Arts and Entertainment set Milwaukee apart from other cities our size, as well as larger urban areas. One of the biggest industries impacted by the pandemic has been the arts and entertainment industry. Last spring, when COVID-19 caused widespread shutdowns of businesses, arts and entertainment were hit hard, and have been slower to rebound than other segments.

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), which sponsors local arts activities, is the most successful fund-raising organization of its kind in the country. Bronzeville Week, the city’s annual celebration of African-American culture, history, art, commerce, and entertainment, is about to celebrate it’s 10th year. Known as the City of Festivals, Milwaukee hosts its world-famous Summerfest music festival each summer on Milwaukee's lakefront. The 11-day celebration of great music and food attracts more that 800,000 attendees.

Want to learn about the impact of COVID-19 to their organizations and how they envision “what’s next”?  We invite you to join us to learn about how Bronzeville Week, Summerfest and UPAF Member organizations have changed, pivoted and how they’ll deliver their arts and entertainment.

About Our Panelists:

• Christine Hojnacki joined the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) in 2018. As the Chief Advancement Officer for UPAF she shares the impact and importance of having a vibrant performing arts community. Blending her passion for the arts and giving back to the community, she is responsible for creating and driving fundraising and marketing strategies to support UPAF's 14 Member Groups. With more than 20 years of experience in the corporate retail industry, Hojnacki previously held the Marketing position of Vice President of Public Relations & Special Events and President of the Foundation for The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. leading community and nonprofit outreach initiatives nationally, regionally, and locally. An advocate for Breast Cancer research supporting the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Cancer Center, Hojnacki is also an avid cyclist, triathlete and Ironman finisher – dedicating her time and energies through the sport as well as helping others. Hojnacki was named a ‘Woman of Influence’ by the Milwaukee Business Journal. She moved to Milwaukee in 2002 from Pennsylvania, and she and her husband John reside in Waukesha County.

• Sarah Smith Pancheri serves as Chief Operating Officer and VP of Sales and Marketing for Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. where she oversees the Operations, Marketing and Sales departments. She is often “the face” of Summerfest and is thrilled to share new, major improvements to Henry Maier Festival Park as events return this summer and Summerfest introduces a new three weekend format. Sarah is known as a strategic partner to all those who interact with Summerfest – from corporate partners, to media, to vendors, to sponsors, to their employees.  What challenges and opportunities exist in this post-pandemic format?  Sarah will fill us in on where Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. has been and the bright road ahead.

• LaShawndra Vernon is a creative entrepreneur. She has over 20 years of social impact leadership experience in policy, systems and environmental change. Her work is focused on closing gaps and advancing equity. LaShawndra has practical experience translating United Nations treaties and sustainability goals to local policy. She’s implemented several programs to reduce harm and prevent violence. She thrives as a convener building consensus towards improving community conditions. LaShawndra is a Collective Impact practitioner and credits her community building work to studying Asset Based Community Development early in her career. She has an extensive background in public health research, advocacy, and community engagement. LaShawndra is a proud Public Allies Milwaukee Alum, class of 2001. LaShawndra is also a performing artist practicing under the name Firey Phoenix.