By: Henry Sanders
Since our founding in 2015, these annual lists of Wisconsin’s most influential Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian American leaders have become the most anticipated thing we do. They are more than lists; they are celebrations of the diversity, strength, and resilience of our state.
My goal has always been simple: to shine a light on the people who are shaping Wisconsin’s future, often behind the scenes, and to give young people role models who prove that success is possible right here at home.
This week we shine a statewide spotlight on the dedicated leaders of Wisconsin’s Latino communities. These are richly diverse communities spanning small towns, big cities, and every corner of our state. The people we highlight this week are elected leaders, business leaders and community leaders, doing difficult, important work.
Of course, this list isn’t comprehensive. There are many more leaders who deserve recognition, and we invite you to share their names so we can include them in the future.
For now, I encourage you to get to know the incredible people on this year’s list. Reach out to those in your community, learn from their work, and share their stories with your network.
If you would like to meet many of them in person, join us November 3 at the eighth annual 365 Leadership Summit, a gathering of some of the most dynamic and inspiring leaders in the state.
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Norma Nanette Oliveras
Norma Nanette Oliveras is Hispanic Outreach Specialist at the Appleton Public Library, a role she’s held for 10 years. She began her career as an inspector for the United States Department of Agriculture after earning a degree in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico. After moving to Wisconsin in 2005, she went back to school to become a teacher and spent eight years as a Head Start teacher, family support specialist and home visitor at UW-Oshkosh. White working at Appleton Public Library she earned a master’s degree in social work from UW-Green Bay.
Source: Wisconsin’s 31 Most Influential Latino Leaders for 2025 | Madison365