Every year, Insight honors influential women who touch lives and change communities across Northeast Wisconsin in countless ways. This gallery celebrates our 2026 Women of Influence honorees. To register for the event, go here: Women of Influence 2026
Melissa Borowicz, CEO/Owner of The Utech Group – Melissa, a second-generation CEO, led The Utech Group through a leadership/ownership change and led the organization to grow significantly. During the past year, she also led the integration of The Utech Group and its partner organization, illumyx. She is a founding board member of the Schreiber Institute for Women’s Leadership, and she also serves on the boards of Curative Connections and Encompass Early Education & Childcare.
Sridevi Buddi, founding member of IndUS of Fox Valley – Sridevi has led countless efforts to build awareness, promote cultural outreach and foster inclusion throughout communities including Appleton. She also is a strong advocate for empowering women and inspiring the next generation of emerging leaders, including through her work serving as Interact chair through the Rotary District 6220.
Kathryn Hasselblad, commission president for NEW Water – Kathryn also served on the Green Bay Water Utility Commission and facilitated a lasting partnership between utilities that has focused on protecting the region’s waterways. NEW Water also has undergone a critical upgrade to its processes, enabling the facility to produce 40% of its own energy.
Sharon Hulce, president/CEO of Employment Resource Group – Sharon is president/CEO of Employment Resource Group, Inc., an executive search firm she founded 25 years ago. Sharon has dedicated her time and talents to numerous nonprofit organizations in the region, including with pro-bono employment searches for organizations in the region. She is a Titan 100 Hall of Fame honoree, celebrated speaker, and author of A Well-Done Professional Midlife Crisis.
Michelle Tyo-Johnson, President/CEO of NorthCoast Media Group – Meet our Business Owner honoree, Michelle Tyo-Johnson, President/CEO of NorthCoast Media Group, LLC. In just the past few years, NorthCoast Media Group has grown rapidly, bringing together several creative companies including Image Studios and Made Ya Look, becoming the largest media production company in the Midwest. Michelle also is an ambassador and advocate for Curative Connections, serving on its board for the past 10 years.
Mary May, program manager and career coach for gener8tor – Mary is a U.S. Army veteran who worked with The Mission Continues, a nonprofit that empowering veterans to serve in community projects and leadership development. She also worked with education and youth development in Oregon, helping to increase graduation rates and improve access to STEAM programs. Through her work with gener8tor, she supports unemployed and underemployed people across the state.
Vickie Patterson, executive director of the Bay Area Workforce Development Board – Meet our Difference Maker-Nonprofit honoree, Vickie Patterson, executive director of the Bay Area Workforce Development Board. Through BAWDB, Vickie has played a key role in program development, strategic partnerships, and guiding initiatives that help people find meaningful careers. Vickie has more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience and serves on numerous nonprofit boards and committees in the community.
Tina Prigge, founder of Livin’ All Right – Meet our Resiliency honoree Tina Prigge, who along with her husband Jason founded Livin’ All Right to share their motivational message. Tina and Jason’s lives were altered in 2024 when a motorcycle crash left Tina a double amputee. Through public speaking, Tina speaks about accessibility and overcoming adversity. Tina also developing the brand “Coolest Coast” to promote life in Manitowoc County, and she hosts weekly livestreams and a radio show.
