Our Team

She brings extensive experience building and sustaining strategic relationships with various stakeholders on behalf of nonprofit, higher education, and corporate organizations. Throughout her career, she has championed the intentional creation of spaces where others can bring their whole selves to their work and feel valued. Francesca is also passionate about investing in the Greater Milwaukee community with organizations focused on mentoring, equitable access to education, and animal welfare. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Washington County Humane Society, on the Marquette Hispanic-Serving Institution Advisory Committee, and as a mentor in the Nativity Jesuit Academy mentoring program.

A proud two-time Golden Eagle, Francesca earned both her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from Marquette University.

Amanda brings over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has her Master’s degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University’s School of Philanthropy.

Amanda was most recently the Development Operations Manager at Sojourner. Prior to Sojourner Amanda spent nearly 10 years at Lutheran Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan in a variety of Advancement and Executive Support roles. Amanda has extensive experience developing and implementing business operations processes as well as using data analysis to inform operational decision making.

Gabriela joins HPGM after serving as the Director of Visitor Services and Chair of the Latinx/HSI Council at Mount Mary University. Gabriela successfully led collaborative efforts to increase enrollment and achieve federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution at Mount Mary. Additionally, she served on numerous committees including the DEI Council, project management teams for HSI grants, Communications Advisory Board, Strategic Planning Committee and the Women's Leadership Institute.

Gabriela is committed to equity and creating access for women and underserved communities. She is involved in various organizations such as TEMPO Emerging Women Leaders, Visit Milwaukee, Prospanica Milwaukee and Hispanic Serving Institution Network of Wisconsin (HSI-NOW).

Gabriela bridges leadership experience from various industries including higher education, legal, corporate, non-profit and start-ups. Gabriela earned her Master's in International Studies from the University of Denver and her Bachelor's in Criminology and Law Studies from Marquette University.

Jorge Perez

Senior Leader, Member Engagement and Experience

Jorge Perez brings a "Builder and Connector” mindset to his role as the Senior Leader, Member Engagement and Experience for HPGM. He will serve as a fundraising expert and key relationship manager for HPGM, developing a strong and sustainable base of financial resources to support the short- and long-term impact of the organization. In addition, he will partner with the Executive Director to bring to life high-quality and meaningful membership experiences, initiatives, and programming.

Jorge is a veteran non-profit leader, with a focus on success, measures and impact. Before joining HPGM, he served as the Senior Development Manager, responsible for building sustainable corporate and foundation partnerships for City Year Milwaukee. Jorge has over 20 years of experience working with nonprofits in Milwaukee.

Jorge was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and immigrated to Milwaukee when he was eight. Jorge Perez grew up in the South Side of Milwaukee, where he had the opportunity to meet and be mentored by many of the Latino/a leaders in the community. That experience had a tremendous impact in his life and it is where he developed his passion for serving his comunidad!