Susan A. Rabe
President and CEO
St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation
620 W. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee
thebasilicafoundation.org
Industry: Nonprofit, arts and culture
Employees: Board of 25 and two staff members
Family: Spouse, Greg; Dogs – Lucy and Sesi
What do you think the community isn’t aware of about the St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation?
“The foundation was chartered 25 years ago to save the basilica. This grand edifice had fallen into serious disrepair and several business leaders in the community pulled together and created the Basilica Foundation. As a non-religious 501(c)3, our mission is the preservation and restoration of the Basilica of St. Josaphat as a national historic landmark, center of spirituality, and an arts and culture destination. We also focus on expanding awareness of the basilica’s importance and contributions to the community. Our goal is to ensure this historical treasure remains viable for this community and the thousands of visitors from around the world who walk through its doors every year.”
What was the smartest thing the foundation did in the past year?
“Commit to significant preservation and restoration totaling $7.5 million.The founding members of the board made a promise to the community that we would not let the basilica fall into serious disrepair again. Today, we hold true to that promise. We also engaged in a marketing campaign.”
What will be the foundation’s main challenges in the next year?
“Raising awareness that the foundation is supporting significant needs for the basilica. We need the community’s help to preserve this national landmark for future generations and preserve our community’s history. The basilica hosts hundreds of artistic and cultural events throughout the year. Supporting the Basilica Foundation means an investment in the culture, history and community of Milwaukee.”
Do you plan to make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“Since our mission focuses on the preservation and restoration of the basilica, we are moving forward with a small exterior restoration project this summer.”
Are there any trends that you’d like to share?
“I am seeing an increase of interest by the local community in the basilica’s importance, particularly with regard to arts, culture and the educational impact it offers. For example, the number of tours from all over the world has steadily increased over the past few years. Schools, both private and public, regularly tour from all over the Midwest. Visitors travel the globe to visit. There is a reason the basilica is a top U.S. tourist destination and educational site, and ranked as one of the top visitor attractions by TripAdvisor.”
Do you have a mantra?
“Step up!”
Who do you look up to?
“With gratitude, it is the 12,000 Polish immigrants who came together to build the basilica. They had nothing, except trust, faith and a passion that could not be deterred. They created a legacy of selflessness. Each time I walk through the doors, I am touched by their grace and energy, and reminded how lucky Milwaukee is to have this incredible icon in our midst.”
