VIA CDC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice President, Community Accountability Officer, Associated Bank
Job Titles:
- Development and Data Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Technology Strategist and Entrepreneur, Silver City Neighbor
Job Titles:
- Community Outreach Director
- New Community Outreach Director
Brisa E. Van Galen joins VIA CDC as our new Community Outreach Director. Prior to joining VIA, Brisa worked at Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative (CSNI) as the organization's Economic Development Manager. A California native and alumnus of Fresno Pacific University, Brisa is a first-generation college student. In 2018, she moved to Milwaukee to earn an MBA at Marquette University while completing the Trinity Fellowship Program-a 21-month graduate fellowship designed for individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to excellence, leadership, care about the well-being of others, and are passionate about issues of social and economic justice. Though not a Milwaukee native, Brisa is committed to the City of Milwaukee, and feels a special appreciation for the southside's rich history. In her new role with VIA, she is excited to continue to engage residents, and ensure that the near southside is a thriving place for those who call it home.
Cassandra Morales first joined VIA CDC (then LBWN) in the summer of 2020 as a Community Resource Navigator. She has a Bachelors of Art in Spanish for the Professions from Alverno College. Cassandra is joining us again now, as the Housing Outreach Manager. She is passionate about helping the community that she grew up in. As well as cultivating an environment of equity for all. She can't wait to see the growth within the neighborhood.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Communications Manager
Christian joined VIA in September 2019. She graduated from Marquette University with a BA in Advertising and Spanish for the Business Professions. While at Marquette she was able to study abroad in Madrid, Spain, there she interned with Citylife Madrid within the Marketing Communications Department. After graduating she worked for 3 years at Notre Dame School of Milwaukee, one of our neighborhood schools. There through her Marketing/Events role she fell in love with the families and the community. What she loves the most about her career is that it grants her the opportunity to communicate and connect with people from all walks of life.
Job Titles:
- Community Outreach Specialist
Isabel Castro (Isa) graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee obtaining her B.S. in Architectural Studies and certification in Community Art with summa cum laude. She is a proud 53204 Milwaukee resident! She values collaboration in efforts towards strengthening and holding space for healing, creativity and community empowerment. She celebrates her bilingualism and uses it as her super power to best serve the near southside neighborhoods.
Not only does she work at VIA, but she is also a Milwaukee-based muralist. When she is not in the office, she is busy planning large scale murals alongside community partners. When she is not creatively designing, she loves to spend time with her labradoodle Güero and go fishing with her husband.
JoAnna is a community organizer and communication professional who has spent her career working with advocacy and non-profit organizations across Milwaukee. She grew up in the neighborhoods that VIA Community Development Corporation serves on Milwaukee's near south side and has deep roots in her community.
As Executive Director of VIA CDC, JoAnna is committed to working collectively and collaboratively to create a Milwaukee with healthy and equitable neighborhoods that empower all of our people to rise and thrive together.
JoAnna believes we all deserve to live in a place that nourishes us with a healthy and sustainable environment, equitable economic opportunity, and grassroots community leaders.
JoAnna received her Bachelor's degree in Communication from Alverno College. Like VIA CDC, Alverno College is a sponsored ministry of the School Sisters of St. Francis.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Budget Director, Milwaukee County
Job Titles:
- Real Estate Development Director
- the Real Estate Compliance Manager
Johnny D'Agostino joined the VIA team in April 2021 as the Real Estate Compliance Manager. He has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from St. Louis University. He was a project manager for his families construction business in Kansas City for two years before pursuing a masters degree in Public Policy Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis . He worked in homeless services for 9 years supporting individuals and families to achieve housing and personal goals. He is excited to use his knowledge of construction and grant compliance to strengthen communities through safe and affordable housing.
Kevin received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin Madison in Sociology and Social Welfare. As a middle school student, he was encouraged to be civically engaged and participate in various community action projects. That is where his passion for community organizing and community development first began and it is what led him to pursue a degree in Sociology and Social Welfare. There is a chant that says "El Pueblo Unido, Jamás Será Vencido" ("The People United Will Never Be Defeated"). He likes this quote because it highlights the power we hold as a collective.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Human Resources Director, Hatco Corporation
Lisa joined the team after serving as VIA's graduate fellow through the Trinity Fellowship graduate program at Marquette University, where she studied Public Service with a focus on Nonprofit Administration. Prior to moving to Milwaukee for graduate school, Lisa spent seven years in youth and family development at community based organizations in Madison, Wisconsin.
Lisa is excited to support VIA's mission of strengthening communities by empowering neighbors and looks forward to continuing to learn more about the Silver City, Layton Park and Burnham Park neighbors and community.
Lisa joined VIA in May 2003. She has over twenty-five years of experience in the field of accounting in the not for profit area. Lisa has an Associate Degree in Accounting and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting Degree in May 2008.
She enjoys the challenge of managing a diverse funding portfolio and a variety of grants, from both the government and private sector.
Job Titles:
- Real Estate Outreach and Planning Coordinator
Luis joined the VIA team in July 2023. He has a Bachelor degree in Architecture with a Global Business Concentration from the Universidad del Valle de Mexico - Querétaro and a Masters degree in Urban Planning with a Real Estate Development Concentration from UW-Milwaukee. He is passionate about promoting social equity by helping Milwaukee residents have a voice and vote on the needs and issues that affect them most. Luis is convinced that the community outreach and engagement is the central component to build strong and healthy and integrated communities.
As the Real Estate Outreach and Planning Coordinator, Luis is committed to develop plans and programs that impact neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee by providing affordable homeownership opportunities to income qualifying families.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chairman / Executive Director, the Business Council, Inc
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- VP Community Lending Relationship Manager, Johnson Bank
Job Titles:
- Principal, Sponcia Consulting
VIA is always looking for dedicated, thoughtful people who care about equitable, just and flourishing neighborhoods. In particular, we would love to talk with you if you live in Milwaukee's Silver City, Burnham Park and Layton Park neighborhoods. To learn more about VIA's Board of Directors please fill out this interest form or contact JoAnna Bautch.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Attorney, Legal Aid Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Coordinator of Associate Relations, School Sisters of St. Francis
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Secretary / Treasurer / Branch Manager / Market President, US Bank