As the executive director of the Wheaton Franciscan-St. Joseph Foundation in Milwaukee, Shelli Marquardt works closely with Wheaton leaders and staff to identify needs and resources for the residents of one of the city’s most impoverished neighborhoods.
Since 2004, Marquardt has raised $10 million through her outreach efforts to provide health care in the central city.
Marquardt has obtained grants and other charitable support to enable the center to provide prenatal and gynecological care to the uninsured.
Milwaukee ranks seventh-worst among American cities for infant mortality, and the racial disparity between African Americans and whites for infant mortality is one of the worst in the nation.
The program is providing education to help prevent co-sleeping deaths, which have been a growing problem in Milwaukee.
St. Joseph’s programs also have helped increase the rate of first trimester care to the uninsured.
Marquardt works to support the Safe Place for Newborns Program, raising awareness and resources to professionals who interact with women experiencing a crisis.
Marquardt was nominated to be a Health Care Hero by Judy Maresca, administrative director of women and infants, at Wheaton Franciscan St. Joseph in Milwaukee.
“Shelli is a committed and energizing leader who has reached out to our Milwaukee families through her community giving and support,” Maresca said.
