Congratulations to Vivian Vera, who received the "Diversity Champion" award at the "Women Putting their Stamp on Metro Milwaukee" awards luncheon on March 14^th. Vera is a 2006 graduate of the BA program, and is currently pursuing her MBA at Ottawa University-Wisconsin.

In its 10^th year, the awards luncheon is sponsored by the United States Postal Service to celebrate the success and promote advancement of Milwaukee women. Throughout the years the luncheon has grown to become one of the most prestigious events in the Milwaukee area to celebrate women's achievements.

As the Human Resources Director at the United Community Center, the largest Hispanic nonprofit agency in Wisconsin, Vera has worked hard to develop a strong staff development program which enables agency employees to capitalize on their strengths and advance in their careers. Vivian says that her department "tries to be a source of help, support and guidance" for the 235 employees of the agency. Her bilingual and bicultural background has been an asset in her position. Having experienced discrimination herself, she is especially sensitive to the issue, and remains alert to the possibility of discrimination against non-Hispanics in an agency that serves a primarily Hispanic clientele.

The only child of Puerto Rican parents, Vera was born in New York City. Her family later returned to Puerto Rico where she finished high school and earned her first college degree at the University of Puerto Rico. She moved to Milwaukee to marry her high school sweetheart, Lloyd Vera, who is also an OU student. The couple has two grown children and a new granddaughter, Leila. They enjoy touring the back roads of Wisconsin on their Harley Davidson motorcycles.