Community Adviser & Ambassador Network
The Community Adviser & Ambassador Network is a group of racially and ethnically diverse community leaders and professional advisers who deepen the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s understanding of community needs. CAAN members reimagine how they engage in philanthropy through their time, treasure, talent and ties.
In 2020, the Foundation deepened its commitment to racial equity and inclusion through a new strategic vision, which centered racial equity and inclusion as its North Star. Following this announcement, we refashioned our Young Professional Advisers Council into CAAN to better fit the Foundation’s mission. Advisers and ambassadors are a key part of our work to build a Milwaukee for all.
CAAN members understand how the Foundation works and how it supports the community, thereby growing and stewarding partnerships with the Foundation in their professional and community networks. CAAN members and alumni are invited to Foundation events, volunteer committees, and networking events, including CAAN happy hours.
CAAN members participate in the CAAN Seminar Series, a five-date (from September to May), lunchtime, deep dive, crash course on the inner workings of the Foundation.
Meet the 2022-23 CAAN cohort
- Guillermo Baena
- Daian Celac
- Matt Drvaric
- Trenice Ferguson
- Mary Hintz
- Nick Hunzinger
- Sarah Knudson
- Brian Lewis
- DeShaun Robinson
- Jaquilla Ross
- Ashley Smith
- Alexandra Spangler
- Rebecca Stoner
- Emily Tau
- Nick Walls
- Yolanda Young
Become a memberIndividuals can refer themselves or someone they know to Kristen Mekemson, vice president, development and philanthropic services.
Contact Kristen
Jackie Herd-Barber Award recipientThe Jackie Herd-Barber Award recognizes CAAN and YPAC alumni who use their time, talent, treasure and ties to build and deepen relationships with, and investments in, the Foundation to help drive systemic change in their communities.
Read about award recipient Kristen Hardy