Emcee

Samantha Bakke, P.E.
Market Area Leader – Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, GRAEF
As the MEP Market Area Leader, Samantha Bakke is dedicated to forming valuable partnerships and creating long-term value for GRAEF’s clients and markets. Her passion for the industry drives her to find innovative ways to help clients achieve their goals. Samantha is a registered P.E. in Florida, Illinois and Wisconsin. She holds a Master of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from MSOE, where she is also a member of the faculty.

Keynote

Nahid Afsari, P.E.
President, Afsari CM Services LLC
With nearly 25 years of experience in the engineering and project management spaces, Nahid Afsari, P.E. brings both expertise and dedication to each of her client projects. Her educational background includes training in civil, environmental and structural engineering. Throw in her background as a former college athlete, high school math teacher, and current all-things-soccer aficionado and you'll find a blend of passion, perseverance and know-how. Nahid is committed to the engineering planning, design, and construction industry. Following her father's footsteps as a civil and structural engineer, she provides program and project management and owner's representative services on various transportation and building projects. Outside of work, you will likely find Nahid knitting, watching soccer or taking part in the many benefits of cold-water immersion in the chilly waters of Lake Michigan at sunrise.

Empowerment Panel

Danielle Bly
Vice President Supplier Diversity, WEC Energy Group
Danielle Bly fosters corporate relationships with suppliers and contractors, area businesses and local government. She drives supplier diversity for WEC Energy Group across 6 distinct utilities. She has built strategic alliances with business advocacy groups including the MMAC, Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council, and Women’s Business Development Center. She has also formed trusted relationships with woman, minority, and veteran-owned/operated businesses. Her commitment to the community has been clear as her team exceeded strategic targets with a $333M supplier diversity spend in 2023, and $332M in 2024 surpassing company goals. In recognition of her leadership throughout WEC Energy Group and the community, she has been named to the Board of Directors for Wisconsin Public Service Foundation and We Energies Foundation, supporting community development, health and human services, arts and culture, and education. She is a current Board Member with the Greater Milwaukee Urban League, Black Arts MKE, and Pius XI Catholic High School. Danielle is also a current member and previous at-large Board Member for Professional Dimensions and has served as Board President of Danceworks, Inc. She is a proud member of TEMPO Milwaukee, the Milwaukee (WI) Chapter of the Links, Inc. and Jack & Jill of America, Inc. In recognition of her accomplishments, Danielle was named one of Wisconsin’s 48 Most Influential Black Leaders in 2021, a Milwaukee Business Journal Woman of Influence, Community Supporter Recipient, and has earned the Trailblazer in Women’s Leadership Award, The PowHer Network Bridge Build-Her Award and TEMPO Milwaukee’s Mentor Award for 2025. Danielle is a graduate of UW-Whitewater with a BBA in Human Resources Management. She is married to Ramel Bly and is the mother to two wonderful children, Rasean and Laylah.

Dr. Olga Imas - Panel Moderator
Director, Applied AI Education and Biomedical Engineering Professor, MSOE
Dr. Olga Imas is the inaugural director of applied AI education at MSOE. In this leadership role, she is responsible for guiding the integration of applied artificial intelligence (AI) across academic functions at the university, as well as leading the campus-wide AI Steering Committee. Olga has been a faculty member in the Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering Department at MSOE since 2008. Her expertise includes biomedical digital signal processing, medical imaging, and advanced imaging applications for neurology, cardiology, and oncology. Olga previously worked as a product manager for GE Healthcare and is the founder and CEO of iBioTekk LLC, where she consults on algorithm and product development for neurodiagnostic EEG and other advanced imaging applications. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and Functional Imaging from Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin, and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from MSOE.

Anna Stern
Vice President, Tri-North
As Tri-North’s Vice President, Anna Stern is responsible for all legal matters, in addition to oversight and management of daily operations of the entire company, with a focus on insurance and bonding matters. She is also heavily involved in shaping Tri-North’s company culture to welcoming and friendly, as exemplified by multiple employer awards such as making Inc. Magazine’s 2024 Best Workplaces List. She additionally leads efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the workforce. On select Tri-North projects, she even serves as Project Executive, using her management experience to ensure the clients’ construction goals are met. As part of Anna’s professional accomplishments, she was the first female president for AGC of Wisconsin in 2022 and most recently as part of this organization received its inaugural She Builds Wisconsin Award. Anna is also one of several extraordinary women representing Brava Magazine’s 2024 Women to Watch.

Prasanta Verma Anumolu, MPH MBA
Healthy Communities Coordinator, University of Wisconsin-Extension
Prasanta Verma Anumolu, MPH, MBA, is an author, speaker, and public health professional dedicated to fostering connection and belonging. As a Healthy Communities Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Extension, she works to expand food access and promote health equity in Milwaukee County. Her book, Beyond Ethnic Loneliness: The Pain of Marginalization and the Path to Belonging, explores the intersection of identity, social isolation, and inclusion, earning praise from Publishers Weekly and five-star reviews. With over a decade of experience spanning nonprofit, private, and public health sectors, Prasanta specializes in strategic partnerships, policy development, and community-building initiatives. She is passionate about addressing the loneliness epidemic, advocating for inclusive food systems, and supporting mission-driven organizations. A skilled connector and storyteller, she inspires communities to embrace diversity and strengthen social bonds.

Fireside Chat

Angela Brzowski
Partner, MC Group LLC
Angela Brzowski received her Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is an innovative leader with over 25 years of experience in the design and construction industry. Prior to joining MC Group LLC, she served as a construction executive for Mortenson Construction and held an operational leadership role with Flad Architects. She has been recognized by Madison’s InBusiness Magazine as a “40 under 40” and has served on the boards and committees for several groups including UW-Madison Civil & Engineering Department, WI Technology Council, IFMA, and St. Therese of Lisieux Parish. She enjoys guest lecturing and sharing her insights with future industry leaders at both UW-Madison and MSOE. As Partner at MC Group LLC, Angela serves as client advocate on projects employing her expertise in project development, Owner’s Representation, relationship management, preconstruction and construction phase services. Her focus is on achieving customer project objectives while facilitating large project teams with her outcome-based approach.

Jennifer Buck, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Project Leader, Kahler Slater
Known for her ability to responsibly drive projects while integrating creative solutions into the design, Jennifer Buck is an Associate Principal and well-respected Project Manager at Kahler Slater. Jennifer has worked on large, complicated projects requiring resilience and flexibility. Her thorough, effective, and consistent communication is appreciated by clients and ensures success through all phases of a project. Jennifer believes a project is about transparency in communication through all the ups and downs of design, fundraising, and construction. She is relentless about detailed coordination with engineers and consultants beginning day one of a project. Jennifer is practical-minded while being energetic and design-oriented, enabling projects to work through any budget or design challenge. Outside of project work, Jennifer is a mentor to younger women in the profession helping them find their pathway in the field. She is currently serving as Project Manager for Milwaukee Public Museum’s Future Museum project.

Danny O'Brien
Project Executive, Mortenson

Danny O'Brien is a Project Executive at Mortenson’s Milwaukee office and is leading the Future Museum project in downtown Milwaukee. With over a decade of experience, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to develop high-performing, collaborative, and efficient teams, ensuring that customers receive a superior experience. His educational background includes a B.S. in Civil Engineering from UW - Madison. His journey in the construction industry began with Mortenson, where he played an integral role in the construction of wind projects across the country. However, his passion for the Midwest eventually brought him back to the region. Throughout his career, Danny has successfully managed regional projects for clients such as the University of Chicago, Chicago Bears, Froedtert Health, and Advocate Aurora Health Care. His commitment to excellence and exceptional leadership skills have earned him recognition and trust from both clients and colleagues. He spearheaded the successful completion of two significant projects: the Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall at MSOE and Advocate Aurora Mount Pleasant.

Katie Sanders
Chief Planning Officer, Milwaukee Public Museum
Katie Sanders received her bachelor’s and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed Harvard Business School’s “Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management” program. As CPO at the Milwaukee Public Museum, Sanders’ focus is on the reimagination of the museum, including coordinating exhibit and visitor experience planning, space planning, planning and execution of lobbying efforts, public relations, building and construction planning, and more. Prior to joining MPM, she served as executive director of nonprofit Safe & Sound and held development roles with Marquette University and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. She has been recognized by the Milwaukee Business Journal as a “40 under 40” and “Woman of Influence” and is a recipient of the Donald Driver Foundation’s “Driven to Achieve” Award, as well as Milwaukee Magazine’s “Bridge Builder” Betty Award.