Contact Us

To submit donations or any hard copy documents to WILS, please contact us at:

Wisconsin Leadership Seminars, Inc.
P.O. Box 237
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0237
Fax/Phone: (888) 284-2033

Questions?
For questions about seminar or nominating a student, email [email protected].
For financial questions or to request a copy of our tax return, email [email protected].
For other questions about WILS or problems with the website, send a message [email protected].

For questions about the WILS Alumni Association, contact [email protected].

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Board of Directors

President: Sarah Perkins

Sarah Perkins is the President of the Board of Directors and is the Assistant Registrar for Student Services at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Eastern New Mexico University and worked in the healthcare industry for 8 years before earning her Master of Education in College Student Personnel Administration from Marquette University. Sarah is an alumna of the WILS program and has been a volunteer with the organization for over 25 years. She has served as a member of the junior and adult seminar staffs, the Director of Programs for the seminar, Alumni Association Advisor and Secretary of the Board of Directors. Meeting amazing young leaders through WILS year after year keeps her inspired and motivates her to keep her energy levels up to keep up with their drive and enthusiasm! Aside from volunteering with WILSers, she enjoys traveling, gardening, eating Thai food, a rousing trivia night, and creating shenanigans for her friends and family to partake in.

Vice President: Mags Erdman

Mags Erdman is the Vice President of the Board of Directors. She works at NOCD Inc as a Member Advocate and lives in Cay, IL. After attending WILS in 2013, Mags studied at Carroll University, majoring in mechanical engineering. She has been very active with the planning committee and served as the Alumni Association Board President. She stays very active in WILS because of the great friendships, the energy, and seeing a new group of leaders come in and create change year after year!

Treasurer: Janine Lisser

Janine Lisser is the Treasurer of the Board of Directors and is an Administrative Assistant to the Dean and School of Arts and Sciences at Mount Mary University. Janine has been a volunteer with WILS for 12 years. Working with youth has been a lifetime passion for her and she has found her greatest fulfillment as the mother of her two children. Janine’s motivation to volunteer for WILS is inspired by the leadership development provided to student leaders and the outstanding experiences that they share. Janine sees the impact that WILS makes each year as both everlasting within our communities and vivid in the relationships formed while supporting WILS.

Secretary: Cassie Kriefall

Cassie Kriefall is the Secretary of the Board of Directors and is an Innovation Specialist in the School District of Janesville in Janesville, Wisconsin. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from UW-Oshkosh. She continued her education at UW-Whitewater, earning a Master of Education in Reading and a Reading Specialist license. Cassie has been a volunteer with the WILS organization for nearly 20 years. She has served as a member of the adult seminar staff, Director of Transportation, Director of Facilitators, and currently serves as the Director of Registration for seminar. Cassie returns to WILS year after year because of WILS’ ability to foster student leaders who think, listen to others’ views, and make informed decisions. The youth of Wisconsin has a positive energy that revitalizes your soul!

Alumni Co-advisor: Rachel Hietpas

Rachel Hietpas is a Co-Advisor of the WILS Alumni Association on the Board of Directors. Rachel lives in Chicago, IL and works at Kimberly-Clark as a customer inventory analyst in the supply chain department. She is from Kaukauna, WI and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, double majoring in political science and economics. In her free time, Rachel enjoys traveling, hiking, and being crafty! Rachel attended seminar in 2015 and has served as a Co-Member at Large on the Alumni Association and Board of Directors as well as on the Recruitment and Planning committees. She is passionate about empowering Wisconsin youth and loves to see the internal growth made by the student leaders at seminar every year.

Alumni co-advisor : Joseph Sedivy

Joseph Sedivy is a Co-Advisor of the WILS Alumni Association on the Board of Directors and is a 2014 WILS alumni. Joseph graduated from UW-Stout with a bachelor’s in Applied Math and Computer Science and currently lives in Stevens Point, working as a software developer for Sentry Insurance. Joseph is an avid gym-goer, coffee-snob, and dad joke enthusiast. In his free time, he enjoys finding new recipes to try, learning guitar, attending Judo classes, reading, and playing video games with friends. Joseph appreciates having an opportunity to make positive impacts on the youth in Wisconsin and the connections he’s made over the years. He is serving his third term on the board.

Alumni co-advisor : Taylor Bould

Taylor Bould is a Co-Alumni Advisor of the WILS Alumni Association for the Board of Directors and a Talent Management Consultant at Accenture. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the Wisconsin School of Business at The University of Wisconsin-Madison. In her free time you can find Taylor outdoors by the water, hanging with friends, or attempting a DIY project. Taylor attended WILS in 2014 and has been volunteering with the organization every year since. She has served as the Director of Public Relations, President of the Alumni Association, and has helped with Recruitment and Seminar Planning. She continues to volunteer with WILS to help give young leaders the tools to feel confident and the support system that will help them achieve!

Member at Large : Ian Bould

Ian Bould is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors. They attended WILS in 2016 representing Grafton High School. They then moved to Madison where they earned a degree in Management Human Resources with a minor in LGBTQ+ studies. Currently they are pursuing a Masters in Counseling Education with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the goal of becoming a licensed therapist. Since 2016, Ian has served on the Alumni Association Board in various roles for 4 years including President. They are now entering their second year on the Board of Directors. Ian hopes to continue to inspire student leaders to develop their leadership skills, specifically around diversity and inclusion while gaining a mental health lens.

Member at Large : Ethan Brossard

Ethan Brossard is a Member at Large on the Board of Directors and is an Infantry Sergeant within the United States Army. He deployed to the Middle East throughout the Kurdistan region, including that of Iraq and Syria, and has been serving for just over 6 years. He is also continuing to work towards his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering through the University of Maryland. Ethan is an alumnus of the WILS program and has been a volunteer with the organization for over 7 years. He has been a part of both the Junior and Adult Staffs, and the planning committee for seminar. His motivation for continuing to volunteer for the organization stems from his dedication to developing and challenging young talented minds. Apart from his career and WILS, Ethan enjoys playing guitar and rock climbing in his free time.

Member at Large : Bella Buscemi

Bella Buscemi is a Member at Large and a WILS 2016 alumna who immediately fell head over heels in love with this organization. She attended the University of Minnesota where she earned a degree in Mathematics and a minor in Statistics, with an Actuarial Science specialization. During her years at UMN, she was a member and then the music director of her a cappella group, The Enchantments. She now works as an Actuary. Bella served on the Alumni Association Board for 2 years and is thrilled to be joining the Board of Directors this year. She hopes to continue to inspire the next generation of leaders in Wisconsin. In her spare time she likes to bake, read contemporary romance novels, call her loved ones, and take long walks in the park near her apartment in Brooklyn, NY.

Member at Large: Hannah Grassnickel

Hannah Grassnickel is an Member at Large and Director of Facilitators. She works for Ripon College as an Assistant Director of Admission. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government from Ripon College and her Master’s of Science in Higher Education Administration from Cardinal Stritch University. She attended WILS in 2008. WILS has given so much that she wants to help give back to the organization who shaped her life.

Member at Large : Julia Graybill

Julia Graybill is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors. She attended seminar in 2014 representing Menomonee Falls High School. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in May 2019 with a major in Actuarial Science and minor in General Business. She currently lives in Wauwatosa, WI and works at Hammes Company in their Accounting Department. When she isn’t taking a nap, Julia is usually obsessing over the Milwaukee Bucks, perfecting her stand up routine, painting, spending time with her dog Lilo, watching The Office on repeat, or listening to a true crime podcast. This is Julia’s 5th year on the Board of Directors and she has held many different positions in the past few seminars including being a Facilitator, working on the Operations Team and Social Media Committee, and helping lead a volunteer tour and early arrival activities. Julia loves to volunteer with WILS each year and watch young leaders reach their leadership potential!

Member at Large : Derek Johnson

Derek Johnson is a Member at Large on the Board of Directors. He first attended WILS in 2009 and has been actively involved ever since. Derek is originally from Elkhart Lake, WI and graduated from UW Madison in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in economics. While at UW Madison, Derek was an active member of the Badger Marching Band and was able to go to “as many sporting events as humanly possible, and then some more”. He is an avid fan of all major Wisconsin teams except for Marquette (sorry Jim). Derek currently works at WCG in Madison, WI as the Coverage Analysis Quality Manager.

Member at Large : christina kender

Christina Kender is a Member at Large and Kiwanis Club Lead. She works as a Process Owner for Milwaukee Tool, project managing the New Product Development Process. Christina has been an active volunteer with WILS for 21+ years and has volunteered as junior, adult, or office staff at over 19 WILS seminars. She has been on the Board of Directors with a minor break since 2003 and has previously served as Seminar Chair, President of the Board of Directors and Alumni Board as well as having served in various roles on the Seminar Planning and Recruitment Committees. Christina holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Educational Studies from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. WILS has played a very important role in Christina’s life since she attended the seminar in 2002. Not only allowing her to meet her husband, but also cultivating amazing friendships that have withstood time and distance. WILS provides Christina with inspiration and examples of exceptional leadership that continues to push her to be her best self every day.

Member at Large : Megan Kluge

Megan Kluge is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors. She is attending Chippewa Valley Technical College for her Associates Degree in Digital Marketing and certificates in Grant Writing, Leadership Development, Supervisory Management, and others. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with her dogs. She attended WILS in 2018 representing Mondovi High School and has remained involved as part of the Media team at Seminars.

Member at Large : olivia Kreyer

Olivia Kreyer is a Member at Large and one of the two fabulous Seminar Co-Chairs for the Board of Directors and a 2013 WILS alumna. When she isn’t helping the youth through WILS, she helps adults earn their GEDs at Taycheedah Correctional Institute as a teacher. During her free time she goes on hikes, plays numerous hours of the critically acclaimed game “The Sims, reads (she’s read 50 books this year so far) and hangs out with all the cool friends she met through WILS!

Member at Large : Karen Larsen

Karen Larsen is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors. She is also serving as the Co-Social Media/PR Chair. She currently lives in Kalamazoo, MI, and recently graduated from Western Michigan University with a BBA in Advertising & Promotions and a BA in Sociology. She currently works at Mars United Commerce, a global advertising agency dedicated to driving growth through shoppers for brands and retailers. In her free time, she enjoys reading, yoga, getting her nails done, and deep diving into Wikipedia pages. Since 2017, Karen has served on the social media team, recruitment team, media team, and the Media Coordinator for the Alumni Association Board (2020). Karen credits WILS with breaking her out of her shell, and wants to use her experience working in advertising to give back to this organization. She believes our future’s success lies with young leaders, and we must give them the tools and platform to succeed.

Member at Large : Chris Lisser

Chris Lisser is a Member at Large and is Associate VP of MSP Engineering at DAS Health. Chris has been an active volunteer with WILS for 30+ years and has volunteered as junior or adult staff at over 20 WILS seminars. He has been a Director since 2002 and has previously served as Seminar Chair, Vice President and Alumni Advisor as well as having served in various roles on the Seminar Planning Committee. WILS has had a tremendous impact on Chris’ life since he attended the seminar as a student leader in 1992. WILS has become like a family to him. He volunteers to ensure young leaders are exposed to new ideas and to interact, learn and bond with fellow seminar attendees from different backgrounds across our state.

Member at Large : Jim Love

Jim Love is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors and has served as the Opening/Closing speaker at WILS since 2021. Jim attended Illinois Leadership Seminars (ILS) in 2007, and was promptly invited to WILS in 2008. He has never looked back and is proud to be a 17+ year member of the organization. Jim holds Bachelors Degrees in Corporate Communications and Marketing from Marquette University. Jim is currently a Global Solutions Director with TAPFIN where he works with Fortune 500 organizations to optimize their labor strategies. He is also the Founder & CEO of his leadership development company, Authentically You, which takes him across the country speaking to thousands of students about leadership every year. Jim resides in Milwaukee, WI and enjoys attending Marquette basketball games, playing volleyball, volunteering and exercising with his wife, Erin and golden retriever, Rudy. Jim continues to be involved with WILS because the energy from the student leaders and staff alike is life-giving; this organization is what made Jim who he is today and he is forever grateful.

Member at Large : Aleezah Manzoor

Aleezah Manzoor is a Member at Large and attended WILS in 2018! She currently works as a Case Manager for Feist Law & Advocacy, an immigration law firm in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2024 majoring in political science and international studies, and graduating as a Donia Human Rights Fellow. She previously served as a Co-Member at Large and First Year Liaison on the Alumni Association Board of WILS, and has been volunteering with the organization since attending herself. She likes to read, watch movies, bake, and cook! She also loves to see student leaders grow confidence and find their voice during seminar – it is such a rewarding experience!

Member at Large : Zainab Manzoor

Zainab Manzoor is a Member at Large and one of two fabulous Seminar Co-Chairs for the Board of Directors. She works with the Marion County Public Health Department in Indianapolis with the Epidemiology team for the “Overdose Data 2 Action” grant, focusing on opioids and prescription drug overdose as a remote contractor. Zainab is a second-year Masters of Public Health student at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, graduating in spring 2025, with a concentration in Global Health Epidemiology and Injury Sciences. When not working, Zainab spends her free time drawing, playing Dungeons and Dragons, playing video games, hanging out with friends, and taking lots of naps with her giant ragdoll cat, Jasper. Zainab attended WILS in 2015 and has been volunteering since! She has served previously as the Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Alumni Association and volunteered at various events, Recruitment, Seminar planning, as the Director of Transportation, and Assistant Seminar Co-Chair. She loves watching student leaders grow as leaders, taking back what they learn to their communities, and feeling confident in themselves!

Member at Large : Abby Modesette

Abby Modesette is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors. She attended WILS in 2017 representing New Richmond High School. Currently, Abby attends Iowa State University, and is majoring in industrial engineering with a minor in women and gender studies. In her free time she enjoys reading a good book, whether that be a physical or audio book, taking walks around campus, and spending time with her cat Cheddar. She looks forward to what this new role on the Board of Directors will bring for her and her involvement with WILS. She continues to return to WILS every year in hopes she can help impact students lives just as WILS impacted hers when she attended seminar.

Member at Large : William Neupert

William Neupert is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors. He works at Epic Systems as a technical support engineer and lives in Madison, WI. After attending WILS in 2017, William studied at Valparaiso University, majoring in mechanical engineering. In his free time, William enjoys running, mountain biking, and spending time with his family. In addition to his Member at Large position, William also serves as the Director of Volunteer Services for seminar. William returns to WILS because of the inspiring feedback shared each year by student leaders.

Member at Large : Kyla Peterson

Kyla Peterson is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors and a 2014 WILS alumna. She currently resides in Brooklyn, NY where she works as a College Admissions Coach at Prepory and as an Apprentice at Yanatiba Brooklyn. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Community Engagement with a minor in Education and dual-focus in Community-Based Education and Childhood Mental Health from Temple University in 2020. In her free time, Kyla is a proud cat mom who enjoys thrifting and redecorating her apartment! Kyla stays involved in WILS to help young leaders recognize and grow into their leadership potential!

Member at Large : Nathan Plym

Nathan Plym is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors and is in his fourth term on the board. He serves as the WILS Fundraising Chair. Nathan graduated from UW – Stevens Point with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Communication and currently works as the Marketing Sales Manager for the Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys hanging out with friends, playing guitar, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, playing volleyball, reading, watching movies, and taking long naps. Nathan values the connections he has with others, and volunteering with WILS has provided him with another family and amazing friends. He’s excited to continue helping young leaders grow and discover more ways to better their community.

Member at Large : Brandon Poler

Brandon Poler is a Member At Large on the board of directors. Brandon works with colleges around Wisconsin to help review and re-write policy to assist in creating more equitable opportunities for all students. Outside of his professional life Brandon teaches voice lessons at his private voice studio. He has served on staff for the past 6 years as a Junior staffer, and Facilitator. Each year he is more and more excited to come back and work with another group of amazing students.

Member at Large : Nathan Schumacher

Nathan Schumacher is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors and the Women’s Clubs Lead for fundraising. He currently works for Erie Insurance Group as a District Sales Manager. He received an MBA with a focus in Managerial Leadership from Northern Illinois University. In his free time, you will find him in the kitchen or at the grill cooking up something new. He loves watching all UW sports, especially UW Volleyball. He started his leadership journey when he attended Illinois Leadership Seminar (ILS) in 2005 as a student leader; his first WILS event was seminar 2009 as Junior Staff. In WILS, he has been a Junior Staff member, Facilitator, and Office Staff. WILS is a fantastic organization that provides an opportunity for young adults to participate in a hands-on leadership experience.

Member at Large : Rachel Schumacher

Rachel Schumacher is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors and a WILS 2008 alumna. She works as a Director – Customer Success for Appcast, Inc., a global provider of recruitment advertising technology and recruitment marketing. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2014 with dual-Bachelor degrees in Consumer Science and Communications, with certificates in Entrepreneurship and Leadership. In her free time, Rachel likes to play volleyball, walk dogs at the humane society, and watch the Badgers with her husband (Nate). For WILS, she serves on the Board of Directors as Optimist Club Lead for fundraising. Rachel believes the student leaders that attend WILS are the next leaders of our governments, schools, healthcare systems, and corporate and non-profit worlds; it is important to prepare and provide them the tools and confidence to make the improvements and creations they believe will make our communities better places.

Member at Large : Dana aschaker tamms

Dana Aschaker Tamms is a Member at Large for the Board of Directors and a 2005 WILS alumna. Dana has been an active WILS volunteer for 15+ years and has volunteered as junior or adult staff at over 15 WILS Seminars. She works as an Account Supervisor at GMR Marketing, an experiential marketing agency. Dana holds a Bachelor of Arts and Communication Degree in Advertising and Marketing, with a minor in General Business from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. In her free time, Dana enjoys going to the gym, running, hiking, baking, and spending time with her husband and pup, Mika. Dana continues to be involved in WILS because of the relationships she has made throughout the years and the opportunity to help youth leaders grow their skillset and find their drive.

Member at Large : Ben Villnow

Ben Villnow is a Member at Large and a Co-Social Media/PR Chair on the Board of Directors and is a Senior Social Media Manager at The Social Lights. He earned his bachelors degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2023. Ben attended WILS in 2017 and has returned every year since as a staff member. He also served on our Alumni Association board as First-Year Liaison, Co-Member at Large, and PR Director. In his free time, Ben enjoys biking, hiking, camping, curating Spotify playlists, and spending time with his friends! WILS has made a massive impact in Ben’s life and he looks forward to utilizing his skills and experience in Social Media and PR to give back to the organization.

Member at Large : William Vraney

William Vraney is a current Member at Large for the Board of Directors, joining in 2023. Attending WILS in 2018 as a representative of D.C. Everest High School, he has remained involved in the organization ever since. Previously, he has served as the President and Co-Member at Large for the Alumni Association. William currently attends the University of Wisconsin – Madison and will graduate spring 2024 with a Bachelors of Arts in Economics, Legal Studies, and Political Science. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking in beautiful Wisconsin state parks, biking, and exploring new cities. William stays involved with this organization because of the impact it has in developing students’ own leadership skills.