Presenting the 2022 Trailblazer in Women's Leadership Award Recipient:

Denise Thomas, The Effective Communication Coach

Denise Thomas is the Founder and Owner of the Effective Communication Coach, LLC, a consultancy focused on transforming emerging and existing professionals into extraordinary leaders by mastering the art of effective communication. 

As a fearless entrepreneur, passionate community advocate, and inspiring role model – Thomas embodies the true definition of a trailblazer.  

With 19 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies, Thomas has honed the ability to deliver and receive messages across language, cultural, and communication-style barriers. She has been recognized for excellence in leadership from companies including General Electric, MillerCoors, PepsiCo, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing. Thomas continues her focus on empowering people by traveling and teaching effective communication to professionals both locally and worldwide. She currently consults for BMO Harris Bank, Northwestern Mutual, R.W. Baird, and Whirlpool Corporation amongst other highly regarded employers.  

Certified as a Hogan Assessment Coach, Center of Exceptional Leadership 360 Feedback Coach, and E-learning Trainer/Coach, Thomas is a Lead Facilitator at St. Norbert College as part of the School of Business’ Center of Exceptional Leadership in addition to serving as an Instructor for Cardinal Stritch University’s Mission Fuel Leadership Program.

Thomas has been recognized as a leader in Milwaukee who demonstrates integrity, passion, and collaboration in all she does. She serves on numerous non-profit Boards and Advisory Councils including The Milwaukee Ballet, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, TEMPO Milwaukee, and United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County’s Women United Leadership Council.

Thomas has been recognized with multiple awards by the Milwaukee Business Journal including the 2019 Woman of Influence honor and Top 100 Power Brokers for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. She also received Milwaukee Magazine’s 2019 “Women of Distinction” and BizStarts “Inspiring Entrepreneur” honors. The Milwaukee Times newspaper recently recognized Thomas for her “Excellence in Business” during their 35^th Annual Black Excellence Awards.

Thomas is a graduate of Cardinal Stritch University with a degree in Business Management and is a member of The Links Incorporated – Milwaukee Chapter.

Of all her accomplishments, Thomas says the greatest are her children. She is a proud mother of two future leaders, her daughter Dominique and son Daren.

Thomas will be honored with the Trailblazer in Women’s Leadership Award on Saturday, May 7 during St. Joan Antida High School’s 29th annual Gala celebration. Learn more at: www.saintjoanantida.org/gala  

About the Trailblazer in Women’s Leadership Award

More than 66 years ago, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida were trailblazers in creating a place where they sought to educate and empower young women from all backgrounds. Today, St. Joan Antida High School (SJA) is Milwaukee’s premier all-girl urban high school located in the heart of downtown. 

Established in 2016, the Trailblazer in Women's Leadership Award acknowledges important women in our community who are trailblazers in their career and whose life and actions reflect the mission of St. Joan Antida High School. Recipients of this award are role models for our students and reflect the school's work to educate and empower young women who lead and serve in a global society.

Past recipients:

2016: Kathy Mykleby 

2017: Danae Davis 

2018: Portia Young 

2019: Cecelia Gore 

2020/21: Danielle Bly

2022: Denise Thomas

2023 Community and Corporate Partnership Award Recipient:

Our 2023 Recipient will be announced soon!

About the Community Partner Award

The Community and Corporate Partnership Award was created to provide notable recognition to the Southeastern Wisconsin organizations that take a stake in our work, and in the young women whom we serve. They make profound investments in our mission, often providing lead support for major strategic initiatives. And this year’s recipient has been supporting the St. Joan’s mission in a multitude of ways, including this event for numerous years. 

Past Recipients:

2022: Christ Child Society of Milwaukee

2020/21: Professional Dimensions

2019: Catholic Financial Life

2018: Kapur and Associates 

2017: Pompeii Men’s Club 

2016: Todd Wehr Foundation