual graduation celebration is something that I now always look forward to,” says Marisa Markowski, LK Steering Committee Chairperson and 2021 program graduate. “It’s impactful to honor our community’s leaders and hear more about their experience. We invite you to come witness and celebrate their accomplishments!”

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Tickets to attend Leadership Kenosha’s 25th Anniversary Graduation are available through May 1. Visit Eventbrite for more information. Sponsorships are also still available through April 1 and can include tickets to the event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leadership-kenosha-class-of-2025-graduation-registration-1253653444199

Individuals can also learn more about joining next year’s cohort at https://kenoshaareachamber.com/leadership-kenosha/.

Author

Kevin Mathewson

Kevin Mathewson is a disciple of Christ, husband and a father to two wonderful children. Mathewson was born and raised in Lake County, IL and worked as a police & fire dispatcher from 2005 to 2010 in Round Lake Beach, IL. Mathewson moved to Kenosha County in 2006, later being elected to the position of Alderman of the 8th District in 2012 and 2016. Mathewson is a private investigator, security contractor, journalist, and photographer. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, camping and boating. His favorite amendment is the second, followed closely by the first. He loves his country and community.

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