Outlook Magazine - Fall 2023

Leading the Way in...

Committing to transforming communities

Writing her story into NWTC history

Kristen Raney (’06, ’09) made history when she was appointed as the first female president of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. With more than 20 years of higher educa tion experience, she became the eighth president in the college's 111-year history, beginning her position on July 1, 2023. “Leadership is about people and relationships. It is about sharing a vision, empowering others and fostering a culture of trust and respect. NWTC really lives one of its core values that ‘Everyone has worth,’” said Raney, a master’s in education alum, with an online teaching and learning grad uate certificate. NWTC, a two-year technical college serving nine counties, provides education, training and life-long learning opportunities for individuals and businesses leading to the development of a skilled and culturally inclusive workforce. Raney’s priority is to meet with faculty, staff, community partners and area employers to build strong relationships internally and externally, ensuring NWTC remains a vital industry partner in northeast Wisconsin. “NWTC’s mission inspires me because it reflects the impact technical and community colleges have on our students and workforce. We change lives and strengthen communities. It is incred ibly powerful. As a mission-driven leader who has made student success the focus of my career, the president’s role is a call to serve students, employees and the communities surrounding Green Bay,” Raney said.

Award-winning real estate company Wildcat Management has played a leading role in revital izing downtown Dallas for almost two decades thanks to its president, owner and founder Tanya Ragan (’97) . Specializing in the redevelop ment of urban and historic neighborhoods, the firm has built a national reputation by working with public and private sector partners to create vibrant spaces that promote a sense of commu nity and spark economic growth. “Our niche is creating an authentic neighbor hood experience with an emphasis on commu nity building. I have seen firsthand how local businesses, residents and projects benefit when people come together and get to know one another in their communities,” said Ragan, a fashion merchandising alum, with a business administration minor. With passion, dedication and commitment to excellence, Ragan leads by example, prioritiz ing hard work, reliability and accountability. Her main role is to be visible, present and committed to her team, partners and clients. “The most important thing you can do is show up. As a woman working in a highly male-dom inated industry – representation matters. Less than 1.5% of women in commercial real estate investment are self-made. The expectation for me is higher than my male peers, and I recognize the responsibility that comes with that role,” she said. Ragan is also committed to empowering the next generation of businesswomen; investing in projects with strong female leads; and pro viding professional guidance to young business students at local universities through internships, mentorships and leadership conferences. “I have turned my experience as a trailblazing businesswoman and self-made entrepreneur into a testimonial for female business owners throughout the state. I believe that by bringing together like-minded professionals, I can help foster a collaborative environment that will lead to greater opportunities for all,” she said.

Entrepreneurship

& Education

Leadership is about people and relationships...sharing a vision, empowering others and fostering a culture of trust and respect.

Kristen Raney (’06, ’09)

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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT

OUTLOOK 2023