Mary Ellen Stanek, Foundation Board chair, wasn’t originally from Milwaukee. Stanek grew up in McHenry, Ill, before attending Marquette University. During her time at Marquette, Stanek learned the Jesuit way of servant leadership — a lesson that began in her childhood courtesy of her father, a community banker.
“He saw his role as an extension of the community,” Stanek said. “It wasn’t just about lending people money or gathering deposits; it was really about what he could do to help create vibrancy.”
Her mother took a more grassroots approach, supporting her children’s extracurricular activities. As an adult, Stanek applied both her parents’ and her Marquette teachings to her work and her service. A mentor once told her to only say yes to things she’s passionate about, and for Stanek, that includes kids, families, education and economic vibrancy
and development.
As such, she has served on many boards, includingthe Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Children’s Wisconsin and Marquette, where she and her husband co-chaired its recent campaign and raised over $800 million.
“Milwaukee’s an incredibly generous place,” she said. “There are so many caring people who give incredible amounts of time and energy, but also their treasure. In a lot of other places, people will write a check, but they won’t necessarily volunteer. In Milwaukee, it’s a both/and.”
Stanek sees the ‘both/and’ mentality play out at the Foundation, where she and her husband have a donor advised fund. She first heard about the Foundation professionally as an investment manager at First Wisconsin Trust. She now serves as president of Baird Funds and chief investment officer emeritus at Baird Advisors, which she helped found. Stanek has since brought visionary leadership and expert perspective to the Foundation Board during a time of meaningful growth.
“The Foundation is not just one corner of the community; it’s really all,” she said. “Together, we can build ecosystems and bridges and relationships that hopefully all communities can thrive and benefit from.”