INTRODUCING THE BOARD

President

OPEN
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​We are currently seeking someone to lead the West Vliet St organization.  This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved with the events and people of West Vliet Street and serve as a liaison between the community and the initiatives of our very passionate board team! 

If you are interested in learning more about this role, please email us at WestVlietStreet@gmail.com or fill out a contact form and someone will reach out.

Vice President

Phil Fonzen
Premiere Tech

​Phil Fonzen lives in Dane County but operates 2 different locations for Premiere Tech - Milwaukee and Stevens Point. In Milwaukee Premiere Tech is actively working with a number of local businesses in leasing equipment, and IT support of day to day repair operations. Phil has Milwaukee ties from attending UW Milwaukee as well as an active member of the Milwaukee local skateboard scene.

Phil has numerous community experience from volunteering with Habitat Re-Stores in various cities and a long standing Member of the Madison Skatepark Fund (15 years) that helped design, build and finance Madison’s first public skatepark.

Secretary

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​The Secretary for the WVS Board helps manage meeting agendas, communicate organization and member updates plus assists the President and Vice President with key tasks.   This role is a great way to get to know the background of the organization plus the WVS community.  

If you are interested in learning more about this role, please email us at WestVlietStreet@gmail.com or fill out a contact form and someone will reach out.

Director,
Membership

JohnRae’ A. Stowers, MS 
​JazzyRae’ Jewels & Accessories

As a business owner of Jazzy Rae Jewels & Accessories, JohnRae’ has become her own brand ambassador for the #1 statement making boutique in Milwaukee. She (and the community) considers her shop a sanctuary for women to have peace, celebrate beauty, connect, and develop sisterhood. Her business is not only about making fashions at affordable prices, but it is all about the heart, networking, and empowering women as that something powerful happens when women genuinely show up for each other.

In addition to passion for fashion, JohnRae’ has dedicated the past 20+ years of her professional career to preparing future leaders for a life of college and beyond and currently serves as the Director of a summer bridge program that offers a jump start opportunity to campus and assists with leading a premiere academic support service. 

Director, 
Communications

Andrea Parikh
Gigawatt Media

Andrea Parikh is a co-owner of Gigawatt Media, a growing digital agency that helps businesses reach customers with advertising across websites, apps and connected TV screens.   We're committed to providing industry-leading solutions and services on par with major markets driven from the talent, diversity and education within our hometown of Milwaukee.  

Prior to Gigawatt, Andrea worked in NYC, running product marketing of digital solutions for Clear Channel Outdoor.  While New York will always feel like a second home, Andrea is happy to be back with her family in Tosa and exploring the many dining, retail, bars, parks and more bridging the Tosa & Vliet St. communities.​

Treasurer
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Tony Schiro
Charles E. Fromage

​Tony is the Manager and co-owner of Charles E Fromage along with his wife Honore.  He is the father of two grown children, Fiona and Dominic, and a retired teacher who taught Math, Science, and English in Japan, MPS, and Shorewood. 

As a long time supported of Vliet St, plus a property owner since 2017, and 20+ year resident of the west side, we are happy to have Tony on board!

Events Committee

Lynita Wolf

Barcelona MKE

Mitch Conklin

LUCE Lighting & Luxeries

Jean Marie Best

Vintage Glass Garden