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 2023-24 CAAN cohort

Sofia Ascorbe
Kyle Ashley
Joseph Bukowski
Kaitlyn Carter
Brandon Currie
Bezawit "Bez" Dencke
Vanessa Harris
Benjamin Ivey
Jennifer I. Johnson
Deonte Lewis
Claire McDonough
Aleina McGettrick
Mai Der Shaw
Valerie P. Vidal
Francesca Mayca Wegner

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