Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events - May 1, 2025
11 a.m.: Registration/Networking
11:45 a.m.: Lunch
12:45 p.m.: Welcome
- Welcome Message: Dr. John Walz, president, MSOE
- Event Emcee: Samantha Bakke, P.E., market area leader - MEP, GRAEF
1 p.m.: Keynote: Nahid Afsari, P.E. | Resilience: Knitting Your Fabric to Overcome Barriers
Nahid Afsari, P.E., president of Afsari CM Services LLC, will share her story of transforming an entry-level position into her dream of founding her own small business, effectively turning blueprints into reality. She leads teams, builds trusted client relationships, sets strategic plans, serves as a mentor and coach, and is known for her creative approach to solving the most challenging problems. However, Nahid’s path has not been easy or linear; there have been successes, failures, and seemingly unsurmountable barriers along the way. Nahid’s personal stories are laced with humor, wit, perseverance and vulnerability.
Whether it's knitting together a team or immersing in the icy waters to emerge stronger, this talk promises insights, inspiration and the kind of laughter that builds bridges, not just in civil engineering but in life.
1:40 p.m.: Break/Networking
2 p.m.: Empowerment Panel Discussion | Empowering Your Growth by Persisting and Connecting
Our esteemed panelists will share their personal experiences and expertise on how telling your story, having patience and building connections can grow your resilience and lead to success.
- Moderator: Dr. Olga Imas, director of applied AI education, MSOE
- Danielle Bly, vice president supplier diversity, WEC Energy Group
- Anna Stern, vice president, Tri-North
- Prasanta Verma Anumolu, MPH MBA, healthy communities coordinator, University of Wisconsin-Extension
3 p.m.: Break/Networking
3:20 p.m.: Fireside Chat | Milwaukee Public Museum: Resilience in Action
Every project has its share of challenges; the Future Museum is no exception. This project team will share strategies it employed to proactively and successfully manage budget constraints, the natural tensions between disciplines, and other typical (and some unique) challenges. These strategies build individual and team resilience and strong interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Angela Brzowski, partner, MC Group LLC
- Jennifer Buck, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, project leader, Kahler Slater
- Danny O'Brien, project executive, Mortenson
- Katie Sanders, chief planning officer, Milwaukee Public Museum
4:20 p.m.: Closing Remarks
4:30 p.m.: Happy Hour/Networking