About Lisa Attonito Lisa Attonito was named the Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee in November of 2016. Committed to activating philanthropy to advance equity for women in our community, the focus is on economic empowerment, leadership skills, and education. The Women’s Fund is working to change attitudes, behaviors, and culture so Greater Milwaukee is an inclusive world-class community where women and girls realize their full potential, and everyone thrives.
Attonito has extensive experience in organizational management, board governance, staff development, budget creation and oversight, along with brand development and engagement. Her career includes senior positions with several well-known, best in class nonprofit organizations. She has always had a growth mindset and believes strongly in building brand experiences that reflect the culture and mission of the entity while supporting the strategic goals. Her track record of sales includes consistent success and a dynamic network that is fueled by sound project management and good communication.
What is your vision for the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee? What is one of your proudest accomplishments? “I am hoping to, um, establish or re-introduce the women's fund as a thought leader and community creator. As executives, we're terming off the board. We were able to add new directors to the group that are enthusiastic, that are excited, that have new networks and new ideas.”
What are you working on now? “We are in the midst of planning our annual educational event. We use a title of women's Fund presents and then each year there's a different theme. And so, this year the theme is the future and we're focusing on the year 2030.”
Can you share with me your most successful or favorite networking story/experience that you’ve had? How was the connection made? What was the outcome of the connection? “I met a friend, Lela Owner, Carrie Airway for an annual sort of social gathering in December for years in a row and taking advantage of social media Carrie posted among her friends…”
How do you stay in front of or best nurture your network community? “One of the things I'm really committed to is keeping my LinkedIn profile current and not only current about my work experiences, but even my contact information.”
What advice would you offer to the business professional who is looking to grow their network? “Be curious. Cause if you are curious, you don't have to work at being social. It just comes so naturally. And I think the more curious people are, the easier it is for them to talk to people that they don't know.”
Digital networking or traditional networking- which do you find more value in? Please explain. “I really think the best answer is a blend…whether you meet someone in person or online, eventually you have to do the other, right?
If you could go back to your 20-year-old self, what would you tell yourself to do more of/less of/differently with regards to your professional career? “I think being vulnerable throughout life is really important, not only in interpersonal relationships and family relationships, but then I just think in general in building business relationships…”
We’ve all heard of the 6 degrees of separation… Now, who would be the one person you’d love to connect with and do you think you could do it within the 6th degree? How would you start that journey? “I really love to meet everybody. I can be walking down the street and someone's walking towards me and there's something about them. Either I like the shoes they're wearing…”
What book are you reading right now? “Terry Gross does a fantastic job interviewing so many people that I often am listening to her interviews. Sometimes they're historic, you know, and archived and some are in the moment.”
Any final word of advice to offer our listeners with regards to growing and supporting your network? “Be sure to keep relationships that are strong, that are dependable, that you feel comfortable with…”
You can get in contact with Lisa at:
Email: lisa.attonito@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Click Here
Details on “The Future, 2030” can be found here.
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