Lynn Sheka

Lynn Sheka. Photo courtesy of NEWaukee.

Where do you work and what makes your role awesome?

I’m a vice president at Reputation Partners, LLC, a strategic communications firm with offices in Milwaukee and Chicago. I’ve worked here for five years, starting right after graduation in our Chicago office. I took a few-years hiatus to work at my alma mater, Marquette University, and then two years ago I came back to Reputation Partners to help open a dedicated office in Milwaukee. We moved into our new office downtown this past January and it’s been very fulfilling to help grow our Wisconsin client base and build a team and culture here. My favorite things about my role are that I get to help people and organizations share their stories, and that no two days are ever the same.

What do you love most about your city?

People jokingly refer to Milwaukee as “Smallwaukee,” but that’s actually one of my favorite things about this city. You can have a real impact here (if you want to) and you can access community and business leaders in a way you can’t in bigger cities. I think those are two big reasons we have such an energized and active community of young professionals in Milwaukee.

Where do you see your city in five years?

We’re in the midst of a very exciting time for Milwaukee. In the next five years, downtown will look very different with the Lakefront Gateway project, the new Northwestern Mutual Tower and of course the new Bucks arena and surrounding district. You can feel the energy in the city right now and I hope that propels us forward so that in five years Milwaukee is not seen as “Chicago’s little sibling,” but as a destination and first-class city in its own right. The Midwest is notorious for being humble, but in five years we’ll have even more to brag about regarding why Milwaukee is a great city to live, work and play in.

What is your biggest hope for your city?

That someday we’ll be in the top 10 lists for things like corporate headquarters, number of entrepreneurs, women and minority leadership, and education outcomes, rather than for segregation, poverty and incarceration rates.

What is your city’s favorite tradition?

There are too many to pick just one – obviously Summerfest is always fun and a huge point of Milwaukee pride; Al’s Run is unique to this city and extra special for Marquette grads; and Jazz in the Park is one of the best ways to enjoy a summer Milwaukee night.

What’s your favorite hidden gem or secret fact about your city?

The Sixth Floor at the University Club of Milwaukee has one of the best panoramic lakefront views in the entire city!