Voices of Leadership
Since 2013, Voices of Leadership has fostered conversations with women leaders who have broken ground in entrepreneurship, innovation, social change and leadership to inspire community partners and students. Leaders share their experiences, stories and best practices to help you see and pursue your own leadership potential. This annual event also enhances curriculum and the educational experiences for students through student projects that align with course learning objectives and also incorporate the themes from the keynote address.
Voices of Leadership 2025: Conquering the Epidemic of Loneliness
On Thursday, Nov. 6, Mount Mary welcomed Krishna DasGupta, M.D. and Xochitl Yadira Gonzalez, Ph.D. as presenters for the 2025 Voices of Leadership event. The two speakers offered different perspectives on the growing crisis of disconnection and loneliness in the United States, examining the topic through scientific, spiritual and social lenses.
DasGupta shared her knowledge as a medical professional with four decades of experience in psychiatry. During her talk, DasGupta shared data about the long-term health consequences associated with isolation—including heart disease, insulin resistance and even premature death. She discussed the neurobiology of chemicals linked to both stress and wellbeing, and the ways in which technology such as smartphones, social media and artificial intelligence are further driving disconnection.
“As humans, we are meant for communion with others,” she emphasized. 
Yadira Gonzalez spoke about belonging and inclusion, with a specific focus on the LGBT+ community—including her experiences as the mother of a transgender child. She also addressed creating a culture of belonging and inclusion in the workplace, advocating for increased self-awareness and empathy to forge stronger connections within organizations.
“Connection is about being present,” said Yadira Gonzalez. “And leadership starts with having the courage to connect.”
Both speakers took part in individual question and answer sessions following their address. The discussion moderated by alumna Katrina Parr '18, who fielded questions from the 293 attendees in the audience.
The event also featured projects created by students in the Social Work, Dietetics, Studio Art, Fashion and Interior Architecture & Design programs, offering a chance to showcase Mount Mary talent across disciplines.
“The Voices of Leadership event is a true highlight of our year,” said Alexandra Hoslet, Program Director for the Center for Women's Leadership.
“The Center for Women's Leadership is proud to consistently explore crucial, timely topics while simultaneously showcasing the exceptional talent and thought leadership being cultivated by the faculty and students right here at Mount Mary University,” she added.
"Excellent and timely presentation, wonderful vibe with students-artwork and presentations, beautiful hospitality and food! Thank you, thank you! " ~ 2025 Voices of Leadership attendee
Campus Connections: Learn More About The Student Projects
The Center for Women's Leadership's Voices of Leadership event is about more than bringing a leader to campus to learn from her experiences. It's also an opportunity for our faculty to utilize the themes of the keynote to enhance the curriculum and explore these different topics with students in a way that is relevant to their disciplines. Learn about the course collaborations that were a part of this year's Voices of Leadership event here:
Watch the 2025 Campus Connections Video
About Our Speakers
Dr. Krishna DasGupta, M.D. was born and raised in the Milwaukee area. She received her BA in Molecular Biology from UW-Madison and also attended medical school at UW-Madison where she received her MD in 1982. She completed her psychiatry residency at Northwestern University in 1987, then returned to UW-Madison as a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry for 6 years. In 1993, she left academic medicine and worked in private practice providing diagnostic evaluations and pharmacological management for adults suffering from psychiatric illness for 30 years until she retired in October 2023. She now volunteers as a psychiatrist at Lake Area Free Clinic in Oconomowoc.
Dr. Xochitl Yadira Gonzalez, Ph.D, is a dynamic Latina leader committed to driving change while proudly celebrating her Latine roots and culture. As a public speaker and the founder of the podcast "Trascendencia en Acción," she shares compelling stories and strategies to help others transcend personal, social, and professional limits. In her role as Sr. Director of Business Operations & Strategy at Northwestern Mutual, she leads initiatives in Tech Strategy, Transformation, and Organizational Development. As co-founder of the Conscious Leadership Institute for Global Entrepreneurial Transformation (CLIGET), she champions conscious leadership, coaching individuals and organizations to drive impactful positive change. She was named one of Wisconsin’s 36 Most Influential Latino Leaders for 2024 by Madison 365. Her academic achievements include a Ph.D. in Global Leadership & Change, a Master's in Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor's in Leadership & Organization Development, and a Business Management & Entrepreneurship degree.
About Our Moderator
Katrina Parr, '18 is a Mount Mary graduate and award-winning social media marketing expert who's spent nearly 20 years shaping digital strategies and managing online communities. At Rockwell Automation, she leads with creativity and calm, even when the comments section is a digital dumpster fire. Audiences at social media conferences connect with her down-to-earth stories of the highs and lows behind the scenes of a social media manager. She earned her MBA at Mount Mary University in 2018 and still approaches every trend with curiosity and a willingness to experiment. Katrina lives for spreadsheets, analytics and those small missteps that often lead to the biggest wins.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS:
PREMIER PARTNERS:
INNOVATIVE PARTNERS:
CREATIVE PARTNER:
First Business Bank Town Bank
STUDENT PROJECT SPONSOR:
North Shore Bank
ENDOWMENT PARTNERS:
Virginia Cornyn ’62 Nancy Cheski ’65
TABLE HOST SPONSORS:
Lisa Breitsprecker Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast Northwestern Mutual Bob Schwartz St. Camilus Trinity Senior Services WHEDA
STUDENT TABLE SPONSOR: