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The Wisconsin Restaurant Association is pleased to announce this year’s Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch award winners. 2025 is the second year of this award program. This award program recognizes the creativity, leadership and contributions of women across all hospitality industry sectors and career levels and is an opportunity to celebrate women and highlight role models. These dynamic and accomplished women were chosen as the Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch for being trailblazers in the restaurant and hospitality industry in Wisconsin and an inspiration to all. 2025 Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch (in random order) Visit the Top 20 Women to Watch website for more details and photos of recipients Danielle Baerwald Owner, Erv’s Mug Oak Creek April Chandler Owner, Chandler House Bakery Watertown Susana Contreras Olvera Executive Housekeeping, NCG Hospitality Madison Emily Darchuk Founder/Owner/Maker, Wheyward Spirit Portland, OR Erin Dixson-Levzow Co-Founder, Byte-Sized & Bossy Pewaukee Shana Fraser Owner/Operator, Fire Away Roadhouse & Rest Camp Cameron Julie Fussner CEO, Culver Franchising, LLC Prairie du Sac Liz Henry Owner/CMO, J Henry & Sons Dane Erin Hochevar Vice President, Bars & Recreation Milwaukee Dr. Marissa Jablonski CEO, EcoSystem Strategies Milwaukee Hilary Krekling Vice President of Operations, Cousins Subs Menomonee Falls Megan McKenna Director of Specialty Concepts and New Project Development Lead, The Bartolotta Restaurants Milwaukee Cindi McLeod Brand Ambassador, Lupi & Iris New Berlin Leticia Munoz Hernandez Owner/Operator, Michael’s Family Restaurant, Orenda Cafe and Orenda Food Truck Milwaukee Carmen Smalley Hospitality and Event Management Faculty, Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee Dana Spandet Chef & Owner, Flour Girl & Flame West Allis Christine Specht CEO, Cousins Submarines, Inc. Menomonee Falls Melanie Vianes General Manager, Sodexo at Marquette University Dining Services Milwaukee Amanda Weber Culinary Arts Instructor & Program Coordinator, Lakeshore College Cleveland Peggy Williams-Smith President/CEO, Visit Milwaukee Milwaukee “These women have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to advancing themselves and motivating others,” said Kristine Hillmer, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. “And this group of honorees reflects a wide range of roles in the hospitality industry—from restaurant operations, hotel management and event planning to culinary education and restaurant industry supplier representatives.” The Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch will be recognized at the Women in Hospitality Conference on October 20, 2025 at the Monona Terrace in Madison, WI. The winners were selected by the Women in Hospitality Conference Advisory Group members. WRA received a total of 56 unique nominations. Evaluation factors included: Demonstration of leadership within their position Career achievements Public and/or community service Creation and implementation of unique initiative(s) Impact they’ve made within their company, community and/or industry Demonstration of excellence, perseverance and innovation Improvement to the workplace Mentorship Creating inclusive cultures Motivating team members or co-workers Navigating workplace change and challenges Overcoming a personal challenge Thank you to Society Insurance for their sponsorship of the 2025 Top 20 Women to Watch. –End– The Wisconsin Restaurant Association’s mission is to provide members the services and tools to be successful through advocacy, education and communication. Visit wirestaurant.org for more information.
The Wisconsin Restaurant Association is pleased to announce this year’s Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch award winners. 2025 is the second year of this award program.
This award program recognizes the creativity, leadership and contributions of women across all hospitality industry sectors and career levels and is an opportunity to celebrate women and highlight role models. These dynamic and accomplished women were chosen as the Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch for being trailblazers in the restaurant and hospitality industry in Wisconsin and an inspiration to all.
2025 Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch (in random order) Visit the Top 20 Women to Watch website for more details and photos of recipients
“These women have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to advancing themselves and motivating others,” said Kristine Hillmer, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. “And this group of honorees reflects a wide range of roles in the hospitality industry—from restaurant operations, hotel management and event planning to culinary education and restaurant industry supplier representatives.”
The Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch will be recognized at the Women in Hospitality Conference on October 20, 2025 at the Monona Terrace in Madison, WI.
The winners were selected by the Women in Hospitality Conference Advisory Group members. WRA received a total of 56 unique nominations.
Evaluation factors included:
Thank you to Society Insurance for their sponsorship of the 2025 Top 20 Women to Watch.
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The Wisconsin Restaurant Association’s mission is to provide members the services and tools to be successful through advocacy, education and communication. Visit wirestaurant.org for more information.