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
President, Afsari CM Services LLC
With nearly 25 years of experience in the engineering and project management spaces, Nahid Afsari 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
As an Award-Winning Board Leader and Vice President, Supplier Diversity, Danielle Bly delivers strategic leadership for Fortune 500 leader WEC Energy Group and numerous non-profit boards. Danielle is a Subject Matter Expert in supplier and workforce diversity with WEC Energy winning Milwaukee Business Journal’s Diversity in Business Award during her leadership as the Executive Sponsor of the African American Business Resource Group. Danielle delivered WEC Energy’s first Supplier Diversity Economic Impact Report highlighting her team’s wins and commitment to the community. In addition to her leadership with WEC Energy, Danielle is a pivotal leader in the Milwaukee area, earning awards including Wisconsin’s 48 Most Influential Black Leaders. In her current role as Vice President, Supplier Diversity Initiatives, Danielle leads supplier diversity for the $9.6B WEC Energy Group across 6 distinct utilities. She has built strategic alliances with 15+ business advocacy groups including Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council and African American Chamber of Commerce. Danielle was named one of Wisconsin’s 48 Most Influential Black Leaders in 2021; named a Milwaukee Business Journal Woman of Influence; earned the Trailblazer in Women’s Leadership Award; and received The PowHer Network Bridge Build-Her Award.

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

To Be Announced