Kelsey Otero, director of innovation in the 707 Hub, has been named to the Anchor Fellows Program with the Anchor Institutions Task Force (AITF), an action-oriented learning community.
The Anchor Fellows Program adds a dimension to the existing training of future anchor leaders by preparing a next generation committed to AITF’s values to successfully navigate the engagement of anchors in their local communities. This training also highlights the competencies required to build and maintain the commitment and infrastructure to sustain a comprehensive commitment to democratic local engagement.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Kelsey, Marquette and the Near West Side Partners,” said Dr. Jeanne Hossenlopp, vice president for research and innovation. “Through the 707 Hub, Kelsey has been an active leader both on campus and in the community promoting innovation and business development. This fellowship will provide a unique and national platform to amplify our collective efforts, of which she is a valuable leader.”
Otero heads the 707 Hub, Marquette’s campuswide student innovation center. Through the 707 Hub, she runs business bootcamps for community entrepreneurs and works to build the social innovation ecosystem in Wisconsin. In addition, she serves as co-chair of the Near West Side Commercial Corridor Working Team, volunteers on the Fund Milwaukee board, and runs the popular Rev-Up MKE business pitch competition for Near West Side Partners.
Otero is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and earned her MBA from Marquette. In 2019, she was recognized as one of Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 winners.
Founded in 2009, the Anchor Institutions Task Force emerged out of a national task force that was convened to advise the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on how it could increase its impact and strategically leverage anchor institutions, particularly higher education and medical institutions, to improve the economic, social and civic health needs of communities. AITF functions as a think tank and movement-building organization working to deepen and extend the democratic engagement of anchor institutions in their neighborhoods, cities and regions.