Nine University of Wisconsin–Madison community members were recognized in Madison365’s annual list of “Wisconsin’s 40 Most Influential Black Leaders” for 2024.
Madison365, a nonprofit online news publication, has published annual power lists recognizing Wisconsin leaders from different racial and ethnic groups since 2015. The purpose of the lists is to “highlight the beauty of the diversity across our state,” according to Henry Sanders, Jr., the co-founder, publisher, and chief executive officer of Madison365.
Congratulations to the following UW–Madison affiliated leaders who received this well-deserved recognition. You can read the complete list on the Madison365 website.
Donna Brown-Martin is director of the Milwaukee County Transportation Department, overseeing Mitchell International Airport, Timmerman Airport, the entire Milwaukee County Transit System, and more. Prior to her current position, she served as the director of the Bureau of Planning and Economic Development at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for 25 years. Brown-Martin has had a fruitful career in transportation and was recognized as Woman of the Year in 2004 by the Wisconsin Women’s Transportation Seminar. She is a UW–Madison alumna, holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the institution.
Michelle Behnke is an attorney at the Boardman Clark law firm, and president-elect of the American Bar Association. Before joining Boardman Clark, she was the principal of Michelle Behnke & Associates and held many roles with the American Bar Association. Behnke was also the first Black president of the State Bar of Wisconsin in 2004-05. A graduate of UW–Madison, she holds an undergraduate degree in Economics and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Yolanda Shelton-Morris is a lecturer at the UW–Madison School of Social Work and owner of Divine Design & Organization, where she helps families and small businesses create, simplify, and sustain a productive and comfortable work or living space by providing professional, creative and hands-on organizing assistance. She is also a community resources manager for the City of Madison. There, she develops policies, executes program planning, and evaluation to improve outcomes for children, youth, families, neighborhoods, and communities. Shelton-Morris volunteers as an advisory board member of Madison Community Foundation’s Fund for Women, and is a member of the board of directors of Serve Wisconsin. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Upper Iowa University, a master’s degree in social work from UW–Madison and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in social work from the University of Louisville.
Christopher Canty partners with billion-dollar companies in southern Wisconsin as a large enterprise account executive at the consulting firm Gartner. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Madison before holding sales roles at LinkedIn, Grainger, Office Depot, and Kraft Foods. Canty also serves on the Madison College District Board and the board of directors for 100 Black Men of Madison.
Lyle Banks, a member of the advisory board of the UW Carbone Cancer Center, is the Vice President and General Manager of Morgan Murphy Media in Madison, which owns CBS affiliate WISC-TV, TVW (My Network TV), Channel3000.com, Madison Magazine and Phase 3 Digital agency. Now retired, he has a wealth of broadcast media experience spanning the entire country. In addition to the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Banks is currently a board member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
Daniel Kigeya is principal of his alma mater, Madison West High School. He earned a degree in legal studies at UW–Madison before changing course and entering the UW School of Social Work while running PEOPLE at West. After earning a master’s in social work, Kigeya went on to earn another master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis before becoming an associate principal in Verona, and then principal at Sennett Middle School in Madison before returning to West.
Dr. Angie Hicks is associate superintendent for secondary schools at the Madison Metropolitan School District. She began her career there as a clerk/typist before returning to UW–Madison to finish her degree. She taught at several schools in the Madison area before transitioning to administrative roles. Dr. Hicks earned a doctoral degree from Edgewood College, then led James C. Wright Middle School as their principal prior to accepting her current position.
Carmen Jeschke is vice president of finance and operations for the Madison Community Foundation, having led the management and growth of the foundation’s $400 million in assets. She has over 20 years of accounting experience spanning many industries, and holds a certification in foundations of management from UW–Madison.
Dr. Torsheika Maddox is senior operations officer and chief of staff for the UW-Madison Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA). Over the past 18 years, she has supported contributions towards efforts to improve access, empower community, and enhance inclusive excellence for the university and greater Madison community. Her roles at the university have included leadership in research, direct student services for underserved student communities, education, data analysis and program evaluations, and leading organizational excellence. Dr. Maddox is also a proud member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and an active member of the Madison Pentecostal Assembly where she also serves as Trustee. Recently, Dr. Maddox was a key leader in supporting an ad hoc work group on the Black Experience with UW–Madison. After earning a degree in sociology from Rutgers in 2006, she earned master’s degrees in sociology and population health and a doctoral degree in sociology, all from UW–Madison.