8:30 AM - 11:30 AM Central
Join us at The Cove for WCEDA's fourth annual Workforce Symposium!
Build a Place People Don’t Want to Leave
Rethinking Culture, Connection & Community for the Next Generation
Attracting talent is no longer the hardest part - keeping it is.
Today’s next generation of professionals aren’t just choosing jobs. They’re choosing environments. They’re choosing relationships. They’re choosing places where they can see a future for themselves, not just professionally, but personally.
And when those elements are missing, they leave.
In this keynote, Angela Damiani, CEO of NEWaukee, challenges leaders to rethink what it actually takes to build workplaces, and communities, that people don’t want to leave.
Grounded in real-world experience designing human-centered programs and experiences, this session explores:
● Why traditional approaches to culture and retention are falling short
● What “connection” really means, and why it’s the most overlooked driver of retention
● How workplace culture is felt (not just defined)
● The growing importance of community in talent decisions
● What it looks like when employers and regions work together to create a true ecosystem
This keynote will leave attendees with a new lens and a clear challenge:
Are you offering a job… or helping build a place people want to build a life?
From there, the conversation continues with practical insights and interactive discussions designed to turn ideas into action:
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A panel of regional business leaders sharing real-world strategies for attracting and retaining talent
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An interactive focus group experience designed to generate ideas and solutions
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A young talent panel focused on shaping the future of a Walworth County NextGen Professionals Alliance
Panelists will include a diverse mix of employers and emerging professionals from across Walworth County, representing a range of industries and career paths.
Participants will also have the opportunity to contribute ideas and help shape future workforce initiatives in the region.
What you will gain:
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Direct insights from young talent
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Employer case studies from regional companies
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Strategies to improve retention and workplace culture
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Opportunity to help shape the NextGen Professionals Alliance
Angela Damiani, NEWaukee
Angela Damiani is the CEO and co-founder of NEWaukee, an experience design firm based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A visionary leader and dynamic community builder, Angela has dedicated her career to reimagining how people connect with one another. She is also a serial entrepreneur, leveraging her passion for innovation and connection to launch and support ventures that drive meaningful impact in people’s careers and communities. Damiani plays a pivotal role in supporting the startup ecosystem as the lead curator of the Midwest Founders Community. Through this initiative, she fosters collaboration, mentorship, and resource sharing among entrepreneurs across the region, helping to cultivate a thriving network of founders supporting founders. Under her leadership, NEWaukee has become a nationally recognized organization, earning accolades for its creative approach to transforming public spaces and driving economicdevelopment through meaningful in-person experiences. Angela is deeply passionate about activating communities, elevating local voices, and bridging gaps between diverse groups. Beyond her professional endeavors, Angela is a sought-after speaker, mentor, and advocate for urban innovation, frequently sharing insights on how to inspire civic pride and collective action. With a strong commitment to collaboration and an eye for unconventional solutions, Angela continues to be a catalyst for positive change – living by the mantra, “But, what if we could?!” She believes there is no challenge too big that can’t be tackled by simply asking “how”.
Cost
Young Professionals (30 & under): FREE
WCEDA Members: $25
Non-Members: $35
The Cove
111 Center Street
Lake Geneva, Wi 53147
UNITED STATES
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| 5/13/2026 |    |