Accelerate Faculty

Alverno College will honor three alumnae during the college’s Alum Teach & Learn Weekend (April 22-24). The annual event is an opportunity to continue life-long learning while also celebrating milestone reunions for several classes of alumnae. The alum awards reception will take place on April 22 at 5:30 p.m. followed by a dinner.

Alverno trustee Samantha Maldonado ’09 MBA ’11 will receive the Rising Star Award, given to an alumna less than 30 years of age who has achieved success in her career. Maldonado recently joined Kohl’s as a senior diversity and inclusion leader focused on guiding the organization to a better understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. With more than 10 years of experience in diversity and inclusion, Maldonado is a sought-after consultant, presenter and facilitator. She also serves the community on various boards.

Ellen Hopper ’96 will receive the Outstanding Alumna Award, given to an alumna who demonstrates strong leadership ability in her career or in service to the college or community. Hopper is the vice president of distribution performance for the central region at Northwestern Mutual where she leads a team of business and sales development professionals. She has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, and she’s a strong advocate for women’s education as a member of St. Joan Antida High School’s board of directors and Alverno’s committee for resources.

Clarissa Lawrence ’12 ’18 ’21, DNP, APNP, APRN, FNP-BC, NP-C will receive the Service to Community Award, given to an alumna who has made significant contributions to the community. Lawrence is the founder and CEO of Community Health Primary Care Services, LLC, a mobile, in-home private practice designed to combat health disparities and increase primary care and health care access in Milwaukee. She provides in-home pediatric and adult immunizations, COVID-19 testing, adult and well child visits, postpartum visits and chronic disease prevention and management. Lawrence also serves as a family nurse practitioner at Molina Healthcare, a health risk assessment nurse practitioner at Inovalon, and is the co-owner and primary care provider at MyNP Professionals, LLC Family Medical Clinic. Her volunteer work includes serving as a national mentor for the American Nurses Association and on the board of Wisconsin Nurses Association – Nurse Practitioner Forum.