The grants will fund mentorships, third-grade reading and high school programs at local nonprofits and organizations focused on helping students achieve educational success.

"Our investment in Milwaukee's education system is focused on areas shown to have a significant impact on a student's overall success," Eric Christophersen, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, said in a statement.

"Supporting third-grade reading proficiency, mentorship and high school programming demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensuring our city's children and youth reach their highest potential."

The SJA Alumnae Association is pleased to announce Deidre "DeeDee" Merritt, '88 as our 2019 Alumna of the Year. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of an SJA alumna to her profession and/or community - in support of the SJA mission.

Merritt currently serves as the acting Director of Leadership Development at the NCAA in Indianapolis, IN. At the national level, Merritt plays a key role in fulfilling the missions of both the organization and her department, and has been instrumental in asserting her group as the prominent national leader of student-athlete development in intercollegiate athletics. Merritt's role at the NCAA allows her to fulfill her passion for serving others and providing them with transformational opportunities.

Aracelly Bonilla '00 is the newest member of the St. Joan Antida leadership team serving as Director of Finance and Operations. She is often described as someone who is up for a challenge and has a gift for seeing the big picture. Aracelly has more than ten years of progressive experience in the finance-accounting field. Her most recent role of Finance Process Improvement Supervisor was at a local advertising agency, where she was able to implement changes that allowed for a company-wide streamlined process. Aracelly provided real time support and analysis by being a strategic adviser that added value in the decision-making process of the overall operations of the agency.