MILWAUKEE – (August 22, 2023) – The Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee’s (HPGM) 2023 Gala experience, Somos El Poder, presented by Bader Philanthropies, Inc. and BMO Harris, will take place on Friday, Sept. 15. The tenth annual Gala is an opportunity for the Latino community to gather, celebrate successes, showcase stories, and a chance to say thank you to all HPGM members, sponsors, and donors for their continued support. 

“This event is a powerful demonstration of the impact and contributions Latinos make in Wisconsin. Latinos are integral threads in the fabric of our state and country. It’s a special time for reflection and to show our appreciation to our supporters. The Gala is also an opportunity to see the stories of our mission in action while celebrating our successes and highlighting important areas of opportunity we can collectively focus on in the coming year,” said Francesca Mayca Wegner, President and Chief Possibilities Officer for HPGM. “Somos HPGM, somos unidos, SOMOS EL PODER.” 

The annual Gala experience is HPGM’s largest fundraising event benefiting the Latino community and one of the biggest in the state of Wisconsin. From an in-person live auction, to dinner and dancing, this vibrant event celebrates culture while uplifting the voices of those HPGM serves. 

“As the co-chair of this year’s HPGM Gala, I am utilizing my position to raise awareness about the significance of higher education and mobilize financial support that will empower the next generation of Latino American leaders. I’m a passionate advocate for HPGM, an organization renowned for its exceptional accomplishments in reshaping the educational and professional trajectories of Hispanics in Greater Milwaukee. ¡Con ganas y al ataque!” said Maria Vento, Gala co-chair and Vice President for Grants at Bader Philanthropies, Inc.

Funds raised through the 2023 Gala experience help HPGM increase economic opportunities and representation for Hispanics in Wisconsin. HPGM achieves this mission by removing barriers to higher education and increasing access to mentorship, networks of influence, family sustaining careers, and more. Additionally, donations play a vital role in continuing the cultivation of strategic partnerships to advance cultural understanding and belonging within our workforce. 

“I look forward to investing in the work required to close the wealth gap that exists across minority communities. As co-chair, I am committed to raising awareness and money for an organization that has a long track record of driving equitable outcomes by changing the educational and career trajectories of Hispanics across our state,” said Anthony Hudson, Gala co-chair and Regional President / Head of Retail Banking at BMO Harris Bank.

HPGM President and CPO, as well as both Gala co-chairs, Maria Vento, Bader Philanthropies, Inc. and Anthony Hudson, BMO Harris Bank will be available for in-person or virtual interviews leading up to the event. 

Learn more about the 2023 HPGM Gala experience HERE. For more information or to coordinate interviews in English or in Spanish, please reach out to [email protected].

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