Event Speakers

Martha Carrigan is the Chair and CEO of Big Shoes Network, a premier online platform connecting creative professionals in advertising, marketing, design, and communications with career opportunities. With a strong background in marketing, business development, and talent strategy, she has worked across education, non-profits, and IT, including forging multimillion-dollar partnerships at ManpowerGroup.

A sought-after speaker, Martha will be the keynote presenter on "5 Key Elements to Develop Your Personal Brand." She is also deeply involved in industry development, serving on advisory boards for AIGA Wisconsin, AMA, Madison College, Marquette University, USO Wisconsin, and Waukesha County Technical College. Passionate about career growth, she continues to empower professionals through insights and connections that shape their success.

Jeff Ganger is the Director of Marketing & Development at Isles of Brilliance and the founder of Nonaffiliated, a marketing firm dedicated to innovative brand strategies. With over 20 years of experience spanning fintech, food and beverage, publishing, and education, he has built a reputation for creative problem-solving and dynamic marketing execution.

Now focused on giving back, Jeff is passionate about mentoring students and sharing his expertise to empower the next generation of creative professionals. He will be leading the workshop “Breaking the Script: Designing an Unconventional Career That Actually Works,” where he will challenge students to think beyond traditional career paths. This session will equip them with the tools, confidence, and freedom to design a career and life that align with their passions and strengths, rather than conforming to industry norms or expectations.

JMatt is a Milwaukee-based lifestyle content creator and the founder of HashtagMKE, a platform dedicated to spotlighting local businesses and the people behind them. Through his engaging content, he highlights Milwaukee’s vibrant community and fosters connections between individuals and local enterprises.

Beyond his work with HashtagMKE, JMatt is a senior content strategist for a Milwaukee-based advertising agency, a public speaker, and an active mental health advocate. He also helps students connect with local businesses to gain real-world experience and coaching.

JMatt will be leading the workshop “Stand Out Among Your Peers on Social Media (Especially LinkedIn),” where he will share actionable strategies to help students leverage LinkedIn and other platforms to differentiate themselves in a competitive job market. Attendees will gain insights into optimizing their profiles, creating impactful content, and using social media to attract career opportunities.