BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Jackie Q. Carter, Accounting, was named a 2026 TEMPO Mentor Awardee, which recognizes individuals in the community who are dedicated to mentoring others. Carter, who is the first woman and the first person of color to serve as director of Port Milwaukee, is currently the employee relations director for the City of Milwaukee.
Sarah Mercado, Accounting, was promoted to executive administrative assistant in the Office of the President at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Andy Weins, Supervisory Management, was named a BizTimes Class of 2025 Notable Alumni. Weins, founder and owner of Butler-based Camo Crew Responsible Junk Removal, was named to the Wisconsin Titan 100 list in 2024 and 2026. Learn more about Weins at camocrewjunkremoval.com.
COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES
Thania Peralta, Nail Technician, took top honors in Shepherd Express’ 2025 Best of Milwaukee Services Rendered annual list. Peralta’s salon, Luxe Nails Milwaukee, was named the winner in the Nails category. Readers vote on their favorites in the annual survey. Check out Peralta’s salon at luxenailsmke.com.
Kurt Zellmann, Fire Protection Technician, was sworn in as the fire chief of the Village of Sussex. His first day on the job was August 3. He manages a department of 34 full- and part-time firefighters. Zellmann was a coordinator in MATC’s Fire Technology department. He said “It has always been a goal of mine to become a fire chief and use my experience to move an organization forward and mentor the next generation of first responders. I had many excellent role models during my time as a student at MATC. It was an honor to return to MATC to lead the program I graduated from. Returning to the front lines again with Sussex Fire will definitely round out what has been an amazing experience and journey in the fire service.”
CREATIVE ARTS, DESIGN AND MEDIA
Kimberly Adams, Baking and Pastry Arts, won a special Valentine’s edition of Netflix’s “Is It Cake?” alongside her husband, Taurus. On the show, contestants bake cakes resembling everyday items to fool the judges. Their drum-shaped cake won the $5,000 prize. Adams is the owner of Signature Sweets in Milwaukee. See her work at signaturesweetsbakery.info.
Clayborn Benson, Photography, served as the commencement speaker for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Spring 2026 graduation ceremonies on May 17. Benson, who is a photographer, historian, military veteran and founder of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum, received an honorary degree during the ceremony. Benson regularly returns to MATC to present during Black History Month and other events. Learn more at wbhsm.org.
GENERAL EDUCATION
Héctor Colón, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, was the keynote speaker at MATC’s 2026 Spring Commencement ceremony. He recounted his experience as an MATC student, stating, “My foundation was built right here at MATC, in classrooms where I learned discipline, humility and persistence. You are not defined by where you started. You are defined by your willingness to continue.”
HEALTHCARE
Stephanie Castillo, Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, appeared on TMJ4 News to promote her business, VitaJug Smoothies & Wellness. Inspired by her own recovery journey, Castillo helps others through nutrition, fitness and faith. Learn more about Castillo at vitajugsmoothies.com.
MANUFACTURING, CONSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION
Gale Pence, Industrial Engineering, was named to the MATC Foundation Board of Directors. Pence previously served as treasurer of the MATC District Board of Directors. Pence is the founder and CEO of Global Precision Industries Inc.
Cordel Zaja, Welding Technology and HVAC, was promoted to project manager at BREDAN Mechanical Systems LLC, where he was a sheet metal worker.
STEM
Adam Gruszcynski, Microcomputer Specialist, was named to the MATC Foundation Board of Directors. Gruszcynski is the director of information technology at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee.
John Kolodzinski, Architectural Technology, joined MSA Professional Services Inc. as an engineering project manager. Kolodzinski has more than 25 years of experience in the planning and management of engineering projects throughout Wisconsin. After earning an associate degree at MATC, Kolodzinski went on to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering.
Aleksandra Samardzic, Information Technology, started a new job as a network infrastructure technician at Global Power Components, a machinery manufacturer in Milwaukee.
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