Wisconsin + Collaboration

Presented in partnership with New North, Inc. (https://www.thenewnorth.com/), the NEW Digital Alliance (https://newdigitalalliance.org/), and TitletownTech (https://www.titletowntech.com/).

There is an authenticity around collaboration brewing around tech in Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Tech Association & New North/New Digital Alliance have created a programming session to discuss this exciting opportunity. Join us on August 27^th  to hear developments of the growing Wisconsin tech ecosystem between Milwaukee and the New North, as well as among Microsoft, TitletownTech and other organizations.  Walk away with learnings on how your organization can get involved.

Moderator: Lena DeLaet, Director, Summerfest Tech

Speakers:

Kathryn Clouse, Principal, TitletownTech

As Principal for TitletownTech, Kathryn leads the team’s efforts in Milwaukee, focusing on Microsoft’s AI Co-Innovation Lab for Manufacturing, located on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s campus. Kathryn brings more than 15 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, having held both engineering and innovation roles. Her journey began as a mechanical engineer at Pierce Manufacturing before transitioning to Kohler Company. During her tenure at Kohler, Kathryn was an engineering leader for the Power System business and spearheaded impactful initiatives for the broader enterprise. She was also the driving force behind the company’s Transformative Innovation Program, overseeing numerous disruptive product developments. While at Kohler, Kathryn extended her passion for innovation into a venture fellow and consultant role with Alumni Ventures. A native of Michigan with Wisconsin roots, Kathryn earned her BS in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

 

Michelle Schuler, TechSpark U.S. Program Manager, Microsoft

Michelle Schuler is a dedicated advocate for inclusive economic opportunities and the leader of Microsoft TechSpark Wisconsin. Her extensive experience in technology and community engagement has been instrumental in driving digital inclusion and economic growth in regions across the United States.
Michelle Schuler is the driving force behind Microsoft TechSpark Wisconsin, a program dedicated to fostering inclusive economic opportunities in the state. Under her leadership, TechSpark Wisconsin has focused its efforts in regions like Appleton and Green Bay, securing significant investments and creating impactful programs. Notably, the program aided in the establishment of Wisconsin’s first major tech datacenter and statewide community investments in AI Skilling and AI Transformation. Through these initiatives, TechSpark Wisconsin has upskilled 7,000 adults, created 300 jobs, and impacted 80,000 students.
Michelle also leads Microsoft TechSpark’s national Fellows Program. This initiative aims to expand local opportunities across all 50 US states by partnering with local organizations to implement programs that drive digital inclusion and economic growth. The Fellows Program equips community leaders with strategic insights and practical tools to develop personalized AI growth plans and foster a culture of continuous learning within their communities. Michelle’s efforts have been instrumental in catalyzing over $167 million in funding and upskilling more than 9,000 job seekers.
In addition to her work with Microsoft, Michelle is the Founder of Women in Technology Wisconsin Inc., the state’s largest member organization of female leaders in the industry. This organization is dedicated to attracting, growing, and retaining women in technology careers. Through her leadership, Women in Technology Wisconsin has implemented mentoring platforms and professional development programs that significantly enhance the support for women in technology. These efforts are led by 1 Executive Director and over 40 statewide volunteer board members impacting over 1050 students and 6000 technology professionals.
Michelle’s dedication to driving societal impact across Wisconsin is further demonstrated through her service on multiple boards. She serves on the Wisconsin Governor’s Taskforce for Rural Broadband, where she contributes to efforts to expand broadband access in rural areas. On the Executive Committee of New North, she helps drive economic development in the region. Michelle is also a board member of the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley and Riverview Gardens, where she supports initiatives that enhance community well-being. Additionally, she is the founder and Emeritus Advisor of Women in Technology Wisconsin Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering women in the technology sector.
Together, these efforts showcase Michelle Schuler’s unwavering dedication

 

Joe Hamman, Executive Director, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Connected Systems Institute

Dr. Joe Hamann, Executive Director of Connected Systems Institute at UWM, has a career spanning 18 years in engineering, R&D, and leadership.  Joe has focused his career in engineering on continuously improving people and teams through mentorship and experiential learning.  Joe earned his formal engineering degrees (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  He started his professional career in 2006 as an R&D engineer with Xtalic Corporation in Marlborough, MA.  In 2010, Joe transitioned into an R&D engineering role with Rexnord Corporation (now Regal Rexnord Corporation), where he found passion for early career engineering talent development.  Joe progressed through various roles in engineering and R&D leadership with Regal Rexnord, leaving the company at a level of Sr. Director of Engineering with responsibility for a global team of 60+ engineering associates.  Throughout his time with Regal Rexnord, Joe built and led structured programs in early career engineering talent development, including University partnership development.  Joe lives in Shorewood, WI with his wife and three sons.

 

2pm – 2:30pm – Registration

2:30pm – 3:30pm – Programming

3:30pm – 4pm – Q&A and Wrap-up

4pm – 6pm – Happy Hour Networking Reception at Hinterland Brewery (located in the same parking lot as TitletownTech)