Leading Meaningful Change through Inclusive Conversations
Have you wondered how to foster real and impactful change to your organization’s culture? Or how to address difficult topics in an inclusive manner? How would you create a safe space for these conversations? What’s more, does creating such spaces have a positive impact on your mission and bottom line? In this session, we will tackle these questions and provide specific examples of successful programs and outcomes. Regardless of your background or role in your organization, you can take courageous steps to foster inclusivity and tap into the diverse perspectives of your team members, customers, and stakeholders. Embracing a variety of perspectives is not just advantageous but essential for leaders navigating today’s rapidly changing environments.
Speaker
Nina Johnson
Nina VA Johnson is U.S. Bank’s Branch Banking Market Leader for the state of Wisconsin, and she has worked in the banking industry for approximately 40 years. Nina has held several leadership roles in her tenure ranging from computer operations and consumer lending to regulatory compliance and loss mitigation. She has an M.B.A. in Global Business Management, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and she is a CBA Executive Banking School graduate from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. She is also a published author.
Nina has served on more than forty nonprofit boards throughout her career, as well as a handful of national committees supporting the growth and modernization of low-and-moderate income (LMI) geographies within the United States. She was a contributor to the American Bankers Association (ABA) collaborative white paper on the “Modernization of the CRA”, submitted to the United States Treasury in December 2017, and she previously led a regional group called the CRA Roundtable, supporting LMI initiatives throughout the Midwest. Her media work includes WTMJ 4 “The Morning Blend”, WITI Fox 6 “Real Milwaukee”, WVTV CW-18/My-24 “Connect MKE”, WNOV Milwaukee radio, WVON Chicago radio and other media platforms. Nina’s memberships have included CHIEF, TEMPO Milwaukee, Professional Dimensions and Milwaukee Women Inc.
Nina is the Executive Advisor of U.S. Bank’s Global Black Heritage Business Resource Group (BRG), National Chair of U.S. Bank’s Political Action Committee (P.A.C.) Board, local Executive Advisor of the Nosotros Latinos Milwaukee BRG and the bank’s WI Market Leader Advisory Board Chair. As a bank employee leading teams during the pandemic, Nina worked with multiple business lines to create “Circles” as an interactive way to bring diverse teams together during a time of social unrest in the United States. She was also a co-founder of a Market Leader program for emerging female leaders in the Midwest.
Recently named as BizTimes’ “Wisconsin 275”, Milwaukee Magazine’s “Women of Distinction”, and The Milwaukee Times’ “2024 Black Excellence Award” recipient, she has been recognized as Milwaukee Business Journal’s “People to Know in Banking and Finance” and Milwaukee Biz Times’ “Notable Minority Executive” among other accomplishments. Nina credits having a sound network of positive influencers; touting that “great people with wise advice are truly a gift from above.”
Noleta Franz
Noleta Franz joined Northwestern Mutual in July of 2020. She oversees the Law Department’s Legal Process Unit which processes and responds to third-party legal processes served on Northwestern Mutual and its operating subsidiaries. Her role includes case review and analysis, legal research and case assignment. She provides consultation to the Law Department and Enterprise in connection with legal process matters.
Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, she served as Legal Operations Project Manager at Johnson Controls, Inc. She was responsible for providing support in connection with ongoing and special projects within the Company’s Law Department, including work with the Organizational Health Initiative, Technology & Process Support and Vendor Management. She has over 15 years of legal experience.
Noleta holds a Masters of Organizational Leadership and Administration degree from Concordia University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She also completed Cardinal Stritch University’s African America Leadership Program – Cohort 11. Her community involvement includes serving as a board member for Above the Clouds. This nonprofit organization has devoted its energy to passionately advocating to help children connect to the arts. She also speaks once a month on 101.7 The Truth on The Truth Roundtable where she provides her insights on community issues.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband Joe, and cheering on her bonus daughter Journey at her sporting events.
