Notable Minority Executives: Marilka Vélez

Senior vice president, senior director of marketing, Associated Bank

As the senior vice president, senior director of marketing at Associated Bank, Marilka Vélez is responsible for leading all company-wide marketing efforts, including shaping the bank’s existing creative vision and helping outline the bank’s direction for the future.

In her role, Vélez works to develop her colleagues to help grow the bank’s marketing and creative capabilities. She prioritizes a two-pronged approach to growth by attracting new talent with existing digital experience while also helping current colleagues grow their digital skillsets.

Vélez is involved in two Associated Bank programs that support the company’s employees and goals. She is an advocate for the bank’s Leading Leaders program, which ensures top-performing leaders have the skills, knowledge and experience to progress in their careers and help Associated Bank achieve its strategic business goals.

She also serves as the co-chair of Associated Bank’s Milwaukee Cultural Awareness Colleague Resource Group, which drives the bank’s efforts to improve diversity, equity and inclusion.

Outside of Associated Bank, Vélez is the board chair of the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee. She also serves on the board of directors for the Rotary Club of Milwaukee and is a member of the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee.

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